admin During the beginning of this pandemic we have seen people raiding supermarkets and stockpiling different kinds of food items and toilet paper. It very normal that during such circumstances, people fear shortage of food and hence start to bulk buy even at the detriment of others. It is the way how humans take control over their lives, when other areas seem to be not within their control.
We know that grocery stores, unless there is a natural disaster, would remain open no matter what. We have learnt that some items such as yeast might go out of stock, whilst others might be hard to get. It is frustrating going to supermarkets and finding empty shelves. Such situations might make us feel helpless and fear that we are unable to feed our families.
However, stockpiling should not happen when disaster strikes but before. What do I mean? Your food stockpile should be built throughout a number of months so that in the eventuality of natural disaster, pandemic, or even loss of job you would have enough supplies for a month or more. One might not have all required items, but it would help you lower your grocery budget drastically.
As a population, the Maltese are known at saving money for a rainy day, so having a stockpile will complement such skills.
If you want to stockpile for the future then you have to take into consideration the following:
- the number of people in your household,
- food preferences and
- their individual caloric need.
Notwithstanding the difficult situation you would be in, your family should still have a balance diet with the different amounts of fat, protein and carbohydrates. You should have a balanced amounts of fat, protein and carbohydrates.
USE YOUR SPACE WISELY.
Here are some ideas to take into consideration:
Storage Location
Identify the location where you would be storing your stockpile – you might consider a cellar, garage, a cupboard or even under the bed. It is important that the right optimal temperature, humidity and light conditions.
This might not be easy, especially the way some Maltese homes are built, however even a cupboard or under the bed storage are good to get you started.
Type of Food and Amount
Obviously avoid any fresh, frozen or refrigerated foods as their lifespan is short. On the other hand canned, dried goods and sealed tightly will last several months if not years. Stockpile foods that meet the nutritional needs such as canned meat, fish, dried fruit, powdered milk, dry beans and grains. Your water supply should serve you enough for drinking, cooking and washing (consider water cuts for a long period). Don’t for some extra items such as coffee, tea and any drinks that your family likes. It is important to have that would improve your moral – don’t forget that you would not be under normal circumstances.
Maintenance
Make sure to check your stockpile periodically, to make sure that your food is not being contaminated.
Keep an eye on the expiry date and make sure that those expiring first on the front.
You can still go through your stockpile. Once your items in the pantry are about to finish, go through your stockpile and replenish the next time you go shopping.
However when you are building your stockpile, consider also having non food items such as lighters, matches, candles, batteries and torches. Have a good set of knives, and medical supplies for first aid. Include also some cold weather supplies such as boots and socks.
Starting your Stockpile
When starting a stockpile, it does not mean that you go out and shop for everything that you see. Once you have taken into consideration all of the above, it is important that whenever you do your regular shopping, you buy an extra item. For example if you are buying two cans of red kidney beans, instead of two buy three. Two for now and one for later.
Keep an eye for special offers. If it is an item that you normally use (even if maybe for that month), but is at a good price (check expiry date), then stock up on it.
Do not only consider having canned items, but also some extra freezer meals. However, you have to be careful because if there is a power cut for several days, then your freezer meals would be lost.
Have a balance of both!!!
Who knows what the future holds for us? We cannot control everything but let’s control what is within our limit.
Love
Strugglingmum xxxx
