Stocking the cupboards in the event of a pandemic in the USA

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I did my regular weekly shopping at HT last night, and it was absolutely mobbed. I understand stocking up more than normal (I have), but I saw families with four overflowing shopping carts. At a certain point, you have to step back and question the sanity of this.

We were told by the CDC weeks ago to prepare. If you paid attention to the news around the world and believed all humans are somewhat equal in the face of nature, you would have come to that conclusion a month earlier. It's insane that families are only starting to prepare now rather than 2 months ago, and even more insane that anyone would still think it's a bad idea.

Are you really that ignorant to not undertstand that many families can only buy essentials each week. They don’t have the ability to “stock up” or really hoard is what you’re doing.

Lol
So, I shouldn't stock up because some people are poor?
Hell no

Stocking up for six months, no. This isn't the apocalypse.

People need to stock up for a couple week’s worth in case they cannot go to the store because both parents are sick at once. Plus once someone in your house is diagnosed you’re probably going to be quarantined. You need to be able to sustain yourself for a few weeks. You don’t need 6 months supplies.

NP but most of us are not stocking up for 6 months.

I don’t know anyone in this region who has more than 2 months of food, though I imagine some Mormons might. We just don’t have the space or need (normally). If you are thinking about an elderly hoarder with a basement full of swollen and leaking cans from the 1990s, those folks actually aren’t prepared. They will die early and fast.

[Anonymous]

I thought about starting a new thread for this question, but hopefully it can get answered here without adding another CV thread:

- I've been slowly stockpiling since this thread started and have a good amount of meat in the freezer, 2 cartons of eggs, 2 1/2 gallons of milk, 2 lbs of oatmeal, pasta, extra snacky stuff, coffee for 2 weeks, frozen berries, some soup. Most of the things you all helpfully listed then.

- Q: Do I start locking myself and my kids down *now*, since I have a stockpile I could start working from? OR, do I keep going to the grocery store (at less crowded times) to get stuff like fresh fruit and save the stockpile for if stronger quarantine measures are urged or we get sick?

- I'm just trying to figure out what my societal responsibility is. I definitely wouldn't go now and buy out all the granola bars or laundry detergent, because I already have enough; I get that. But is my obligation lock myself down now because I can?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I thought about starting a new thread for this question, but hopefully it can get answered here without adding another CV thread:

- I've been slowly stockpiling since this thread started and have a good amount of meat in the freezer, 2 cartons of eggs, 2 1/2 gallons of milk, 2 lbs of oatmeal, pasta, extra snacky stuff, coffee for 2 weeks, frozen berries, some soup. Most of the things you all helpfully listed then.

- Q: Do I start locking myself and my kids down *now*, since I have a stockpile I could start working from? OR, do I keep going to the grocery store (at less crowded times) to get stuff like fresh fruit and save the stockpile for if stronger quarantine measures are urged or we get sick?

- I'm just trying to figure out what my societal responsibility is. I definitely wouldn't go now and buy out all the granola bars or laundry detergent, because I already have enough; I get that. But is my obligation lock myself down now because I can?

I’m in the same situation except I don’t really have much meat and still need more vegetables. I am considering myself locked down, yes. I plan to do a grocery store order — ether self pick up outside or home delivery to fill in the gaps, which will hopefully get my family through the better part of 2-3 weeks. I will do another grocery order if necessary or an amazon order for napkins or toothpaste. But otherwise, no I’m not going grocery shopping or to Target or meeting up for playgroups. We are not going out to eat or picking up takeout.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I thought about starting a new thread for this question, but hopefully it can get answered here without adding another CV thread:

- I've been slowly stockpiling since this thread started and have a good amount of meat in the freezer, 2 cartons of eggs, 2 1/2 gallons of milk, 2 lbs of oatmeal, pasta, extra snacky stuff, coffee for 2 weeks, frozen berries, some soup. Most of the things you all helpfully listed then.

- Q: Do I start locking myself and my kids down *now*, since I have a stockpile I could start working from? OR, do I keep going to the grocery store (at less crowded times) to get stuff like fresh fruit and save the stockpile for if stronger quarantine measures are urged or we get sick?

- I'm just trying to figure out what my societal responsibility is. I definitely wouldn't go now and buy out all the granola bars or laundry detergent, because I already have enough; I get that. But is my obligation lock myself down now because I can?

Yes. The fewer people move around, the fewer people will think “Oh, it must still be safe to move around.” And then it will spread less.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I thought about starting a new thread for this question, but hopefully it can get answered here without adding another CV thread:

- I've been slowly stockpiling since this thread started and have a good amount of meat in the freezer, 2 cartons of eggs, 2 1/2 gallons of milk, 2 lbs of oatmeal, pasta, extra snacky stuff, coffee for 2 weeks, frozen berries, some soup. Most of the things you all helpfully listed then.

- Q: Do I start locking myself and my kids down *now*, since I have a stockpile I could start working from? OR, do I keep going to the grocery store (at less crowded times) to get stuff like fresh fruit and save the stockpile for if stronger quarantine measures are urged or we get sick?

- I'm just trying to figure out what my societal responsibility is. I definitely wouldn't go now and buy out all the granola bars or laundry detergent, because I already have enough; I get that. But is my obligation lock myself down now because I can?

Yes. The fewer people move around, the fewer people will think “Oh, it must still be safe to move around.” And then it will spread less.

+1000.
Get through the next couple of weeks on complete lockdown, because you were smart enough to prepare to do so. Since you can. Flatten the curve. And flattening the curve depends on doing absolutely everything we can to stop circulating now.

[Anonymous]

A major problem we have as a society right now is that no living generation has endured a time when all people had to survive more frugally. We’ve become a bunch of overconsumers addicted to instant gratification. This is going to be quick a shock.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I thought about starting a new thread for this question, but hopefully it can get answered here without adding another CV thread:

- I've been slowly stockpiling since this thread started and have a good amount of meat in the freezer, 2 cartons of eggs, 2 1/2 gallons of milk, 2 lbs of oatmeal, pasta, extra snacky stuff, coffee for 2 weeks, frozen berries, some soup. Most of the things you all helpfully listed then.

- Q: Do I start locking myself and my kids down *now*, since I have a stockpile I could start working from? OR, do I keep going to the grocery store (at less crowded times) to get stuff like fresh fruit and save the stockpile for if stronger quarantine measures are urged or we get sick?

- I'm just trying to figure out what my societal responsibility is. I definitely wouldn't go now and buy out all the granola bars or laundry detergent, because I already have enough; I get that. But is my obligation lock myself down now because I can?

Yes. The fewer people move around, the fewer people will think “Oh, it must still be safe to move around.” And then it will spread less.

I agree that limiting your shopping now and for the next two weeks is a good idea. There is just too much potential exposure at the stores. We have ordered our last Amazon food delivery, coming today, but they were out of a lot of stuff and I am expecting that I won’t even get some of the things on my list.

One thing to note — when I do get a food delivery, I unpack and put the dry food in a segregated area for a few days. And then we wash all the other stuff before putting it in the fridge. And I tip all the food delivery people well!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I thought about starting a new thread for this question, but hopefully it can get answered here without adding another CV thread:

- I've been slowly stockpiling since this thread started and have a good amount of meat in the freezer, 2 cartons of eggs, 2 1/2 gallons of milk, 2 lbs of oatmeal, pasta, extra snacky stuff, coffee for 2 weeks, frozen berries, some soup. Most of the things you all helpfully listed then.

- Q: Do I start locking myself and my kids down *now*, since I have a stockpile I could start working from? OR, do I keep going to the grocery store (at less crowded times) to get stuff like fresh fruit and save the stockpile for if stronger quarantine measures are urged or we get sick?

- I'm just trying to figure out what my societal responsibility is. I definitely wouldn't go now and buy out all the granola bars or laundry detergent, because I already have enough; I get that. But is my obligation lock myself down now because I can?

Yes. The fewer people move around, the fewer people will think “Oh, it must still be safe to move around.” And then it will spread less.

I agree that limiting your shopping now and for the next two weeks is a good idea. There is just too much potential exposure at the stores. We have ordered our last Amazon food delivery, coming today, but they were out of a lot of stuff and I am expecting that I won’t even get some of the things on my list.

One thing to note — when I do get a food delivery, I unpack and put the dry food in a segregated area for a few days. And then we wash all the other stuff before putting it in the fridge. And I tip all the food delivery people well!

How do you wash the food (milk, meat etc.)? Rinse in the sink? Are you worried that the splashing could splash virus onto you? I am also wondering if we should stop doing the groceries. Certainly at the moment, when there are long lines, I have no intention of venturing out. I think the panik buying is going to die down soon.

[Anonymous]

^panic

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I thought about starting a new thread for this question, but hopefully it can get answered here without adding another CV thread:

- I've been slowly stockpiling since this thread started and have a good amount of meat in the freezer, 2 cartons of eggs, 2 1/2 gallons of milk, 2 lbs of oatmeal, pasta, extra snacky stuff, coffee for 2 weeks, frozen berries, some soup. Most of the things you all helpfully listed then.

- Q: Do I start locking myself and my kids down *now*, since I have a stockpile I could start working from? OR, do I keep going to the grocery store (at less crowded times) to get stuff like fresh fruit and save the stockpile for if stronger quarantine measures are urged or we get sick?

- I'm just trying to figure out what my societal responsibility is. I definitely wouldn't go now and buy out all the granola bars or laundry detergent, because I already have enough; I get that. But is my obligation lock myself down now because I can?

Yes. The fewer people move around, the fewer people will think “Oh, it must still be safe to move around.” And then it will spread less.

I agree that limiting your shopping now and for the next two weeks is a good idea. There is just too much potential exposure at the stores. We have ordered our last Amazon food delivery, coming today, but they were out of a lot of stuff and I am expecting that I won’t even get some of the things on my list.

One thing to note — when I do get a food delivery, I unpack and put the dry food in a segregated area for a few days. And then we wash all the other stuff before putting it in the fridge. And I tip all the food delivery people well!

"I unpack and" -----> spray down and leave alone before unpacking.
"And I tip " -----> 1- no cash!! 2- don't let them in the house!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I thought about starting a new thread for this question, but hopefully it can get answered here without adding another CV thread:

- I've been slowly stockpiling since this thread started and have a good amount of meat in the freezer, 2 cartons of eggs, 2 1/2 gallons of milk, 2 lbs of oatmeal, pasta, extra snacky stuff, coffee for 2 weeks, frozen berries, some soup. Most of the things you all helpfully listed then.

- Q: Do I start locking myself and my kids down *now*, since I have a stockpile I could start working from? OR, do I keep going to the grocery store (at less crowded times) to get stuff like fresh fruit and save the stockpile for if stronger quarantine measures are urged or we get sick?

- I'm just trying to figure out what my societal responsibility is. I definitely wouldn't go now and buy out all the granola bars or laundry detergent, because I already have enough; I get that. But is my obligation lock myself down now because I can?

Yes. The fewer people move around, the fewer people will think “Oh, it must still be safe to move around.” And then it will spread less.

I agree that limiting your shopping now and for the next two weeks is a good idea. There is just too much potential exposure at the stores. We have ordered our last Amazon food delivery, coming today, but they were out of a lot of stuff and I am expecting that I won’t even get some of the things on my list.

One thing to note — when I do get a food delivery, I unpack and put the dry food in a segregated area for a few days. And then we wash all the other stuff before putting it in the fridge. And I tip all the food delivery people well!

yes, we are stocked up (went to costco last week and Trader Joe's 2 days ago). We won't venture out to another building for the next two weeks. I'm allowing my kids to play in the alley and park with a few friends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A major problem we have as a society right now is that no living generation has endured a time when all people had to survive more frugally. We’ve become a bunch of overconsumers addicted to instant gratification. This is going to be quick a shock.

+1000!

[Anonymous]

I was at Safeway and Harris Teeter today and at both stores the toilet paper, lysol, pasta,canned soup, most canned vegetables, milk, eggs, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, bananas and most fruits besides apples were pretty much wiped out. It was crazy seeing tons of empty shelves. There were some straggler canned vegetables and overpriced pasta but I picked them just in case we will need it. Not many people in the evening but the cashiers looked tired.

Yesterday afternoon I was at the same Safeway and they were stocked with all the vegetables so I was surprised that this happened today.

I really didn't expect people to hoard perishables - I mean how many bananas can you eat?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was at Safeway and Harris Teeter today and at both stores the toilet paper, lysol, pasta,canned soup, most canned vegetables, milk, eggs, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, bananas and most fruits besides apples were pretty much wiped out. It was crazy seeing tons of empty shelves. There were some straggler canned vegetables and overpriced pasta but I picked them just in case we will need it. Not many people in the evening but the cashiers looked tired.

Yesterday afternoon I was at the same Safeway and they were stocked with all the vegetables so I was surprised that this happened today.

I really didn't expect people to hoard perishables - I mean how many bananas can you eat?

I too was surprised by all the bare shelves in the produce section. Not a single banana, ok. But also not a speck of ginger, or mushrooms, or lettuce. Why ginger?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All the stores are running out of toilet paper. You can’t find it online any more either. The panic buying is real.

Panic buying created the shortage.

I know. People are terrified of being stuck at home and run out of stuff.

I'm not terrified of running out of stuff.
I planned so I wouldn't have to go to a store and get sick from a dumb errand to pick up toilet paper.