We’re noticing a significant rise in traffic to our food-related content, and we're hearing reports of low stock levels in grocery stores across the country. All of this points to one major trend: Americans are heading out in droves for last-minute food shopping ahead of what could be a tense election day. Add to that the ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases, and it’s possible more lockdowns may be on the horizon.
Even though we’ve been encouraging people to avoid panic buying, it’s still smart to make sure your pantry is stocked up for the colder months ahead. While we don’t want anyone rushing to hoard supplies unnecessarily, there's a fine line between preparing and panicking. If you're going to do a few extra trips to the store, do it wisely and with purpose.
Shopping Smart
The key to building a good food supply is to buy what you actually use—and use what you buy. That means only purchasing items you know you'll eat. If things go smoothly, you’ll just have a little extra on hand, which isn't a bad thing. Also, practice the first-in, first-out method to ensure you’re using older items before they expire.
If you're not sure what to buy, check out our list of shelf-stable and nutritious foods. It's okay to have some frozen pizzas or snacks in your stash, but don’t let your entire pantry consist of junk food. Focus on filling, healthy options that will keep you nourished and satisfied. For more guidance, consider the LDS Food Storage Plan, a tried-and-true approach to building a balanced emergency pantry—though it does require some cooking skills from scratch.
More: Best Two-Week Emergency Survival Food for Preppers
If you do end up heading to the store, be sure to follow safety protocols during the pandemic. Keep your distance from others, wear a mask, wash your hands often, and wipe down shopping carts and other high-touch surfaces before use.
Don’t forget about water! Make sure you have enough stored for emergencies. Check out our guide on the best emergency water storage containers, but if you're short on time, just grab a few gallons of bottled water as a backup.
If your food and water are secure, you might also consider a few last-minute preparations like keeping a small amount of gasoline on hand for your car, tools, or a generator. You can read more about how to safely store fuel at home.
You Bought It—Now What?
It’s also important to know how to cook the food you’ve bought. Many people stock up on beans, which are great for long-term storage, but do you know how to prepare them? Cooking dry beans isn’t complicated, but it does take time and fuel. I recommend getting an Instant Pot—it makes the process much easier. And if you're looking for creative ways to use all those beans, try making pinto bean fudge—it’s surprisingly good.
This is a great time to experiment with your emergency pantry and get comfortable with cooking from it. That way, you won’t be learning new skills under stress. Here are a few simple recipes to start with:
- Cream of Mushroom or Chicken Soup
- Canned Pear Cobbler
- Leftover Chicken and Rice Casserole
Can’t find your usual cuts of meat at the store? A sous-vide cooker is a great tool to have on hand. It can turn even the toughest cuts into tender meals, and it’s perfect for cooking premium cuts as well. It’s definitely worth the investment if you're serious about preparedness.
Living Room Side Chairs,Leather Chairs,Upholstered Side Chair Manufacturer in China
Foshan City Misirui Furniture Co., Limited , http://www.misiruifurniture.com