We are not LDS members. Last week, we called the LDS Center in San Antonio. At first, the woman stated it was only for members. Then she said "Oh, you want the Food Storage Center! Please hold" When I connected with the Food Storage Center, they made me an appointment for later that day, and we went over and worked a few hours, loaded up on great stuff at great prices, and learned how to dry pack can. It was great!
They explained that there is a large warehouse called the "Bishop's Warehouse". When a LDS member is upon hard times (lost job, etc), they apply to the bishop and may be given a lot of free food. THAT is only for members.
In San Antonio, non-members are welcome to make appt and purchase food at the Food Storage Center. You must pack it yourself. They work in assembly line fashion and you need 5 persons to do it. There were only me and DH, so she added us to a group that was already scheduled. We had a great afternoon, met some other great folks, ages 25 to 73 (most were LDS members but a few, like us, were not.) When we left, they said "Tell all your friends!" I promised to do so.
Realy nice, friendly folks! We bought $280 worth of #10 can foods. I figured out, the same exact order would have been over $700 at Emergency Essentials (where we usually order).
We will DEFINITLEY go back (soon as I figure out where to put more!)!
Please, when calling your local LDS, be sure they know you're looking for the *Food Storage Center* and not the Bishop's Warehouse!
The order form, with prices and products available is at:
http://www.providentliving.org/pfw/multimedia/files/pfw/pdf/122384_Jan2010WE_HomeStoragePriceSheet_US_71140_000_pdf.pdf