Essential vs Non-Essential Groceries: Navigating Lockdowns
Deciding which items of grocery are to be considered essential has become a key challenge, especially during lockdowns. This article explores the criteria for categorizing groceries into 'essential' and 'non-essential' and provides insights on the availability and price concerns during such times.
Criteria for Determining Essential Grocery Items
The absence of something that challenges your living or survival is often called essential. This includes a broad range of food and grocery items, as well as everyday necessities like medicines and utility bills. However, the line between essential and non-essential items can blur, with many items considered necessities due to their medicinal properties, yet still be optional for survival.
Essential Foods and Groceries
Most essential groceries are staples like rice, flour, and other grains, as well as kitchen accessories. These items are crucial for sustaining basic living. Additionally, regular and unplanned medicines like asthma kits, syringes, and insulin syringes pens are also considered essential, as they are necessary for life.
Utilities and Essential Services
Ensuring uninterrupted utilities like power and water is essential. Paying utility bills is a service that must be prioritized to avoid facing interruptions in these services, which can significantly disrupt daily life.
Other Essentials
Cooking gas, fuel, and related accessories are also considered essential. These items are critical for basic activities such as cooking, heating, and transportation. However, almost all other items, while desirable, are not necessary for survival. Examples include stationary, clothing, phones, mobiles, books, and luxury items like chocolate and fruits.
Perception of Essentials
It’s important to note that the perception of essential items can vary widely depending on financial status. Those with ample resources may find a broad range of items essential, while those with limited resources may prioritize only the most basic necessities. The line between essential and non-essential can be subjective and varies based on individual circumstances.
Availability and Pricing Concerns
The issue during a lockdown extends beyond essential vs non-essential categorization. Availability and pricing can significantly impact the decision-making process, especially when items that are deemed essential are not readily available or are priced to be unaffordable.
Previous Lockdown Experiences
One personal account highlights the challenges faced during a lockdown, where certain items were severely restricted in availability. For instance, toilet paper and paper towels were in such short supply that they could only be found on online platforms. Similarly, essential food items like sushi, bread, and meat became astronomically priced, making them financially unviable for many.
Example 1: Essential Items in Short Supply
Items like sushi and bakery products were not available in stores. Sandwich bread and English muffins cost exorbitantly – a loaf of bread and a bagel both costing $10. Fresh fish was scarce, and a tiny 4-oz. frozen lobster tail cost $20.
Example 2: Essential but Expensive
The deli and kiosk sections were closed, leaving dairy sections half empty. Ground hamburger meat cost $20, and rib-eye steak was priced at $25. Contrarily, prepackaged frozen meals like Lean Cuisines were available for $1.25 per serving. Liquor stores and marijuana dispensaries were open around the clock, yet tourism revenues were hindered by strict quarantine rules and exorbitant Airbnb fees.
Conclusion
During a lockdown, the categorization of groceries into essential and non-essential becomes crucial. While the criteria for essential items are more clear, availability and pricing remain persistent concerns. It is essential to prioritize the most basic needs and avoid unnecessary financial stress. Governments and businesses must work together to ensure that essential items are available at reasonable prices. Otherwise, the community's overall well-being can be severely hindered.