Thinking of Bringing Food to Someone in Quarantine? Here's What You Need to Know

With COVID-19 cases on the rise globally, many of us are staying home more, reducing trips to restaurants, and limiting grocery store visits. The CDC advises that those at higher risk—particularly older adults or individuals with chronic health conditions—should have meals and groceries delivered by friends, family, or services like Instacart and Postmates.

Chances are, you know someone who fits this description. It might be an elderly relative, a neighbor, or even a friend in self-quarantine due to potential exposure to the virus.

So, what food items should you bring, and how can you safely deliver them during this time of social distancing? Are there any precautions your loved one should take before enjoying their meal?

Though it's a challenging time, there are answers—and solutions. Here are some essential tips to help guide you:

Make It Nutritious

It's easy to reach for sugary treats or alcohol in stressful times, but as Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN, author of Eating in Color, reminds us, "those options can weaken our immune system." Instead, focus on comfort foods packed with essential nutrients.

Important: Always ask the person about any food allergies or dietary restrictions, advises Melissa Majumdar, MS, RD, CSOWM, LDN, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. "You don't want to put in all that effort only for them not to be able to enjoy it."

Meal Suggestions:

• Tuna casserole: Canned tuna is a great source of protein and omega-3s, and you can usually make it with ingredients on hand, says Largeman-Roth. Add canned or frozen peas for more vitamins and nutrients.
• Soups and chili: You get multiple food groups in one pot, and soup is easy to divide and freeze," says Majumdar.
• Meatloaf: You can make it 500 different ways, and it tends to freeze well.
• Pulled chicken or pork: You can add vegetables to make a full meal.

Shopping List:

• Bread: It's easy to freeze, and you can grab just a slice or two when you need it.
• Apples: They'll last for three weeks or so in the fridge.
• Oranges: High in vitamin C, they also last in the fridge. "People may be low on fresh items if they've been quarantined for a while," says Largeman-Roth. "Getting something fresh and citrus-y may lift their spirits."
• Shelf-stable milk or milk alternatives: They're a smart option if there's a run on fresh milk, especially if you have kids, says Largeman-Roth.
• Carrots, dried apricots, and canned pumpkin: "Anything naturally orange!" says Largeman-Roth. "They're a good source of beta carotene, an important immunity booster."
• Canned or dried beans and lentils: They have zinc, also good for immunity.
• Spinach and almonds: They're rich in magnesium, which helps us sleep and manage stress.

Items to Avoid:

• Fragile produce like berries: They spoil fast, and someone in quarantine may not have the space to freeze them.
• Super-perishable produce like lettuce or avocados: They go bad quickly, and you can't freeze them.
• Homemade cream-based soups: They don't freeze well.
• Common culprits for food poisoning: "Remember that you're cooking for someone who's likely in a vulnerable population," says Majumdar. Skip unpasteurized soft cheeses, sprouts, raw or undercooked meats, or salads with eggs and mayo.
• Packaged cakes, donuts, and cookies: "They're not a great idea for someone who's worried about their immunity," says Largeman-Roth.

Keep It Simple

A few straightforward steps can help reduce stress for everyone involved:

• Use individual serving dishes — they're easier to reheat in a hurry.
• Choose canned foods with pull-top lids, especially if the person is elderly. Can openers can be tough for older hands.
• Include clear cooking instructions.
• Remember add-ons. If you're making soup, throw in whole-wheat crackers or bread to make a whole meal, Majumdar says. Or add a jar of marinara sauce and a loaf of garlic bread with dried pasta.

Ensure Safety

Although there's no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through food, we must all remain extra cautious, says Majumdar. Check the latest CDC updates for detailed guidance and always adhere to fundamental food safety practices.

For the Chef:

Before and during meal preparation:

• Wash your hands and work surfaces often, especially before and after handling raw meat.
• Use separate cutting boards and utensils for meat to prevent cross-contamination.
• Cook to the proper temperature.
• Refrigerate salads and other cold foods right away.

When transporting food:

• Use disposable dishes and tote bags or other containers you don't need returned.
• Transport your food either hot or cold. Avoid the danger zone (40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit), where bacteria likes to grow.

Food Delivery:

Take a cue from services like FreshDirect and other delivery companies that now offer contactless delivery. Arrange a time and location to drop off the food, then call or text your friend when it's there. Be sure to sanitize your hands before and after delivery.

For the Person in Quarantine:

• Wash produce well under running water. Pay attention to bananas, avocados, melons, and other fruits and veggies with a peel or rind. Any surface bacteria can spread inside when you slice through it.
• Follow cooking instructions carefully. Refrigerate promptly anything you won't eat right away.
• Think FIFO: First in, first out. If you're stuck at home for a while, you'll likely have leftovers piling up, Majumdar says. Use up first whatever will go bad the soonest.

Make It Personal

Though times are tough, small thoughtful gestures — like a plate of homemade cookies or a bouquet of fresh flowers — can bring comfort. And don't forget the microwave popcorn, suggests Largeman-Roth. "They're likely to be watching plenty of TV and movies."

Discover Our Collection of Recipes

• Tuna casseroles
• Soups and chilies
• Meatloaf recipes
• Pulled pork