As someone who writes about the intersection of food and culture, I felt like I couldn’t ignore the COVID-19 global outbreak. So I’ll be sharing a couple of posts related to current events. Nothing too heavy, since if you’re reading this, you have access to plenty of news sites to keep you informed. But I still hope I can help you think and maybe feel a tiny bit more ready to take on the world.
As I write this, America has begun a 15-day period of suggested confinement. Many states are under more strict guidance to close everything non-essential. Also we’re practicing “social distancing,” a term that will undoubtedly be a quiz answer on some eighth grade history exam one day. For now, I’m sharing some tips to help you prepare as the outbreak gets worse before it gets better.
Do: Make sure you have extra food
It’s best to visit grocery stores sparingly for the time being. When you go, try to stock up a mix of essentials that can be used in a variety of preparations. Consider about a two-week food supply that includes plenty of non-perishables, as well as freezer items if you have capacity.
What will be filling, nutritious, and something you’ll want to eat if you’re stuck inside for a while? It’s a good time to cook a big batch of protein-rich chili or a veggie lasagna. You can eat some and freeze the rest for later. You could turn leftover chicken bones or vegetable tops into a nutritious and versatile stock. Or you could have a backup charcuterie plate with jarred artichoke hearts, vacuum-sealed cured olives, crackers, dried fruit, and hard cheeses and salami that have a long shelf life. No one said quarantine food has to be bland! Also make sure you have plenty of pet food and baby formula if you need those items.
Don’t: Spread social media rumors about food shortages
Yes, like everyone else I’ve taken photos of empty supermarket shelves to text to my family. (“Can you believe the run on frozen Indian food and guacamole?!”) But keep in mind, this is information I gathered firsthand. What is not helpful is to repost inflammatory, unverified information that stokes public hoarding. For example, sharing a panicked screenshot of a message coming from your cousin’s stepmom’s dog walker who says there are no eggs left in America, according to her tattoo artist’s brother, who supposedly “works in the White House.”
Did you see something with your own eyes, or are you reposting information you can’t personally confirm? If you share content, you are responsible for it. Think very critically about the source of your information. It’s not good enough to say ‘well, I don’t know this for sure, but I just wanted you to know…’ No. Don’t share alarmist rumors if you aren’t willing to stand by their credibility. Those rumors often amount to a game of telephone that ends in public fear mongering.
Do: Look out for those around you
You can still be a good neighbor while keeping physical distance within your community. For example, by respecting calls to halt big group gatherings. Being mindful that some stores are shortening their hours to deep clean overnight and accommodate senior shoppers in the morning. Also remember that coronavirus isn’t just taking a physical toll: many people are out of work and may be struggling to pay their bills or keep food on the table.
Is there someone you can help in these trying times? Maybe you have a neighbor who needs groceries dropped off or could ‘borrow’ some eggs instead of going out. Now is a great time to donate to a local food bank or a program that distributes lunches to children. Also consider buying restaurant gift cards or ordering carry out food to support local businesses. Experts believe that there is a very low risk of contracting coronavirus through food. (For a very comprehensive take, Serious Eats published a guide to food safety and coronavirus that is worth checking out.)
Don’t: Grab everything off the shelf beyond what you need
There remains plenty of food in the United States, and industry representatives say that supply chains continue to operate and are working to meet increased demand. Sure, stock up on essentials and get extra items. But there is no need to hoard food. Grocery stores, big-box retailers, and food banks are staying open even while other businesses close by choice or by mandate.
Do you really need to buy all 15 containers of oat milk left in stock? You can make it at home! Though perhaps this type of shopping is a ritual that helps you feel more in control of a situation you can’t control, like right before a snowstorm. But ask yourself how much you really need to buy at one time. Especially if you’re someone who isn’t in one of the more vulnerable categories for being hit by coronavirus.
Do: Share meal prep ideas on your feed
Now more than ever, social media can be an amazing lifeline for people. Go ahead and show off your best recipes, your favorite cook books, your favorite pantry and freezer meal hacks. Dig into the back of your pantry and dust off some hidden gems.
What meal tips can you share to inspire others? For me, scrolling through Instagram and seeing wonderful homemade creations and picture-perfect throwback restaurant meals is a great distraction from the bleakness of the news. We all know the news is bad. Do what you can to inform, to entertain, to commiserate. We’re all in this together.