When you imagine freeze-dried food, you’re probably thinking about what people stock up on for emergency purposes, what soldiers eat on the field of battle or what those intrepid NASA astronauts endured in exchange for the opportunity to walk on the Moon. Wherever your imagination takes you, “appetizing” probably isn’t how you’d describe freeze-dried food.

The Lee family begs to differ.

Brentwood residents Adam and Krisi Lee and their two young daughters nosh daily on the freeze-dried and dehydrated foods from THRIVE, the premium food line of the Shelf Reliance company, which was founded in 2004. The Utah-based company’s initial claim to fame was their innovative Food Rotation Systems: free-standing, front-loading shelves like those in the grocery store canned soup aisle.

“Three and a half years ago, I was at a women’s convention and saw the Shelf Reliance shelving and ordered it,” said Krisi. “A year later, the company sent out a notice that said they were starting to do home party events and direct sales. About four or five months after that, I attended the same women’s convention and tried the food offered by Shelf Reliance. I was hooked – it was so good.”

Two years ago, the Lees became independent consultants for Shelf Reliance, and they’re hoping to change minds – and tantalize taste buds – with THRIVE freeze-dried foods.

“You just add water, which reconstitutes the product, and it’s ready to go,” said Adam. “THRIVE features all the food groups – grains, fruit, vegetables, dairy and meats. I wasn’t sold on the concept until I tried the food. What also really got me into it was that you’re using only what you need and not wasting anything.”

Once containers are opened, they last anywhere from six to 18 months. Otherwise, sealed containers can last up to 30 years. Expertly flash frozen and vacuum packed, all THRIVE foods are natural and contain no preservatives.

This family of four has a busy schedule. In addition to being a mom and wife, Krisi works three days a week as a nurse, and Adam works full time at Dow Chemical. Preparing dinner from scratch on a daily basis isn’t an option.

“You can have something ready and together in 20 minutes without having ever thought about it,” said Krisi. “When you’re throwing something together, it’s ready to be scooped and used. I used to go to the grocery store at least four times a month. Now, I go two, maybe three times a month. THRIVE is saving me time and money.”

THRIVE foods don’t need to replace your fresh meals, but they’re a helpful supplement to have stored in the pantry for last-minute dishes or healthy snacking. For the senior citizen who has mobility problems or little interest in extensive cooking, easy-to-prepare food with no fear of spoilage is a boon.

“Shelf Reliance also has a huge line of camping and emergency supplies,” said Krisi, who has participated in a six-week emergency training course through the City of Brentwood. “In general, it’s good to be prepared and have a week’s worth of food stored.”

In the case of a widespread emergency or circumstances such as job loss, disability or a severe reduction in pay, a large stock of dehydrated and freeze-dried foods could keep a family fed affordably.

A native of Louisiana, Adam grew up in a household that stored food for emergencies. His mother announced that the family was going to eat the emergency foodstuffs due to financial constraints, but upon opening the containers, they discovered weevils crawling in the food. Needless to say, he understands firsthand just how important it is to preserve food properly.

Krisi recommends THRIVE products to “anyone who eats. It’s food that can remain on the shelf – either for an emergency or a mom who is rushed and wants to send nutritious snacks to school with her children.”

For more information on Shelf Reliance, call Krisi at 925-382-3853 or visit www.adamandkrisi.shelfreliance.com/adamandkrisi.