Food Insecurity

Of course, not in the sense this term is generally used – “the disruption of food intake or eating patterns because of lack of money and other resources” – but a certain sense of insecurity regarding our food supply has come about during this time of isolation due to the Coronavirus Covid-19 outbreak.

The monthly report from Google Maps came by e-mail this evening. It gives a record of places visited during the month of March and shows only four red dots on the map – four places we have been during the month of March, one of these being home, of course. The other three included two supermarkets and an hotel where I met a friend who was passing through Waterford and had some snowdrops for me. That last outing was on Friday, 13^th of March, and we have been at home since then.

Our local supermarket, Supervalu in Kilbarry, Waterford, have kept us supplied with groceries since then, two deliveries a fortnight apart and the latest this evening. Ordering is online and planning these shopping lists is a little challenging. Given the difficulties the supermarket is experiencing at the moment, it has to be accepted that there will be items out of stock. Because of this, we are inclined to spread the net wide, so to speak, to order a wide range of items so as to ensure we have enough for our meals. The option to substitute similar items for out-of-stock items is given when ordering and this helps ensure most of the basics are covered but there is a little nervousness that all we need will not be available – this is our food insecurity! This evening’s delivery will keep us well for the coming fortnight. Not everything ordered arrived but we will be fine with what we have.

The vegetable patch assumes a greater importance in times of “food insecurity” 

Apple trees promise a good crop later in the season. 

The spuds have been set – under black plastic to obviate the necessity of earthing-up as they grow.   I grow ‘British Queens’, a popular floury potato. 

In this situation there is extra value in the little we grow in the vegetable garden. At this time of year, pickings are quite sparse. Rhubarb has been plentiful; last’s years spinach resprouted and was appreciated; a few last leeks made a good soup but I regret not sowing broad beans last autumn and of not growing purple sprouting broccoli. The appearance of the first asparagus is such a welcome sight and, as we have a big bed, we will be eating well for a few weeks. We set the spuds in mid-March; sugar snap peas have germinated, as has a new batch of spinach, so there is promise of supplies ahead. Courgettes, beans etc will follow. All will be well and food insecurity will be kept at bay. The famine has been averted.

Rhubarb has been very welcome in the past weeks.

Tender pink rhubarb, “forced” by covering the stools with a large refuse bin keeping it dark and warm.

There won’t be a shortage of garlic!

And the first spears of asparagus have appeared.