In the event of disruption to the food supply chain, government guidance and consumer experts advise keeping a sensible short-term store of everyday essentials at home. BBC reporter Annabel Rackham summarises practical steps households can take to ensure they have access to nutritious food without contributing to shortages through panic buying.
What to store
Focus on non-perishable staples that provide basic nutrition and are familiar to your household. Tinned and dried goods such as pulses, rice, pasta, canned fish and vegetables, and long-life milk can be useful because they have extended shelf lives and do not require refrigeration. Ready-to-eat items and snacks that meet your family’s tastes can help maintain morale, while bottled water or other safe drinking supplies are also recommended where access to fresh water might be limited.
Dos and don'ts
Do rotate your stock so items are used before their best-before or use-by dates and replaced with fresh supplies. Do include items to meet the needs of infants, older adults, people with medical conditions, and pets. Do check storage instructions and keep supplies in a cool, dry place. Don't hoard more than you reasonably need; excessive buying can intensify supply problems for others. Avoid relying solely on frozen foods if there is a risk of power outages, since those items require continuous refrigeration.
Special considerations
If you or household members have allergies, dietary restrictions or medical needs, tailor your supplies accordingly and keep any necessary medications and supplements accessible. Consider simple cooking methods and the availability of fuel or power to prepare food. Where possible, keep a manual can opener and basic utensils with your emergency supplies.
Practical tips for preparedness
Label and date stored items to make rotation easier, and periodically review your stock to discard anything past its safe consumption date. Share plans with household members so everyone knows where supplies are kept and how to use them. Preparing sensibly can reduce stress in the short term while helping to avoid the wider impact of panic buying on supermarket shelves.