Stocking Your Pandemic Pantry
You may be tempted to buy all the food you can in order to prepare for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although it is essential to resist the urge to hoard, as there is no reason to panic since our food supply chains are strong.
How much food do we need? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that your family will be safe for at least two weeks if you have enough food, medicines, and other supplies for that duration. This will make sure you are ready if asked to self-quarantine or self-isolate. Additionally, fewer shopping trips will reduce the risk of getting the virus.
How to guide for stocking a healthy pantry
Think about foods with a long shelf life when you go to the store. Canned or frozen foods are frequently used in the place of fresh produce. The foods in this mix may be supplemented with fresh foods that have a shorter lifespan.
The items listed below are great to have on hand:
Any cooking oil with healthy properties, like canola or olive oil.
Balsamic vinegar, for its own unique flavour.
Eggs. Foods like these last longer than many that are stored in the refrigerator.
Milk. For shelf-stable milk, choose dairy milk or nondairy milk.
Includes lean meat, fish, and chicken for the family. Freeze the portions until needed.
Unpackaged, long-term-shelf-life produce. Use other fruits and vegetables, like oranges, apples, and broccoli.
Broth that is canned or boxed
Tomato sauce or tomatoes canned.
Using dehydrated fruit for snacks.
Fruit and vegetable canned goods. Instead of fruit packed in syrup, choose fruit packed in its own juice. Make sure to pick out low- or no-sodium canned vegetables.
Canned beans are a good source of protein. In this particular instance, low-sodium is a healthy choice too.
Fresh fruits and vegetables. Choose vegetables that are frozen without sauces added.
Pasta that has been dehydrated (preferably whole wheat).
Brown rice.
Old-fashioned and traditional cereals like plain oatmeal are popular today.
Crackers, dry cereal, or granola
Aged hard cheeses
Plain, protein- or fruit-based bars.
Peanut butter.
Variety of herbs and spices
Be prepared
In the event that you're unable to leave the house, it's a good idea to see what the local options are available for grocery delivery, too.