- Order Delivery
The safest way to grocery shop during quarantine is online. There are many services that allow you to shop from the convenience of your home and have groceries delivered to your doorstep. Some stores are also offering curbside grocery pick up to reduce the number of shoppers inside the building.
Action Plan: Check out grocery delivery services like Instacart, Doordash, & Shipt.
- Have a Plan
If you must go to the grocery store, make your trip as quick and efficient as possible. Go to a familiar store and map out your route ahead of time. Create your grocery list based on this route—that way; you are quickly grabbing items and not spending unnecessary time wandering.
Action Plan: Make a list. Then, get in & get out!
- Buy in Bulk
To avoid frequent shopping, it’s smart to buy enough food that’ll last your family two weeks. Purchase items that will extend longer than a few meals, such as upping the amount of grains, protein and vegetables you might normally buy. Beans and lentils are excellent sources of carbohydrate, protein and fiber to grab when food may be scarce.
Action Plan: Purchase enough food for 2 weeks—but DO NOT hoard.
- Convenience is OK
Canned, packaged and frozen foods have many advantages, especially in a time like this. If you’re finding it stressful to prepare meals at home every day, mix in some frozen or microwavable meals that’ll save you time and energy. These items will last longer in your pantry and offer quick, convenient nutrition. Plus, items like frozen veggies are equally as good for you as fresh!
Action Plan: Reduce the time & stress of cooking all meals from scratch. Utilize canned & frozen meals.
- Freeze for later
As you shop for two weeks’ worth of meals, you might wonder how you’ll get your fresh food to stretch that far. Thankfully freezing is a great way to make perishable items last longer. It might surprise you to learn you can freeze the following items: cooked soups & chili, raw or cooked meat & poultry, muffins, bread, tortillas, fruit, and veggies. You can prevent freezer burn by wrapping food in plastic wrap or placing in air-tight, freezer specific bags and jars.
Action Plan: Freeze leftovers and perishable items to make your food last longer.
