AIEP BULLETIN - FOOD TIPS
WHAT TO STOCK UP ON DURING CORONA VIRUS PANDEMIC ?
Due to Coronavirus spreading throughout the world, more people are being advised to self isolate, quarantine and social distance. We need to prepare ourselves with the basic essentials. It is very important to take care of yourselves and your loved ones. You can start by buying the right food.

First, you need to make sure you take a quick look at what you already have so you don't overbuy groceries. Create a grocery list and write down non-perishables, long-lasting perishables, frozen fruits and canned vegetables to your grocery list. You can also buy fresh produce and put them in the freezer so they won't go bad.

According to CNN Health here's a list of the right groceries that they recommend to buy:
Fruits

  • Dried fruits
  • Canned fruit in water
  • Apples
  • Oranges
  • Lemons

Vegetables

  • Beans
  • Legumes
  • Carrots
  • Potatoes
  • Onions
  • Squash
  • Garlic

Protein

  • Tuna/Salmon (canned or in a pouch)
  • Chicken/Turkey (canned or in a pouch)
  • Eggs
  • Lentils

Grains

  • Whole wheat pastas
  • Brown rice
  • Oats
  • Oatmeal
  • Whole wheat bread ( you can keep it in the freezer and warm it up when you want to eat it)
  • Quinoa

Dairy

  • Milk
  • Powdered Milk
  • Hard Cheese

Healthy Fats

  • Olive oil
  • Avocado oil
  • Chia seeds
  • Unsalted Butter

Beverages

  • Water
  • Low sugar electrolyte drinks
SHOP SAFER AND TAKE OUT FOOD SAFER
Dr. Jeffrey VanWingen, a family physician from Michigan, has created a great video on how to shop safer and take out food safer during the stay at home period.
Video Tip Highlights

  • Use a "sterile technique" that can reduce risks as you go out in the market place to keep yourself safe
  • Coronavirus can live in an aerosolized outside the body situation for three hours
  • It can live on cardboard for one day
  • It can live on plastic and metal surface for three days
  • Once you buy your groceries,leave them in your garage for three days
  • If you are using a shopping service, DO NOT allow them inside your home. Dump them outside and you can bring them inside when you need them
  • Don't shop if you have respiratory symptoms or have been exposed
  • Before you bring your groceries in, disinfect your work space with standard disinfectant
  • Spray down the outside of hardy/thick packaging
  • Wash your fruits and vegetables with water for at least 20 seconds
  • When you order take out, make sure you have clean dishes to place your food
  • Wash your hands first for 20 seconds with soap and water
  • Place your food on a dish
AFFORDABLE HEALTHY MEAL RECIPE
As we are cooking more at home, we would like to share with you a healthy meal with ingredients you might have stocked up on. We found this recipe on tasteofhome.com

Lemony Roasted Chicken and Potatoes

Ingredients:

1-1/2 pounds red potatoes (about 5 medium), cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
1 medium lemon, halved and sliced
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed, divided
1 teaspoon pepper, divided
4 bone-in chicken thighs (about 1-1/2 pounds)
4 chicken drumsticks (about 1 pound)
1 teaspoon paprika
6 cups fresh baby spinach (about 5 ounces)
Lemon wedges, optional


Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 425°. Place potatoes, onion and sliced lemon in a large bowl; toss with 2 tablespoons oil, garlic and 1/2 teaspoon each salt, rosemary and pepper. Spread evenly in a greased roasting pan. Roast on an upper oven rack 20 minutes
  • Meanwhile, toss chicken with paprika and the remaining salt, rosemary and pepper. In a large skillet, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat. Brown chicken in batches
  • Place chicken over potato mixture. Roast until a thermometer inserted in chicken reads 170° and potatoes are tender, 15-20 minutes. Remove chicken from pan. Immediately add spinach to vegetables, stirring to wilt slightly. Serve with chicken and, if desired, lemon wedges

Enjoy this delicious meal!