Without creating any panic, let’s see how we can create a practical stockpile of food. Bonus – Interesting & easy recipes to help you breeze past though self-isolation
Over the past couple of years, several cities have had to face events like severe snowstorm or flooding which restricted mobility for its residents. A good food stockpile list always comes handy in a situation when such isolation is expected in the foreseeable future. With the scare of the spread of the Corona Virus, people all over the world went on an irrational buying spree of food and household necessities. While some stockpile of food is advisable, it is also important to see that you don’t end up with excess which might just go waste, while it could have been useful to someone else.
It is very important to know the best way to stock up on food in case of an emergency. Usually, in case of natural events like flooding or snowstorm, a two-weeks worth stockpile of food and utilities is sufficient. Here’s how to go about planning the stockpile. Just think what all would you need if you aren’t able to leave your house in the next two weeks.
Here, you might have to make a list of non perishable food to stock up on, keeping in mind the number of people in the family. If any member has special dietary preferences, then that has to be considered as well. Babies & elders need to be accounted for while planning your food stock.
Let’s make a quick checklist of the best food to stockpile: Food to stock up on during emergency
- Grains & Rice – It is good to stock up staples like Flour and Rice. They are rich in carbohydrate and can be used in multiple ways to feed the entire family throughout isolation
- Lentils & Pulses – They are fuss-free, easy to cook and highly nutritious. You can feed the whole clan with just a handful of ingredients
- Cereals – Buying boxes of ready-to-eat cereals might not be a practical idea. They usually don’t last much longer and are highly sugar-laden. Bulk up on oats, quinoa, etc. for a better, long-lasting yet pocket-friendly meal plan.
- Dried Fruits & Nuts – They have a huge shelf-life and they make for an excellent snack as well.
- Fruits & Vegetables – Stocking up fresh fruits & veggies for a long time might not be a very good idea. You can buy some for the next few days, and for the rest, you can stock up on canned varieties.
- Infant & Kids Food – Stock up on baby food, formula, kid’s snacks, etc. so that you don’t have to worry about their meals.
- Pasta – They can be very helpful when you are looking for simple one-pot meals to feed the family. Easy to make and usually loved by all.
- Dairy – Buying milk in bulk should be avoided. Instead, get Powdered Milk to go with your bowl of cereals or in your coffee. You can stock up on cheese, butter, yoghurt, tofu, etc. by freezing them.
- Eggs, Meat & Fish – Stock up on frozen meat and fish. You can thaw them before preparing. You can buy eggs and keep them on your counter if the climate is conducive. or, refrigerate them. Eggs come very handily when you are running out of easy meal ideas.
- Snacks & Treats – When you are home with your kids, you need to have some snacks handy. Buy biscuits, cookies, pop tarts, and other such snacks which would be enjoyed by all.
- Food for pets
- Spices, Condiments, Baking Supplies, etc.
It is very important to make an exhaustive checklist of food items to stock up on before shopping for your food stockpile. First and foremost, this would allow you to make a budget for it. If you rush to the store without a checklist, you will end up panicking and buying in excess.
Wastage of food at the cost of stockpiling has to be avoided. So, perform an inventory check at your end before starting your list. See what you already have on your hand and what else can be added to your stock.
Another great way of going about your food stockpiling checklist is collating recipes that can be cooked while you are at home. Then buy the ingredients accordingly. Chances are that if you miss out on one essential ingredient, you might not be able to cook that dish and let the rest of the ingredients go waste!
Buy as per your stocking space. Do not hoard food and then stumble around with them. Chances are that you would keep them elsewhere and forget about them eventually. Also, keep an eye for the expiration or use-by dates on food. Those with lesser shelf-life should be kept handy and planned with early.