Supply Shortage Checklist

Most shortages are short and local. In 2020 FDA said the food supply stayed strong and that empty shelves came from unusual demand and distribution problems, not from a lack of food.

Before anything happens

Build a two-week pantry slowly from foods you already eat. Add one or two extra items each trip. That is much cheaper and calmer than buying everything at once.

During a shortage

1. Buy what your household will use over the next week or two. FDA specifically asked people to leave some for others.
2. Check your own pantry first and eat from it, oldest items first.
3. Use substitutes. Ask yourself what the item does, then find something else that does it: another grain, another protein, powdered or shelf-stable milk.
4. Try smaller stores, or buy in a different size. In 2020 FDA pointed to items short in consumer packaging, such as 5-pound (2.3 kg) bags of flour.
5. Get information from official and established news sources.

Medicine

Do not ration or stretch a prescription. If you cannot get yours, talk to your pharmacist or doctor about an alternative. See medication planning.

Fuel

Keep your gas tank at least half full, or your electric vehicle charged, if a disruption is possible. Store fuel only in approved containers, outside living areas, and only as much as you need.