As we all progress through this pandemic, I am curious about your buying habits. Think back when we first became aware of the seriousness of the virus and the ridiculous toilet paper crisis, then fast forward to current day. Have you altered your habits? Are you finding it necessary to stock up certain items verse others? What about chicken, pork, beef, eggs? Do you buy in bulk more than before?

I’ve spoken with a number of manufacturers about how their business models have shifted throughout this crisis. How they react to the new norm, if there is such a thing. Retail is up but wholesale is down. Many have shifted their focus to more consumer use-friendly items such as ready-to-eat or "just add one or two items for a complete meal." There is an urgent need for the entire food chain from farmers through to grocery stores and restaurants to adapt and constantly adjust to the changing times. So many in every aspect of our industry are exploring new business models just to survive. The unknown and lack of data on an unprecedented multi-faceted crisis is making us all play a giant guessing game.

Back to your personal food situation. Have you have expanded your horizons to other cuisines? Cooking more from scratch? Are you winging those dinners through your own innovation, a recipe online or through an actual cookbook? Did you start a garden? Are you canning? If you have a stockpile, what does it look like? We have some rice, dried beans and a few canned items plus a few gallons of water and an extra sleave of TP!!! And, we are planning on canning more items out of the garden as well.

I am also keeping what we eat daily super fresh and simple while the summer bounty is at its peak. The goal is to minimize prep and maximize the end result with food that warms the soul. We obviously love to cook and bake and honestly it has been cathartic. Family meal has always been an important factor in our daily life. It is reminiscent of my younger years growing up in an Italian/Irish family. We always had Sunday dinner together when dad wasn’t working. I always made sure I was at the dinner table by six o’clock sharp.

I know I have more than the normal amount of questions in this blog. I am hoping if you’ve read this that you might answer some or one of the questions. I am truly interested in your responses as it helps me and hopefully others better understand our changing times and how we are all dealing with this new era so differently.

Live well …

A change in buying habits

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