With Corona virus spreading like wildfire, it has been instructed by the government and medical authorities that we must remain at home and practice social distancing. This is significantly going to decrease the frequency of people getting out of their homes. It is a wise decision to stock food needed for the upcoming days due to lock down in the country.
Points to consider before stocking up food at home
Shops open nearby - Certain supermarkets that sells day-to-day essentials have been permitted to be open, in case of emergencies this can help
Refrigeration space available - Buy perishables up to a limit that you can stock up in your fridge. Excess stocking can lead to wastage
Budget - Due to the financial crisis occurring, plan your budget for stocking up the foods required
Tips on stocking foods:
Milk: If you are a milk card holder and you have no irregularity in supply, there is no need to stock up. On the other hand if you buy milk on a daily basis then it is better you have a packet of milk extra stocked up in cases of emergencies. If you have excess milk that is about to cross the expiry date use it to make paneer. Milk powders without sweetening agents added to it are a great help during these days.
Vegetables: Based on the inflation rates, stocking double the amount of essential vegetables like onions, tomatoes, chilliES , coconut, etc is a wise idea to deal with soaring rates. Try to get a variety of vegetables that can be stocked up at least for 2 weeks.
Fruits: Stock up at least 5 different fruits that can be used as a snacking option, buy unripe fruits so they can last a few days longer
Provisions - As we are nearing the month end, provision stocks would have already started to exhaust, it is a wise idea to get a month's provisions month ahead.
Use online delivery platforms (if available in your locality) and use online payment mode to avoid contact with the delivery person. Wash your hands thoroughly after you pick up the delivered items.
In case of financial constraints, try to have the essential provisions like salt, dals, rice and spices covered up
Snacks: Restrain yourself from stocking unhealthy packed foods due to their convenient storage. Buy nuts, oil seeds, makhana, fruits, yogurt, cheese, etc instead
Going out to purchase in case of emergencies:
It is must to avoid going out, but in case of emergencies use the following tips
Use the nearest shop available, do not travel long distance
Maintain one meter distance between you and other people
Have a sanitizer handy and use after touching surfaces like counters/aisles, refrigerator handles, doors and like surfaces
People usually visit supermarkets around 10 am to 12 noon and evenings, thus try to avoid these timings to stay away from crowd. It is better to go early in the morning or mid - afternoon when people are not likely to visit shops
Wash hands with soap/ hand wash after returning back home
Alternatively ...
If you wish to stay at home rather than going out, try online delivery systems that might come handy during such crisis. Be sure to ask the delivery person to leave the bags at your doorstep and avoid contact.
Wash hands thoroughly using a soap or handwash. Immediately remove outer coverings of food items like egg cartons, cereal boxes, bags etc. and wipe the outer surfaces of bottles and glass containers with a cloth and a disinfected mildly, avoid contact of the disinfectant liquid with the nozzle or the opening where food might come in contact.
Use resources wisely and try not to move out for unnecessary reasons. Stay home, stay safe!
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