The outbreak of the Coronavirus has awakened a strong sense of safety all over the world. The virus spread from China, where the first case was recorded, too many other countries. Families are strongly advised to adopt hygienic methods to protect themselves from infection.

Although the virus is quite dangerous, there’s no need to be alarmed. The risk of getting infected is very low when you take proper safety precautions.

Governments have advised that people should limit their movement and stay at home to reduce the spread of infection. This is why having enough food items and supplies is essential. 

First of all, you need to do some inventory of your pantry to see the food items that you need to buy. This will prevent you from buying too much of one item.

You’ll also have to consider your children’s needs. Make a list of all the items that they will need but don’t overbuy. Add cereals, chocolates, and some beverages to your shopping list.

Your grocery list should also have some non – perishable food items as well as frozen fruits and vegetables and canned food. If you have raw food items like fruits and vegetables, start using them first so that they do not spoil.

When buying canned food items, look out for the ones that have a low sodium content and are free from BPA lining. You can add some perishable food items to your list, but make sure that they are food items that will last a little longer.

Avoid pre-cut fruits and vegetables because they tend to spoil quickly. If you purchase a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables you can store them in the freezer if you do not eat them right away.

Here is a list of food items that should be on your shopping list:

• Applesauce and other fruit purees
• Canned fruit in water
• Frozen fruit
• Dried fruit
• Fresh fruits that will last long such as apples, oranges, pomegranates, lemons, and limes.
• Canned vegetables such as green beans, carrots, peas, diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree. They should be low on sodium.
• Canned vegetable-based soups and chilis. They should have a low sodium content as well.
• Frozen vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and asparagus.
• Long-lasting fresh vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash such as spaghetti or butternut, carrots, parsnips, onions, garlic, whole mushrooms.
• Chicken or turkey.
• Frozen fish, like shrimp or salmon
• Shelf-stable silken tofu
• Canned Lentils.
• Eggs and egg beaters
• Nut/seed butter
• Nuts and seeds
• Trail mix
• Dry or canned beans
• Hummus
• Grains
• Whole wheat pasta or chickpea pasta  
• Brown rice
• Ancient grains like quinoa and farro.
• Oats
• Instant oatmeal packets/cups
• Popcorn
• Whole wheat or seed crackers
• Whole wheat or sprouted bread that you can store in the freezer and toast whenever you’re ready.
• Shelf-stable boxes of milk. There are regular milk and plant-based milk that are shelf-stable.
• Hard cheeses, such as parmesan or pecorino, usually last for a long time.  
• Olive oil
• Unsalted grass-fed butter. You can store this in your freezer.
• Beverages
• Bottled water or a Brita filter
• Low-sugar electrolyte drinks

You also need to stock up on some cleaning supplies and other toiletries.