I hope this isn't old news. It was new to me.

The Mormons (LDS) are big preppers. They have canneries in cities all across the US to include Denver and COS. I went to the COS facility today to check it out. They sell bulk food at stupidly low prices. At least, it seemed low to me from the little research I've done.

You can buy some items pre-packaged for 30 year shelf life, or they have a larger list of items you can can on the spot. By "can", I don't mean canning fresh veggies. I mean placing bulk food in a #10 can or a bag, adding and oxygen absorber, and sealing the can. They supply the food, the can, and the facility. No appointment is necessary, just walk in and buy. Or, walk in and they show you how to do it and you use their equipment.

The facility in COS was spotlessly clean and very modern. Really nice. The people were extremely kind and helpful. There was not the slightest hint of proselytization. Of interest to the COS guys, it's 500 yards from Specialty Sports.

I asked who could buy, and they said "anyone". I asked if they wanted more customers and they said they did. I asked if it was a revenue stream for them, and the answer was that they just broke even. Looking at the prices, I believe them. I finally asked why they did it, and the answer was "we're all Americans". I about cried.

Here are links to the price list and the physical addresses. Hours of operation are screwy, so you should call first.

http://providentliving.org/self-reli...tions?lang=eng

http://providentliving.org/bc/provid...f.pdf?lang=eng

I came home today with 31# of pinto beans, 26# of oats, 33# of hard red wheat, and 24# of white flour. Each of those came in cases of six #10 cans, sealed up with a 30 year shelf life. My total out the door was $80.

I'm not a Mormon, in fact I think they are dead wrong theologically. However, these people were gentle, kind, and sweet. If you go, consider treating them with respect. They are providing a valuable service for basically nothing, and doing it for what appears to be reasons we can all appreciate.