As many countries go into lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, some basic needs have to be taken into consideration to ensure you’ve got everything you need in place while you undergo the compulsory self-isolation or quarantine. The government is enforcing this as a way to slow down the spread of the virus which is transmitted by being in close proximity with an infected person. 

At the top of the list of your most important basic needs is definitely food & water. Others are cleaning products, disinfectants, entertainment to keep you busy indoors and a whole lot more. For peace of mind, you have to stockpile food and home essentials that will be enough for at least 2 weeks. Even though stockpiling is not compulsory, it’d be good to know you have some basic things you need at home. This would prevent you from going outside and keep you and your household safe. 

Remember, when stockpiling you have to think of the shelf life of what you intend storing. If you don’t have a constant power supply, you have to think of getting alternatives which don’t require refrigeration. Without further ado

Here’s our stockpile food checklist;

1. Animal Proteins

What are examples of animal proteins? They include; Milk, Eggs, fresh, dried or smoked Beef, Fish, Chicken, Turkey which can be rinsed and frozen.   

      2. Grains

What are the examples of grains? They include; rice, beans, maize, wheat, oats, barley e.t.c. Grains are perfect to stockpile on because a lot of meals can be made from whole grains such as moi moi, cornflakes, popcorn, pasta, bread, swallows and many more. 

       3. Roots & Tubers

 These can be stored for a long period of time without spoiling and will come in handy during this period. What are examples of roots & tubers? Examples are; Potatoes, Yam, Ginger, Cocoyam, just to name a few. 

       4. Fruits 

 These are quite fragile and therefore can be dried or juiced and stored.

Examples are; Orange, Lemon, Mango, Soursop, Star Apple, Apple, Watermelon, Pineapple,  Tomatoes & Peppers (For stews and soups), Palm fruits (To make palm oil or banga), 

       5. Vegetables & herbs

 Examples are; Leafy Greens (such as ugu, water leaf e.t.c), Herbs (such as parsley, mint, curry leaf, scent leaf e.t.c), carrot, cabbage and so on. 

        6. Seeds & Nuts

     Examples are; Melon seeds, Groundnut, Coconut

        7. Taste Enhancers

      Examples are; Salt, Sugar, Honey, Seasonings

Here’s our stockpile home essentials checklist;

Of Course, while staying at home you’ll also need to stock up on home essentials you personally wish not to run out of. Some of these might include; Covid19 Essentials (Sanitizers, Gloves and Face masks), Soaps & Detergents, Tissue paper, Bleach & Cleaning products, Waste bags, Basic medicines (For headache, flu, cough), Sanitary towel, Toothpaste e.t.c.