The government is encouraging us to spend more time at home in order to reduce the chances of getting infected with coronavirus. In some countries a lockdown has been enforced meaning that there is a need to stock up on food items. While the government and local supermarkets have assured us that they will continue to stock their shelves, it wouldn’t hurt to have some essential items in your home.
Even if we want to ensure our food ladders are properly stocked, we still want to eat healthy. Keep this in mind when you go shopping. A healthy diet will boost your immunity reducing chances of falling ill.
Below are some essential items you should stock up on for the lockdown.
Non-perishable foods
These are dry foodstuffs that can last for months without getting spoilt.
- Flours: maize meal, wheat flour, wimbi
- Grains: rice, lentils, beans, dried peas (like chickpeas)
- Snacks: Popcorn, nuts
- Cereals: Oats, weetabix, cornflakes,
- Canned foods: Fruits, vegetables, fish
- Sugar
- Pasta
- UHT milk
Condiments
- Tomato sauce, vinegar, salt, tomato paste, salad dressing
- Spices - garlic powder, cinnamon, cumin, black pepper
- Tea leaves, drinking chocolate, coffee
- Cooking oil, margarine, peanut butter, jam, marmalade
Items you can freeze
- Bread
- Fruits - Cut and bag bananas, mangos, avocados, pineapples
- Vegetables - Carrots, peas, cauliflower, broccoli
Perishables
- Yoghurt, cheese
- Fruits and vegetables
Snacks
- Chocolate
- Nuts
- Corn chips, banana crisps
Medicines
- Painkillers e.g. paracetamol
- Antihistamines
- First aid: bandages, antiseptic, tweezers, thermometer
Household items
- Gas
- Cleaning products
- Toilet paper
- Sanitary products - bathing soap, sanitary towels
- Torch
- Batteries
- Candles
