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Food: The Journey Disrupted.

© Bob Ewing

We are experiencing a taste of Spring, weeks before it normally arrives. This morning I opened the balcony door. The balcony faces east and looks over the harbour. The morning sun rises into my kitchen and living room. I open the door to feel the Sun's warmth and enjoy the cool late winter wind.

February started warn. The teasing of Spring days coaxed people out of their winter coats. Everything was melting and buildings were being flooded. Then wham, 30 degree temperature drops and snow, snow, snow.

This weekend the temperature is expected to climb above zero, an unusual occurance, but I'm ready for it. Time spent outside recharges me.

Weather can prevent the food you depend upon for preparing your daily meals, may not make it into tow. Be prepared is a good motto. Delays in transportation time, from Farm to City, can have a rippling effect through the community.

Stores at first are jammed as panic buying begins. Then the supplies dwindle and the crowd gets meaner. Then the supplies gone and the stores empty. Bills to pay but no customers, employees laid off, loans unpaid, groceries not bought from wholesalers. How long would it take to run the previous scenario from beginning to end?

There are a number of ways to be prepared for the unplanned events that can disturb your normal routines. A little knowledge will go a long way and may save you from nibbling on dry crackers as you reach the bottom of your food cupboard.

One of the first steps you need to take is to guarantee your water supply. You can have a mountain of dried pasta, rice and beans but without water or a substitute liquid to cook it in, it'll be hard chewing.

You may want to consider stocking up on energy bars. They will provide you with the basic nutrition that you require and are easily stored. Get in the habit of keeping a pack or so in your car, just in case you run into an emergency situation and are away from home. It doesn't hurt to have a basic emergency preparedness kit in the trunk of your car, first aid items, blankets, food, water, at the least.

In past articles, I have discussed solar cooking and recommend you give this some thought. A solar cooker can that is readily transportable. Another handy item is a thermos. This tool can provide you with nourishing hot meals provided you plan ahead.