One of the most stressful things about lockdown for me is having to go grocery shopping. Of course, its a necessity, but the entire event can leave you feeling exposed. Like today, I had to stand in line with approximately 50 other patrons of Costco before being allowed in. While we were all 6 feet apart, just knowing that you are around people you don’t know can leave you feeling a bit stressed.
Even as we ease into reopening, it’s still prudent to take precautions when venturing into public spaces. When grocery shopping, remember that kindness is king. Everyone is under stress and out of their element in many ways. “It occurred to me that no one can see me smile at them while we pass each other,” Colorado mom Elizabeth Anderson told Mom.com. “So I make it a point to loudly say ‘hello’ all muffled through my mask.”
It’s OK mama, we have your back with these 11 tips for grocery shopping during lockdown and as we enter into phases of reopening:
Plan your grocery shopping
Out of the store
7. Let the groceries stand
There is a lot of debate over this issue right now. There are those who claim that leaving groceries on a porch or in the garage will naturally kill the virus if it is on the packaging.
There are others who say this is overkill and not necessary. The bottom line is if you feel safer doing it, it won’t hurt. Direct exposure to the sun in warm climates can disinfect items in as little as a few hours, while keeping it in your garage may require up to three days.
8. Should you disinfect your groceries?
There are those who say you should wipe down your groceries’ packaging with a cleaning wipe or hydrogen peroxide. Others say that the risk of getting the coronavirus from your groceries is so small that you don’t need to. Ultimately, if it makes you feel safer, wipe down the packaging.
9. Wash your hands
You’re probably tired of hearing it, but here it is again: Washing your hands after going to the grocery store and handling your items is the best way to reduce your chances of spreading the coronavirus.
10. Ask about pickup options
See if your grocery store will allow you to place an order online and have your items put in your trunk in the parking lot. More grocery stores and small farms are doing this to reduce contact for everyone.
11. Use delivery options
It may cost a few extra bucks, but order the food online and take advantage of someone else doing all the shopping for you. Companies like Instacart can get groceries to your door within hours of ordering in some cases. Once the food is delivered, sterilize the bags, wipe down containers, and let what can stand it stay out for a bit.
