The past month has been trying for everyone in some way, shape or form. Even if you’re not personally affected by the coronavirus, we’ve all seen restaurants close down and empty shelves at the supermarket—and of course, that’s not all.
Now, according to the White House’s coronavirus response coordinator, we should do our best to avoid grocery stores for the next two weeks.
Why Shouldn’t I Go to the Grocery Store?
Shopping has already been tricky throughout the COVID-19 epidemic, but for the next couple of weeks, it’s best if you stay home entirely.
In a recent press conference, Debbie Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, said “the next two weeks are extraordinarily important.”
“This is the moment to not be going to the grocery store, not be going to the pharmacy, but doing everything you can to keep your family and your friends safe,” she added.
We know that’s not an easy thing to hear, but there are ways to make do during this difficult time. And if you’re in need of some news to make you smile, read through these uplifting stories about helpful neighbors—they just might inspire you to do the same.
What If I Still Need Groceries?
Just because you’re unable to head out to your local Aldi or Target doesn’t mean you can’t get what you need. There are plenty of options available for home delivery or pickup.
At Whole Foods, Amazon is offering grocery delivery in certain locations, Walmart has a delivery service that offers a free trial and some Target stores are doing same-day delivery through Shipt. Lots of people are using Instacart, which brings local groceries right to your doorstep. (This is the app to use for Aldi’s home delivery service.)
While we know things might seem scary, we’re all in this together. Right now, we need to heed experts’ advice and flatten the curve—and maintain our belief that there are better days ahead.
What to Make When Your Fridge Is Bare
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Chicken with Rosemary Butter Sauce
This elegant rosemary chicken requires minimal effort but will win you major compliments. You'll love the mellow sauce! —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware
Special Pork Chops
I work 9 hours a day, so I need delicious and simple recipes like this one. My husband thinks I work hard fixing meals, but these chops are good and easy. In summer, I can my own salsa and use some to top these chops.—LaDane Wilson, Alexander City, Alabama
Quick Tater Tots Bake
I like to make this dish when time before supper is short. If we have unexpected company, I just double the ingredients and use a 13x9-in. pan. I call it my Please Stay Casserole! —Jean Ferguson, Elverta, California
Pan Burritos
Our family loves Mexican food, so this flavorful, satisfying casserole is a favorite. It’s nice to be able to get the taste of burritos and cut any serving size you want. —Joyce Kent, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Lasagna Rolls
My Italian lasagna roll-ups are not complicated; they require only basic ingredients to assemble. Prepared spaghetti sauce helps me save time and get dinner on the table sooner. —Mary Lee Thomas, Logansport, Indiana
Fast Baked Fish
We always have a good supply of fresh fish, so I make fish recipes often. This recipe is my favorite because it is moist, tender and flavorful. —Judie Anglen, Riverton, Wyoming
Easy Beef Pies
We make a lot of French dips and always have leftover roast beef. Here's how I put it to good use. For these pies, use any vegetables you like. They're extra awesome drenched in cheese sauce. —Jennie Weber, Palmer, Alaska
Biscuit Turkey Bake
As a college student, I go for stick-to-your-ribs foods that are also easy on the budget. Here's one that fits the bill. I like to bake this casserole for friends' birthdays. —Stephanie Denning, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa
Simple Chicken Enchiladas
This recipe is so quick and easy, and I always receive a ton of compliments. It quickly becomes a favorite of friends whenever I share the recipe. Modify the spiciness with the intensity of the salsa and the green chilis to suit your taste. —Kristi Black, Harrison Township, Michigan
Black Bean and Beef Tostadas
Just a handful of ingredients add up to one of our family’s favorites. Also easy to double for company! —Susan Brown, Kansas City, Kansas
Slow-Cooked Ham
Entertaining doesn't get much easier than serving this tasty five-ingredient ham from the slow cooker. And the leftovers are delicious in casseroles! —Heather Spring, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas
Saucy Skillet Lasagna
Thanks to no-cook lasagna noodles, this skillet lasagna makes a fresh, filling, flavorful and fast entree for any Italian meal. —Meghan Crihfield, Ripley, West Virginia
Easy Glazed Salmon
It only takes four ingredients and a few moments of time to make this delightful main dish. —Tara Ernspiker, Falling Waters, West Virginia
Hot Dog Roll-Ups
Not only do my grandchildren love these cheese-and-bacon filled hot dogs, but they enjoy helping put the meal together, too. It's the perfect solution to a last-minute lunch. —Lyletta Searle, Morgan, Utah
Red Pepper Chicken
Chicken breasts are treated to black beans, red peppers and juicy tomatoes in this Southwestern supper. We love it served with rice plumped up in chicken broth. —Piper Spiwak, Vienna, Virginia
Fiesta Ravioli
I adapted this recipe to suit our taste for spicy food. The ravioli taste like mini enchiladas. I serve them with a Mexican-inspired salad and pineapple sherbet for dessert. —Debbie Purdue, Freeland, Michigan
Beef in Onion Gravy
I double this super recipe to feed our family of four so I'm sure to have leftovers to send with my husband to work for lunch. His co-workers tell him he's lucky to have someone who fixes him such special meals. It's our secret that it's an easy slow cooker dinner! —Denise Albers, Freeburg, Illinois
Sloppy Joe Pasta
Since I found this quick-to-fix recipe a few years ago, it's become a regular part of my menu plans. Everyone loves the combination of sloppy joe ingredients, shell pasta and cheddar cheese. —Lynne Leih, Idyllwild, California
Breaded Ranch Chicken
A coating containing cornflakes, Parmesan cheese and ranch dressing mix adds delectable flavor to the chicken pieces in this recipe and bakes to a pretty golden color. Ranch baked breaded chicken is a mainstay main dish I can always count on. —Launa Shoemaker, Landrum, South Carolina
Dijon Pork Chops
A crumb coating is all you need to turn pork chops into a wow-worthy family dinner. Try the breading on chicken breasts, too. —Chris Rentmeister, Ripon, Wisconsin
Red Pepper & Parmesan Tilapia
My husband and I are always looking for light fish recipes because of their health benefits. This one's a hit with him, and we've tried it at dinner parties, too. It's a staple! —Michelle Martin, Durham, North Carolina
Southwest Tuna Noodle Bake
None of my co-workers had ever tried tuna noodle casserole, but since we live near the Mexican border, they challenged me to make a Southwest version. After trying the tasty results, everyone wanted the recipe! —Sandra Crane, Las Cruces, New Mexico
Chicken Provolone
Though it's one of my simplest dishes, this version of an Italian classic is also one of my husband’s favorites. It’s quick to prepare and a garnish of fresh parsley or basil makes it look elegant. —Dawn Bryant, Thedford, Nebraska
Beefy Tortellini Skillet
This skillet wonder is a tortellini dish the family craves. From browning beef to cooking the pasta and melting the cheese, everything happens in one pan. You can add basil or chives for a touch of freshness. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
Frito Pie
Frito pie is legendary in the Southwest for being spicy, salty and cheesy fabulous. Here’s my easy take on this crunchy classic. —Jan Moon, Alamogordo, New Mexico
Smothered Burritos
My brother-in-law teased that I only knew five ground beef recipes. I proved him wrong with my inventive spicy burritos. —Kim Kenyon, Greenwood, Missouri
Creamy Beef & Potatoes
One of my husband's favorite childhood memories was eating his Grandma Barney's Tater Tot Casserole. It's just as much fun making with O'Brien potatoes, too. — Heather Matthews, Keller, Texas
Parmesan Fish Sticks
I wanted a healthier approach to fish sticks and developed a baked tilapia with a slightly peppery bite. My husband and sons love the crispy coating. —Candy Summerhill, Alexander, Arkansas
Ham & Swiss Stromboli
This is a treat to take to someone for dinner. It's also easy to change up the recipe with your favorite meats or cheeses. —Tricia Bibb, Hartselle, Alabama
Shakshuka
Shakshuka is a dish of poached eggs with tomatoes, onion and cumin. I learned it while traveling through Southeast Asia, and it's been my favorite way to eat eggs since. —Ezra Weeks, Calgary, Alberta
The Ultimate Grilled Cheese
These gooey grilled cheese sandwiches taste great for lunch with sliced apples. And they're really fast to whip up, too. Here's how to make grilled cheese the right way. —Kathy Norris, Streator, Illinois
Quick Chicken Piccata
Quick chicken recipes make dinner a breeze. Laced with lemon and simmered in white wine, this stovetop entree is super easy and elegant. Almost any side—noodles, veggies or bread—tastes better next to this lovely chicken. —Cynthia Heil, Augusta, Georgia
Penne with Tomatoes & White Beans
I learned how to make this dish from friends in Genoa, Italy, where they're known for creating tasty combinations of veggies, pasta and beans. You can sub feta cheese to give this a Greek twist. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Contest-Winning Broccoli Chicken Casserole
This delicious chicken and broccoli casserole recipe is a twist on chicken divan that came from an old boss. It’s quick, satisfying comfort food. —Jennifer Schlachter, Big Rock, Illinois
Garlic Toast Pizzas
Between working full-time, going to school and raising three children, finding time-saving recipes that my family likes is one of my biggest challenges. These quick pizzas pack a huge amount of flavor. —Amy Grim, Chillicothe, Ohio
My Mother's Mac and Cheese
I remember my mother sending me to the store for 15 cents worth of cheese. The butcher would cut off a slice from a gigantic wheel covered with a wax-coated cloth. Mother would then blend that cheese into this tasty dish. Today, the memory of her cooking is like food for my soul. —Phyllis Burkland, Portland, Oregon
Weeknight Ravioli Lasagna
My husband and I love lasagna, but it's time-consuming to build and we always end up with too much. Using frozen ravioli solves everything. —Pamela Nicholson, Festus, Missouri
Mediterranean Chickpeas
Add this to your meatless Monday lineup. It's great with feta cheese on top. —Elaine Ober, Brookline, Massachusetts
No-Fuss Chicken
This recipe could hardly be simpler to prepare. The chicken gets a wonderful tangy taste, and no one will know you used convenient ingredients like a bottle of salad dressing and onion soup mix...unless you tell them. —Marilyn Dick, Centralia, Missouri
Basil Pork Chops
Just a few ingredients give a tender pork loin chop all the glazed goodness it needs. Serve with your favorite roasted veggies and you’ve got a meal bursting with flavor. —Lisa Gilliland, Fort Collins, Colorado
Stuffed Pasta Shells
These savory shells never fail to make a big impression, even though the recipe is very easy. One or two of these shells makes a great individual serving at a potluck, so a single batch goes a long way. —Jena Coffey, St. Louis, Missouri
Cheese Ravioli with Veggies
When pasta and veggies are on the menu, my sons get to the table fast. The frozen medley is so convenient, but sometimes I throw in peas, corn, broccoli or zucchini instead. —Amy Burns, Charleston, Illinois
Spaghetti with Bacon
As children, we always requested this dish for our birthday dinners. Our mother got the recipe from her grandmother. Now I pass on our tasty tradition. —Ruth Keogh, North St. Paul, Minnesota
Parmesan Chicken Nuggets
My 3-year-old is going through a stage where he'll eat only chicken nuggets and French fries. I like to make these golden nuggets for him so I know what he's eating. They're so good, we like them, too! —Amanda Livesay, Mobile, Alabama
Au Gratin Sausage Skillet
Using frozen vegetables and a package of au gratin potatoes, I can get this satisfying stovetop supper on the table in no time. Even our oldest daughter, who can be a picky eater, loves it - and it is an excellent way of getting her to eat her vegetables. —Penny Greene, Lancaster, Ohio
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Emily Hannemann