The Pandemic Pantry: Stocking Foods for Quarantine

A well-stocked pantry can go a long way to be able to prepare and plan meals during a self-quarantine or social distancing methods.

The Pandemic PantrySarah Klemm, RDN, CD, LDN, says that planning out a menu for a week or two in advance can also be helpful, but if you don’t have time to plan meals, a well-stocked pantry can relieve some of the pressure when it comes time to make a meal. She recommends keeping the following on hand for quick, easy-to-fix dishes.

Here are some of Klemm’s Shelf-stable Products

  • Dried or canned beans, peas, and lentils (such as black, garbanzo, kidney, white and pinto beans; green, yellow or split peas and lentils)
  • Canned vegetables with no added salt (such as tomatoes, green beans, and corn)
  • Dried or canned fruit in 100% fruit juice
  • Whole grains (such as brown rice, quinoa, oats, millet, and whole-wheat pasta)
  • Pouches or canned fish and chicken
  • Nuts, seeds, and nut butters
  • Olive, canola or other vegetable oils
  • Dried herbs and spices

Frozen Foods

  • Vegetables (such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and Brussels sprouts)
  • Fruit (such as berries, mango, and cherries)
  • Whole wheat pizza dough, wraps
  • Poultry- turkey, chicken, sausages, ground meats
  • Seafood- shrimp, salmon, white fish