How much food should you buy? There’s no need to stockpile groceries, FEMA says
Coronavirus concerns have sent people across the U.S. into a buying frenzy as they try to stock up on supplies and food, but recent FEMA guidelines say there’s no need to do that.
Officials have previously recommended that people have some essentials, including household supplies, food staples and medications, on hand in case they need to stay home for a while due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
But many seem to have taken that advice a step further as some store shelves have been left bare.
FEMA recently created a “Coronavirus Rumor Control” page on its site to dispel myths floating around about the outbreak of the virus.
Included in the myths is the belief that it’s necessary to “stockpile as many groceries and supplies” as possible.
Instead, FEMA says you only need to buy the groceries and supplies your family will need for a week.
“It is important to remember that many families may be unable to buy a supply of food and water for weeks in advance. Consumer demand has recently been exceptionally high – especially for grocery, household cleaning, and some healthcare products,” FEMA says.
The agency also said supplies will be replenished, but stores simply need time to restock them.
Another myth FEMA dispelled is that the country is on lockdown and everyone is quarantined for two weeks.
This isn’t the case, and it’s important to remember to verify any information you find on social media, FEMA said.
FEMA also posted a reminder on the page that it’s not just older adults who are at risk of being infected with COVID-19. While older adults and those with underlying conditions are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill, different complications can arise for different people.
That’s part of the reason officials have urged people of all ages to stay home as much as possible.
But for those who do need to make a grocery run, there are precautions to take, including shopping during less crowded times, avoiding using cash and cleaning the things you buy, McClatchy News reports.
This story was originally published March 23, 2020 at 3:16 PM with the headline "How much food should you buy? There’s no need to stockpile groceries, FEMA says."
