Stores are empty- what should I get during the pandemic?

With the pandemic going on, fear-inducing coverage and misinformation, many countries are witnessing a lot of panicked shoppers stocking up like the end of the world is approaching.

For many of us that understand the scenario, our daily or weekly shop isn’t the same anymore; with supermarkets having empty shelves, and no restocking being done, this is maybe the time to temporarily change what and how we eat.

Don’t buy anything you wouldn’t eat before

This is not the time to buy a whole meal in a can. If you didn’t eat tinned ravioli in tomato sauce before, don’t buy it now. With panic buying comes irresponsibility and waste. When you realise a few days later that shops are still open and you’re allowed to go out, you’ll go to buy what you actually want to eat, and even if the canned goods are ‘non-perishables’ they most probably will end up in the bin. We do not need more waste

Support smaller grocers/bodega/corner shops

These smaller businesses are here for you. With the masses of people going to the larger supermarket chains, these grocers most likely will have what you need. It may be limited, but the basics are there. It may be a little bit more expensive, but you’re getting what you want, as well as supporting the owner.

(Small Italian speciality stores will likely have pasta, Chinatown may be a safe bet as well for asian specialities/fresh produce)

Buy versatile ingredients

On a normal day to day basis, we have a plethora of choice, pasta, bread, meats, fish anything and everything, but now canned goods, pastas, dairy products are flying off the shelves. If you’re lucky to find any, here are a few ingredients you should buy:

• Flour- you can make breads, pancakes, dumplings, waffles, biscuits etc..

  • baking powder/soda

  • yeast

• Dried beans, lentils…- to make hearty nourishing stews, curries etc…

• Rice, quinoa, couscous…

• Frozen veggies and fruits- to add into dishes, smoothies…

• Spices and dried herbs- to make things TASTE GREAT. Spices and herbs add complexity and joy into your dishes.

• oil/butter

• Passata/canned tomatoes- to make any sauce, curries…

• coconut milk- desserts, curries etc…

• If fresh produce is available- buy a little more than usual, then freeze!

Order delivered takeaways

With people being told to stay in more, restaurants are seeing a drop in customers. This can put them in a sticky financial situation as they still have rent, produce, salaries etc… to pay. Support restaurants by ordering from them, keep them in business without having to leave home. Deliveroo has launched a ‘no-contact’ service meaning you’ll get your food delivered straight to your doorstep- removing any contact between the deliverer and yourself.

This is obviously temporary. The confusing, contradicting information being spewed out from all corners is currently influencing people to act hysterically. This is the time to treat yourself to pancakes, cakes etc.. and maybe even learn a new skill- like making fresh pasta at home :) We have to stay rational, informed (by WHO and GOV sources) and make sure to not let our mental health deteriorate. Facetime your friends, family, loved ones, blast some music, have a dance, read, and feast!