When we consider how to keep our food supply properly rotated and shelf stable, following the practice of safely storing and removing food from our pantries will make a big difference.

FIFO stands for first in, first out. This is in relation to taking food off the shelf that was placed there first, before taking the newer food. By using this system, food is rotated to use what has been stored the longest first, while keeping the newer food for later use.

Here is an example. I have five cans of black beans on the shelf, and I purchase three more cans. I would place the newer cans purchased behind the older cans. This way I will be using the cans of beans that have been on the shelf the longest (first in), and then they will get used (first out).

If this is a new food storage practice, start by taking one food item in your pantry off the shelf. Look at the Use By Date on the cans and organize those expiring the soonest to be placed in the front of your shelf and those with a date expiring later placed behind.

Then always take the first can facing you. Larger more long-term storage items, such as No. 10 cans and bags of flour, are much easier to keep track of then smaller items. With practice this technique of FIFO will become easier as you master one section of your food storage at a time.

Need an updated list for suggested use of food storage? Consider the FoodKeeper app or contact me at my office.

Julie Buck, EdD, RDN, is a registered dietitian, who is employed as a Family and Consumer Sciences Educator at the University of Idaho Extension, Bingham County. She can be reached at (208)785-8060 or jhbuck@uidaho.edu.