The federal government has prudently purchased oil and placed it in a Strategic Petroleum Reserve in case of a national crisis or an oil embargo. I propose that we create a Strategic Food Reserve for the people of our state. We will purchase large amounts of wheat, sugar, beans, and other necessities and place them in storage facilities throughout Utah. The initial goal will be to accumulate a two weeks supply for every man, woman and child in the state; eventually this would be increased to a three month supply of the essential items to sustain life. We will draw on our ability to purchase these items at low prices by our economy of scale.

This program could save tens of thousands of lives. It is perhaps the most important plan that we could implement as a government for the protection of our people. For example, if a serious pandemic disease spread throughout the United States, it could become important for everyone to stay indoors for a period of time. Food would then be distributed to help supplement our families.

It goes without saying that we take too much for granted in our prosperous country. Isn’t it wise to consider these possibilities and prepare for them?