Tami made a price comparison spreadsheet

This is from Tami H, the Provident Living specialist of the Green Level ward.

Sisters~

The Walton Feed Order has always been a bit overwhelming for me and confusing.  In order to make it easier to order, I have made a Walton Feed comparison spreadsheet.  This spreadsheet compares the Walton Feed prices with Emergency Essentials (EE), the LDS Cannery (LDS), Shelf Reliance (SR), Auguson Farms (AF)-most of the really good priced items would need to be ordered off of Sam's Club website, and Sam's club (SC)/Other.  I tried my best to compare apples to apples (for instance, I didn't compare a #10 can price with bulk food)  However, I did allow for comparison of #10 cans to the 6 pound buckets as both products are stored and sealed.  The caveat in this is that it is occasionally better to order a #10 can from a different company then the bulk order.  

So, first, how to use the spreadsheet:

-I included unit pricing for the Walton Feed prices so that you can compare to any other company, or the price you normally pay for such items (If you use and rotate them regularly, it may make more sense to stock up from the grocery store sales!)

-I highlighted in yellow the best price for each item (again, comparing apples to apples...)  There are some price comparisons that I did not include because their prices were just so much higher, and data entry is boring.

-I highlighted in orange prices that were uncompared because I couldn't find anything to directly compare them too.  However, due to this, these items are unique in that there really isn't anywhere else to find bulk of those items, and a good reason to order them

-I did not compare pricing on the #2.5 cans as they will always be more per pound than #10 cans.  These are great for trying an item or something you might rotate, but not use enough of for a #10 can.

-If you want to determine the cheapest unit pricing for the item, take the price and divide it by the number of pounds in the bin/can/bag.  If it is in ounces, divide by the number of ounces, then multiply by 16.

After reviewing the order, here are the general conclusions:

1)  If it is available from the LDS cannery, it is the cheapest way to get it.  Period.  No exceptions.  Even ordering the prepackaged items online.  Of course, for the bulk items, someone needs to make a trip up to Greensboro.  Maybe it's getting time for a RS road trip? ;)

2)  Walton Feed is, in general, a good value.  If you are looking for the pails, the Walton Feed is always a better price than emergency essentials (although sometimes EE runs specials.)  However, if you go by unit pricing, it is sometimes better to order #10 cans through the cannery or a different company.  Also, it may be cheaper to buy the item and pail separately and package it yourself (just compare unit pricing , then add the cost of the bucket.)  So, if you are looking at an item(s) in a 6 lb. bucket, take the time to go up to bulk pricing and see if there is a cheaper option per pound, and then double check the #10 can.  The rule of thumb is that 8 #10 cans fit into a bucket.  I personally find #10 cans easier to store, so if there is no or little price difference, I am going to go for these over a 6 gallon bucket.

3)  Walton Feed has some unique bulk items that other companies don't have.  It is a good way to round out food storage and add additional grains, fruits, vegetables, seeds and sprouts.  The prices are competitive and there would be no worry that you could find something for much cheaper elsewhere (except for cannery items.)  However, there is also no need to panic if you miss the order as many items are available elsewhere for similar prices (dehydrated butter comes to mind.)

4)  The Mountain House dehydrated meals were all cheaper using emergency essentials

5)  Freeze dried cheese, and the TVP products were a good value using Walton Feed, as well as some of the freeze dried fruits and veggies.

So, what would I use Walton Feed for?  To get some grain/bean variety and maybe some freeze dried cheese.  If I am making an order, I may add some freeze dried fruits or veggies and maybe some TVP for additional protein.

Good luck, and don't hesitate to email or call me with any questions!  If you have a particular item that you would like to compare to other sites, I would be happy to help you!

Tami  H.

(Note from Amy:  I'm going to send this spreadsheet out to my ward.  I don't know how to put it onto this blog.)