The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed our lives in more ways than we could have imagined a few months ago, and even mundane activities like grocery shopping and family meals have changed drastically. For many of us, lockdown and quarantine measures have turned home cooking into a necessity. Although, as of this writing, some states are lifting “shelter-at-home” regulations, many of us won’t be able to return to our pre-pandemic life of takeout and restaurants meals anytime soon.
What’s in your pantry?
Should I worry about food shortages?
When we all began to shelter in place, bread exploded onto the quarantine scene. Everyone craved the comfort of home baking, and shortages of eggs, flour, and yeast were the result. More recently, you might have heard about or been affected by a meat shortage. Shutdowns of meatpacking plants caused by COVID-19 outbreaks and increased consumer demand have disrupted the food supply chain. Supermarkets in certain areas are limiting the amount of poultry, pork, and beef consumers can purchase. According to The Wall Street Journal, you’ll still be able to find meat, but at higher prices and a smaller selection.
When faced with these temporary shortages, it’s time to substitute, adapt, or try something new. “If certain meat items are scarce, now might be the time to try tofu, for instance, or other plant-based substitutes,” dietician Dana Hunnes told Healthline.
You can also try flexitarian or semi-vegetarian recipes that use less meat and rely on more vegetables and grains, like this Quick Bean and Turkey Italian Meatballs recipe from AllRecipes.
