Per ready.gov, it is advised people have a two week supply of water and food ahead of any potential pandemic. With the Coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading throughout the United States, now is a good time to ensure you’re properly prepared in case the virus comes to your community. Given reports of local shortages at grocery and convenience stores, here are some common sense, Amazon shopping list items with specific suggestions based on availability + good reviews. These items may be helpful in case of extended periods of being stuck at home, and are hopefully still in stock and available for local delivery. Note: These are non-authoritative, use-at-your-own-risk suggestions, and don’t order things you don’t like or are allergic to)
Non-perishables (or things that can store for awhile)
- Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice: Ready to Heat
- Comment: Rice can be a great source of nutrients, is easy to prepare, and can last between months and years on the shelf, depending on the packaging.
- Quaker Instant Oatmeal Protein 4 Flavor Variety Pack
- Comment: Oats and whole grains are good sources of fiber and plant-based protein, and can stay on the shelf for 1-2 years if still in original packaging (or slightly less if opened).
- Krusteaz Buttermilk Pancake Mix (10 lb.)
- Comment: Requiring only water, pancakes can be both delicious and have a lot of calories. Per canitgobad.net, “when kept in the pantry, sealed, unopened packs of pancake mix will keep for 12 months, maybe longer when storage conditions are ideal. On the other hand, opened boxes of pancake mix will keep in the fridge for six months or less.”
- Butternut Mountain Farm Maple Syrup
- Comment: A great topping for cereal for pancakes. Per thekitchn.com, pure maple syrup should keep for a year unopened in the pantry, a year opened in the refrigerator, and indefinitely in the freezer.
- 100% Pure Raw & Unfiltered Honey
- Comment: Per naturenatures.com, real processed honey can last for a very, very long time – up to decades if not unsealed from original packaging.
- Pure Protein Bars Variety Pack
- Comment: Protein bars are portage, and a great source of — wait for it — protein and other vitamins. Expiry of protein bars varies, but generally are in the 3-6 months range.
- SKIPPY Creamy Peanut Butter, 5 lb
- Comment: Peanut butter is a great source of protein and vitamins, and goes with a lot of things. Per nationalpeanutboard.org an open jar of peanut butter stays fresh up to three months in the pantry. After that, it’s recommended to store the peanut butter in the fridge (where it can maintain its quality for another 3-4 months).
- De Cecco Pasta, Egg Pappardelle, 8.8 Ounce
- Comment: Pasta is a good source of energy (carbs!), and can stay on the shelf for 1-2 years (or more) if unopened from the original packaging.
- Arrowhead Mills Organic Green Lentils
- Comment: Lentils are considered to be super healthy, and are great sources of protein, iron, and other nutrients. They’re easy to cook, and can last 2-3 years in storage.
- Califia Farms Shelf Stable Unsweetened Almondmilk
- Comment: Purchased unrefrigerated, unopened almondmilk (which you can use with cereal, etc) can last for 2-4 weeks, and up to 7-10 days after opened.
- StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water
- Comment: Canned tuna has a number of essential nutrients, is high in protein, and offers a number of ways to prepare it. Canned tuna can last on the shelf for up to 3-5 years, so there’s time to use it.
Toiletries
These, and other everyday toiletries you’ll want to have a little bit extra of on hand. Note: Clean, washed hands suggested as a primary way to protect yourself during the Cornavirus outbreak, an antibacterial soap or sanitizer are great to have handy at all times.
- Dial Complete Antibacterial Foaming Hand Wash Refill
- ValourGo Travel Bottles
- Quilted Northern Ultra Plush Toilet Paper, 48 Double Rolls, 48 = 96 Regular Rolls, 3 Ply Bath Tissue, 4 Pack of 12 Rolls
- Bounty, 8 Rolls
- Medpride Disposable Razors for Men & Women
- For best mask fit, there are facial hair best practices (linked here), which having a sharp razor handy can help achieve.
- Lysol Disinfecting Wipes
Have other resource suggestions, leave a comment below.
