Okay community- we are not in pandemic panic yet, but if you are stocking your pantry, freezer for 2 weeks, what does it look like?

Judy
  • Posted by: Judy
  • March 3, 2020
  • 1216 views
  • 10 Comments

10 Comments

Westcoasty March 8, 2020
In my experience as a budding prepper, what you stock is less about what the Food52 community would stock, and far more about what you and your family actually eat and use on a regular basis, as @Gammy noted. So far there is no reason to think that we will lose infrastructure (electricity, water, etc.) due to COVID-19, especially since most people of working age aren't very sick with it. Therefore, while it's always a great idea to prepare for general 'act of God' issues like losing power/heat and water, I wouldn't worry much about including that in your pandemic prep.

Your biggest issue is likely going to be quarantine, or needing to shelter in place, especially if a family member falls ill. Go heavy on shelf-stable foods that you know you'll use, including a few comfort items. Frozen foods are also good, as long as you'll actually eat them.

Also, bump up your stock of consumables like toilet paper, paper towels, and trash bags (as @creamtea suggested), as well as kleenex, soap, laundry detergent, dish liquid, etc. (basically, personal hygiene and home cleaning supplies), and think about what you and your family eat when not feeling well. You can make and freeze classics like chicken noodle soup, which will undoubtedly be healthier for you than store-bought, but if your life only permits you to buy it in cans, don't sweat it. Buy the canned stuff - you can always donate it to a food bank before it expires.

DON'T buy things like facial masks; leave those for the health professionals so we don't run out (a genuine concern, per reputable news sources). But do think about your regular OTC meds, check your current supplies (including if anything has expired), and replace as needed. It's also a good idea to buy disinfectant wipes or spray and regularly sanitize all the "high contact" places in your home - if you'll actually do it. Ditto for buying and using hand sanitizer. Learn the correct way to wash your hands, and teach your family as well - it's proven to be one of the best possible ways to keep yourself healthy.

In short, prepping for a pandemic looks much like everyday stocking of your pantry and freezer, but with extras of all but perishable items. It's easy to waste a lot of money on things that look like a good idea at the time, but that you'll never actually use. And once you're stocked up, set yourself a reminder (bi-monthly, perhaps) to look at your shelf-stable goods and use up what's getting close to expiry, replacing as needed.
 
Judy March 8, 2020
Thanks!
 
Westcoasty March 8, 2020
You're most welcome!
 
bwbradley March 8, 2020
I’m used to stocking up; it’s my normal hurricane prep every year. To the lists you already have here, I’ll add frozen veggies, shelf-stable broths, rice and pastas, and sausages. If you’re sick, you might want simple soups? If you’re not sick, it’s a great time to try Louisiana Jambalaya, a classic clean-out-use-up meal.
 
creamtea March 4, 2020
Beans, lentils, brown rice, pasta, quinoa, farro, canned tomatoes, squeezable tomato paste and/or dried tomatoes in the pouches, canned solid-pack tuna, frozen meats, eggs, tempeh, cheeses. That's what I've got so far. Don't forget toilet paper, trash bags, paper towels! You don't want to run out of that. Sweet potatoes and winter squashes. Clean and freeze brussels sprouts. Frozen corn and or peas.
 
Judy March 8, 2020
Thanks!
 
Happygoin March 4, 2020
Like Gammy, my freezer and pantry are usually stocked for at least two weeks. I stock up when things are on sale. All I'd really need are canned vegetables, because I usually use fresh.
 
gandalf March 4, 2020
Lots of rice. Lots of pasta. Lots of flour. Lots of raman noodles.
 
Gammy March 3, 2020
First of all, consider what you (and your family) typically eat at home, because you won't be going out to eat, right? Frozen fruits/vegetables and canned (especially tomatoes, beans and corn), because most fresh veges won't last for 2 weeks. I would aim for meats to freeze in meal-size portions or that could be cooked once for several meals. I'd also stock up on bread (into the freezer) hard cheeses, bottled juices, citrus, apples, dried beans, maybe a container or two of shelf-stable milk if you need milk. My freezer and pantry are typically stocked for at least that length of time as our grocery store is about 20 minutes away and I shop the sales for ingredients I frequently use.
 
Judy March 8, 2020
Thanks!
 
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