The art of the shop. Things have changed a lot in the last two years; it’s not all fun and games at the grocery store anymore. The time to evolve has finally come.
A lot of what you’ll find here is geared toward families, but these tips will still be applicable even if you’re kicking it solo, with your significant other, or with a household or dorm full of friends or roommates. Postmates who?
1. Leave the kids at home
Shopping alone might be boring, but it limits your family’s exposure to the public. Grocery pick-up is another strategy to consider, especially if you prefer to keep a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables on-hand throughout the week.
Without the brood in tow, you’ll likely end up spending much less time out on the town. Your hands will be totally free, and you’ll be completely undistracted. Mask up, grab a Starbucks, and be sure to remember your list.
2. Choose food with a decent shelf life
Pantry items like pasta, rice, beans, and spices are all obviously ideal candidates. The longer this stock lasts, the longer you’ll be able to go between trips to the store.
Produce is where you’ll really want to double down here—things like onions, potatoes, root vegetables, squash, and citrus will all be able to stand the test of time and deliver the fiber and nutrients your family needs. They’ll get you over the hump when early-in-the-week produce like greens, berries, tomatoes, and mushrooms have all but perished.
3. Maintain your social distance
Your six-foot radius and your facemask, are your best friends in a public setting. Choosing to use the self-check-out lane is one easy way to embody this ethos.
Avoiding close contact with employees and other patrons is the best way to prevent a possible COVID-19 exposure. Could it be any simpler?
4. Hail the grocery list
You made a plan for a reason. There will always be a couple of things that you pick up spontaneously along the way; as long as you have a plan and stick to it in a general sense, though, you should be good for the week. A good list might also help you minimize inconvenient mid-week outings.
Another great tip: have a quick bite before entering the store. Our eyes tend to be bigger than our stomachs; shopping for food on an empty stomach is one potential recipe for disaster. Keep your eyes on the prize, and get on with your day.
COVID-19 and grocery shopping: a simpler way of life?
Minimizing each shopping trip can save you time and money, and it can also compel us out of our culinary comfort zones. It’s something to get used to, sure, but it isn’t without its perks. Why go out when you don’t have to?
The thought process behind panic buying is sound, but it’s not the best solution unless your city is truly under a lockdown. For now, these grocery shopping tips will be more than enough to get you and yours through the week.
