There's a noticeable spike in traffic to our food-related content, and we're hearing reports of low stock levels in grocery stores across the country. All signs point to one thing: Americans are hitting the stores in a rush, doing last-minute shopping ahead of what could be a tense election day. On top of that, there’s a major surge in COVID cases, which could lead to more lockdowns down the line.
Although we’ve been encouraging people to avoid panic buying, it’s still smart to make sure your pantry is stocked for the winter months. We’re not against preparing, but it’s important to distinguish between smart stocking and full-blown doomshopping. If you're planning a few extra trips to the store, do it wisely and with purpose.
Shop Smart, Not Scared
The first rule of building a reliable food supply is to buy what you actually use—and eat what you store. That means only purchasing items you’ll consume regularly. If things go smoothly, you won’t have wasted anything; you’ll just have more of what you already like. Also, always practice the “first in, first out†method to ensure nothing goes bad before you get to it.
If you’re unsure what to add to your stash, check out our list of shelf-stable, nutritious foods. While frozen pizzas or snacks aren't inherently bad, they shouldn't make up your entire stockpile. Focus on filling your pantry with healthy, long-lasting foods that you’ll actually enjoy eating. For more guidance, consider the LDS Food Plan—a tried-and-true method for building a well-rounded emergency pantry, though it does require some cooking skills from scratch.
More: Best two-week emergency survival food for preppers
If you're heading to the store, take precautions during the pandemic. Keep your distance, wear a mask, wash your hands often, and wipe down shopping carts and surfaces before using them.
Don’t forget about water! Be sure to have enough stored for emergencies. Check out our guide on the best water storage containers, or if time is tight, pick up a few gallons of bottled water just in case.
If your food and water supplies are covered, consider other last-minute preparations—like keeping gas in your car, tools, and a generator. Learn how to safely store gasoline at home with our helpful guide.
Once You've Bought It, Use It
It’s also important to know how to cook what 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 takes time and fuel. An Instant Pot can be a game-changer here—consider picking one up while you’re shopping. And if you’re wondering what else to do with all those beans, try pinto bean fudge—it’s surprisingly good!
This is a great time to experiment with your emergency pantry and learn how to cook with it. That way, you won’t be trying new recipes under stress. Here are some easy options to start with:
- Cream of mushroom or vegetable soup
- Canned pear cobbler
- Leftover chicken and rice casserole
Can’t find your usual cuts of meat? A sous-vide cooker is a valuable tool that can turn tough cuts into tender meals. It also works wonders with premium cuts, making it a worthwhile investment for any preparedness kitchen.
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