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Please Stay Healthy During COVID-19
By Patrice Powers-Barker, OSU Extension, Lucas County
The Truth Contributor
Dear Readers,
This is the monthly nutrition article, but today’s format
will read more like a letter because I want you to know you
are not alone in this time of uncertainly. I would like to
encourage you to use the information and advice of the
emerging science and to trust yourself to make the best
choices for yourself, your loved ones and our larger
community. I applaud the work of Sojourner’s Truth
throughout the year and I am especially grateful for this
newspaper as a valuable resource as we stay home and
practice social distancing.
I recognize that everyone’s current situation is different –
some people are working outside of the home, some people are
at home with children who would normally be in school and
most of us are missing friends and family who we would
typically see in-person. There are two common goals for all
of us: we all have to eat, and we all need to stay well. The
following information is shared from the CDC and North
Carolina State Extension.
COVID-19 is very serious, and we encourage you to follow all
safety recommendations. It is important to understand that
Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread from
person-to-person through respiratory droplets. It may be
possible for a person to get COVID-19 by touching a
contaminated surface or object and then touching their
mouth, eyes, or nose, but this is not thought to be the
major way the virus is transmitted. Based on current
research, in relation to a safe food system, the risk of
transfer of viruses is very low. Coronaviruses need a living
host (animal or human) to grow in and cannot grow in
food.
There is no shortage of food in the United States, although
local stores may not have normal inventory while supply
chains adjust. My recent experience at the stores have been
very different than when I grocery shopped a month ago. I
see empty shelves for products like disinfectant wipes and
hand sanitizer. For some foods, the shelves are not
completely out but the only options left are the brands that
cost two to three times what I would normally spend on that
item.
While this feels frustrating, I try to remember that this is
not permanent, and I try to get creative with other options.
For our household, we are trying to visit the grocery store
less frequently and plan out more meals between visits. We
have added more canned foods to our list in order to store
them in a cupboard and not have to refrigerate or freeze. I
know not all families love canned meats, but they have
become more regular in our meal planning. My family likes
tuna fish sandwiches and although canned salmon is not the
first choice of everyone in my home, we will be making some
salmon patties this month. Also, canned chicken can be added
to enchiladas, chicken chili and chicken salad sandwiches.
We also use canned beans as a simple addition to add protein
to our meals.
Note: if disinfectant supplies are low, you can make your
own with a bleach solution and either an old rag or paper
towels. The recommendation for COVID19 disinfectant: 5
tablespoons bleach per gallon of water. Clean surfaces (like
kitchen counters) with soap and water and then follow with
this disinfectant.
Are take-out and drive throughs a good option? From a
nutrition point of view, I will still encourage you to add
more vegetables and fruits to your day and limit high fat
and high sodium food options but there can be healthy
choices at restaurants. From a food safety point of view,
there is no current indication that takeout or drive-thru
meals will increase illness. This option can be a good risk
management choice, especially for high risk and elderly
groups because it reduces the number of touch points
compared to other options such as going to the grocery
store. In order to serve the community and to earn money,
many local and national chain restaurants are getting
creative in their offerings such as family-style take out
meals. If you had normally frequented a locally owned
establishment before the COVID-19 pandemic make sure you
check out their current options to see if it will fit with
your current situation.
For those who are struggling with having enough food, please
contact United Way by calling 211 or texting your zip code
to 898-211 to find the best and closest options for you.
While school is out, meals are provided for children in the
community. Social service agencies that served those in need
before the pandemic are still serving families although
their current operations may have made changes due to
COVID-19. If you are in a position to donate to local
services, they need and appreciate the support. For those
donating and those in need, I would recommend checking with
United Way or the individual service to see how they are
currently operating, who they serve and their greatest need
for donations.
Like many schools and other community services, the Ohio
State University Extension, Lucas County Office is closed
but staff are still working. If you have any questions
related to nutrition, household budget, families or food
safety, please know that we are available to you. Here is my
contact information: Patrice Powers-Barker, Family and
Consumer Sciences Extension Educator, email:
powers-barker.1@osu.edu phone: 419-574-0893. Web page:
https://lucas.osu.edu/fcs
or Facebook for ongoing updates:
https://www.facebook.com/OSUExtensionLucasCounty/.
During this time when we are not out in public, gathering
and learning from one another face-to-face, you are missed!
Stay well friends, Patrice
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