The New Rules of Grocery Shopping Under Quarantine

The New Shopping Rules

Don’t Go

Seriously. This is the most important rule you can heed. Do you really need baking powder for those biscuits? Consult our list of substitutions. (Spoiler: Baking soda and cream of tartar will work instead.) Ask yourself: Is this just a quick run for supplies? Or a mega-run to prevent you from having to go again for two weeks (or more)? There should be no more quick runs. Every time you come to a central gathering place you are at risk of contracting or spreading the virus, no matter how careful you might be.

Go When It’s Slow

Same rule for movie theaters and traffic applies here: The fewer people around you, the less risk of transmission. I’m not talking the early mornings, which have been reserved for seniors. I’m talking a half hour after the senior hour has closed and the second wave of early birds have cleared out; super late-night or a half hour before closing; weekdays other than Friday; and anytime other than peak “we need dinner” hours.

Go Where It’s Slow

If you can, within reason and recommendations, find a less busy store. Last week during peak panic shopping a Costco in South Torrance was virtually empty, compared with the lines out the door at a Trader Joe’s nearby. The more cramped the store, the less you should think about shopping there.

Plan Your Route

Write your shopping list by department: fresh vegetables, dairy, dry and canned goods, condiments. Check off each item in that category before moving on to the next department.  Now is not the time to be doubling back and forth across the store. More time inside is more time exposed. 

Buy in Bulk

Your area might not be hit hard yet—but according to health experts, it will be. You might not want to come back in a week for more rice, or butter, or milk. 

Know What You Can Freeze

Milk and bread can be frozen, dumplings will last you months. Consult this handy guide for more info on what you can and can’t freeze.

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