Your Questions About Sharing Food During The Pandemic Answered
The fight against COVID-19 has united many. Numerous people are reaching out to help others, especially with little to no food left to sustain them. However, there is the nagging question of whether food sharing is advisable, considering that the virus is known to stay on surfaces. Here are some of these frequently asked questions and answers to them by experts.
1. Can I bring a homemade casserole to my neighbour?
Yes, you can. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no scientific evidence to support the notion that food is a vector of the coronavirus.
Experts, however, assert that cooking should be done while observing utmost hygiene. Also, when you want to share such cooked meals, make sure to practice social distancing by creating a "contactless" delivery, which means that you leave the food at their door and leave before they come out to take it in.
Better safe than sorry!
2. Can I share uncooked food like salads and sandwiches?
The WHO has published reports that COVID-19 is killed off in high heat, which means that heating food before consumption can help you stay safe.
This, however, causes many to question the safety of sharing uncooked food like salads and sandwiches amid the pandemic. Again, it is essential to note that there is still no evidence to support that the virus can be transmitted through food.
Therefore, if you are preparing salads to share with others, make sure to observe hygienic practices like washing your hands properly throughout the process.
3. Can I still deliver food if I am feeling sick?
First and foremost, your health is imperative. If you feel sick, it is crucial to take a rest.
However, if you feel well enough and it is a must that you prepare food for your family or a loved one, practice good hygiene. The key here is to make sure that you don't pass on the germs to your loved ones.
Bethany Hodge, M.D., M.P.H., an associate professor with the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Louisville, says:
"Start with clean hands, wash produce, and cook meats thoroughly as you usually would. If you have a mask, you can wear it when cooking food while you are ill."
4. Can I share my sourdough starter?
Admittedly, staying at home comes with a lot of opportunities as you get enough time to experiment with food. One such is making your sourdough bread from scratch.
However, what do you do when it starts to get excessive? Share!
Yes, you can share your sourdough starter. There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through food; also, sourdough is ultimately baked in high heat, so there is no need to worry at all.
5. Can I deliver homemade food to pregnant women or families with newborn babies?
The CDC says that it remains currently unknown whether pregnant women are part of the population that are most vulnerable to the coronavirus.
So better safe than sorry, they are advised to practice social distancing just like everyone else. When preparing food to deliver to them, make sure you keep clean.
Stay safe and remember, sharing is caring!
