How to stock foods in times of crisis?

We are currently going through a difficult time with the Coronavirus crisis. Should we then stock up on food? This pandemic has affected the entire world, causing fear and concern in most of us. With a worldwide quarantine, the chances of experiencing difficulties after all this are great, since the majority of the population has stopped working.

Thus, knowing this, it is to be expected that the prices of food and products of our daily life will increase considerably, accompanied by the lack of green and vegetables and fruits due to production stoppage.

In the Bible we find the example of Noah, who had to prepare to stay in the ark, the example of Joseph, who had to prepare for seven years of scarcity.

What to do then?

The guidance we receive is to stock non-perishable foods that have a long shelf life. According to some sellers, prices will triple on the shelves from April to May and the trend is that they will continue to rise.

How and what foods to stock?

Water

In case there is a supply cut without an expected return, we cannot risk running out of water. The ideal is to calculate 3 or 4 liters of water per day per person (water to hydrate and prepare food). You can also have a 20 liter gallon of reserve water at home.

Canned foods

A good idea is to store canned foods like tuna, corn, peas, or pickled foods like quail eggs, olives, cucumbers. They are ready-to-eat foods, do not require preparation and, in addition, satisfy the hunger. Choose the versions that are easier to open.

Instant coffee

It is possible to consume soluble coffee at room temperature, dissolving it in water, or in hot water. A quick, economical and warm drink for the winter.

Grains

Beans and rice are a nutrient-rich combination. They are sources of B vitamins, protein and minerals. In times of scarcity they meet most of our nutritional needs. So they are foods that must be part of storage. Besides, cornmeal and popcorn.

Cereals

You can also make a stock of wheat flour, corn flour, soy, oats. These foods can turn into a lot of things, like bread, pasta and cookies.

Milk

It is a food of great need mainly for families with children. You can choose to buy milk in boxes or powdered milk. In addition, you can also choose vegetable milks such as almond milk and soy.

Food storage time

If you want to store these foods for a longer period of time, such as more than a year, remember that with some foods you have to rotate and keep them updated every three months, for example, such as water and milk.

However, canned or preserved foods can be kept with the expiration date in mind for any changes.

Already the grains you can store them in clean and dry pet bottles. Place two cloves of garlic with the skin on the bottom of the bottle, add half the food, add two more cloves and then fill to the edge and place the last two cloves. Tap the bottom of the bottle so that the food settles and fill the remaining space with more of the food. The less air in the bottle, the better. Close tightly and label the date it was stored. To ensure that it is well sealed you can melt a candle in the lid. Soy can be stored naturally.

Other efficient tips

Candles, matches and lighters

In the event of a power outage, you will need these items. The lighter is most useful in case of moisture or if the matches get wet. Buy both, as the lighters can break.

Cleaning, hygiene and other materials

You will need toilet paper, soap, shampoo, hair cream, toothpaste, dental floss, toothbrushes and, mainly, sanitary water (very important for disinfecting surfaces and for purifying water).

First aid kit and medicines

For injuries, in case of fever and pain, you will need: thermometer, forceps, scissors, hydrogen peroxide, adhesive tape, micropore tape, gauze, cotton, painkiller, antipyretics, anti-inflammatories, antiallergic agents, remedies for nausea and vomiting, and others medicines for family use.