So much has changed in the past week, as we deal with the Coronavirus pandemic here locally, across our country and around the world. Schools are now closed, Canadians abroad are urged to get home while they can, and social isolating and social distancing are now common phrases, and a reality we all need to be taking seriously. Stocking up your home and pantry is a reality now we all need to deal with.
From working at home, to having the kids out of school, advice from the experts to “flatten the curve” and limit the spread of the virus, is to social distance, meaning minimizing close contact with others. As we navigate through this over the coming weeks and months, one thing is certain, many of us will be home a lot more, and for an extended period. Planning during this time will make the reality a lot easier and also help minimize risk.
Being prepared will make social distancing, or social isolation much easier to navigate and will help ease these new routines and realities. A well-stocked pantry and medicine cabinet will assure that you can still provide healthy meals for your family, so important any time, but especially during times like these.
There have been a lot of people “panic buying” and we have all seen and heard about toilet paper and hand sanitizer shortages. We suggest instead, stocking up on essentials to make sure you have what you need, especially if you were to become ill, or required to social isolate.
Many stores are offering seniors shopping to minimize risk to those most vulnerable and The Atlantic Superstore offers online shopping through their PC Express, which allows you to shop at home, pull up in front of the store, and they will load the groceries in your car, without you even having to get out. Ideal for this time.
Stocking Up Your Home and Pantry during a Pandemic
Home Supplies
Everyone is going to be home a lot more, meaning more dishes, more cleaning required, more laundry….although it could mean less…I predict a lot of daytime pajama wearing. 😉 It’s important to recognize what household items you use regularly and take stock of what you have and what you may need.
- Laundry detergent
- Dish detergent
- Soap
- Household Cleaner
- Toilet Paper
- Kleenex
- Pet Food
Personal Items
You definitely want to make sure you have personal items that you may need over the next while. Think about what you use in a month and make sure you have an adequate supply, which will limit shopping trips.
- Medications
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Toothpaste
- Feminine hygiene products
- Diapers (if relevant)
- Deodorant
- First Aid Kit
Pantry Staples
During any sort of storm, emergency or pandemic, stocking up and meal planning will help you be prepared without worry of frequent trips to the grocery store or market. Beans, canned fish, pasta, etc are economical and versatile and will allow you to quickly and easily pull meals and recipes together.
- beans/lentils (canned or dried)
- canned fruits or vegetables
- tomato sauce
- tomato paste
- oatmeal
- peanut butter/nut butter
- canned tuna/salmon
- rice/grains
- nuts
- stock/broth
- pasta
- pasta sauce
- crackers
- cereal
- popcorn
- coffee
- oils/salad dressing
- condiments
- baking supplies: flour, baking powder, baking soda, yeast, salt, sugar
- root vegetables/hardy vegetables- potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, celery
In the fridge
Items in your fridge will need to be eaten and expiry dates checked, but with some stocking up and meal planning, you should just be buying what you need.
- eggs
- milk
- coffee cream
- cheese
- yogurt
- butter
In the Freezer
Having frozen meats, fish, etc is the key to having things on hand that won’t go bad and allow you to preparing meals at any time.
- frozen fruit
- frozen vegetables
- meat
- fish
- chicken
- bread/bagels
I did a Facebook Live from my kitchen, sharing what I had bought on a quick trip to the grocery store, to add to my pantry and personal items.
The Government of Canada also has a resource on being prepared for the Coronavirus. I would encourage you to check it out and make sure you are talking all the precautions and being prepared as you can be, during this time.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Being prepared
With many restaurants now being closed, while offering take-out only, many of us will be home a lot more, and this is a perfect time to really get in your kitchen and make some wholesome meals. Get the kids involved, let them plan some meals, do some baking etc. With schedules and activities at a near stand-still, now is the time to learn new skills and feed yourself and your family, healthy, nutritious meals.
From making a weekly meal plan, organizing a freezer meal cook, making freezer meals or meal prepping, and our #1 tip to keeping your kitchen clean, we have resources and recipes for you to explore. Stocking up your home and pantry during a pandemic will help you be prepared to be home for an extended period and minimize risk.
Be sure as well to make time for exercise, try to limit your time on social media and head outside as much as possible, as we all try to maintain healthy bodies and minds as we deal with the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Have you been cooking more in your kitchen? Learning any new skills or trying new recipes? Leave a comment and let us know how you are handling things in your home.
