How to Shop.

No matter how stuffed your pantry is and locked down you are in self-isolation, you might be worried about staying safe on your next trip to the store. Our own Liz Schwandt talks about the do’s and don’ts of shopping.

  1. The first rule of shopping is: if you can avoid it, avoid it.

  2. Going into the store, remember: Don't buy food that has the WIC/SNAP symbol on the price reader (unless you are buying food through that specific assistance program) .

  3. Know that a lot of people are touching the same stuff that you are. The moment you touch a new thing, you are in re-start mode with your clean hands. Going out into the world is basically a new game called, "HANDWASHING CHICKEN." Once you touch something, you have to start over. PLEASE wash (or sanitize) your hands at the beginning and the end of your trip and you should be good.

  4. If you are a compulsive face-toucher, wear a bandana when you are out. This will not protect you from airborne pathogens, but it will REMIND YOU NOT TO TOUCH YOUR FACE. If you are an eye-rubber, wear glasses.

  5. Don’t bring your kids if possible. If you must bring them, treat them like small Hannibal Lechters. No touching anything. Hold hands. Don't let go. Think of the grocery store like a frantic mall parking lot. You would hold them close there, too.

  6. When you are in the store, stay FAR away from people. Don't stress about politeness, but don't be rude or cough-shaming.

  7. Sanitize your shopping cart. Scrub down the handles of your cart when you start shopping. If you don't have access to sanitizing wipes, wear a pair of gloves (just remember that everything you touch with the gloves on is not protected). Use produce bags to grab items if you can. Don't be wasteful, though. Don't use a million.

  8. Rethink your reusable bags. Disposable bags are better for this moment--most stores in LA are banning re-usable bags.

  9. Wash your hands before you get in the car and touch the steering wheel.

  10. Wash your hands once you get home.

  11. Wash your produce when you get home.

  12. Remove items from bags and place on a countertop, then toss the bags. Give the items a quick wipedown before you put them away. If you have shelf-stable food, leave it in the bags for as long as you can before handling.

  13. Take a moment to consider those around you. Thank your grocery clerks and produce handlers and stockpersons and everyone who is still working so you can eat. Look around at the food you have available. Be grateful. Be so grateful for what you have.

Finally, if you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity because of lack of access or money, please visit the LA Foodbank website for more resources.

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20200306/power-of-hand-washing-to-prevent-coronavirus
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/03/200320192755.htm
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/safe-grocery-store-coronavirus-outbreak_l_5e710435c5b60fb69ddf23ed
https://www.today.com/food/how-safely-shop-groceries-if-you-re-concerned-about-coronavirus-t176047
https://www.cancer.org/treatment/survivorship-during-and-after-treatment/staying-active/nutrition/weak-immune-system.html
https://www.foodsafety.gov/people-at-risk/people-with-weakened-immune-systems

Liz Schwandt