If you’d told me last year that there would be a day when I would go to the grocery store just once a week with a list and wonder what I might find on the shelf; or that I would come home giddy over finding a carton of eggs, a gallon of milk, and a loaf of bread, I might have questioned that.
Aren’t these things always supposed to be available? Didn’t rationing end with WWII? Like most of my generation, I’ve never gone to a grocery store prior to this pandemic wondering what might be available on the shelves.
An abundance of food is not something that I will likely ever take for granted. (I’ve talked about this many times here, here, here, here, and here as part of the reason why I choose to support Feeding America.)
Growing up, there were times when I watched my mom create meals out of very little. Charity food boxes were an exciting thing when they arrived, as there might be cool cereals, chips, or day-old donuts tucked inside.
In these moments of uncertainty, I’m actively looking for ways to be grateful for the little things that are happening everywhere around us. I’m overwhelmingly grateful for the human nature that is shining through in beautiful ways as well.
The acts of kindness and moments of happiness that I’ve seen shared online over the past month have brought me so much joy. If you have a story, please share it!
Right now, I’m grateful for the ability to sit on the porch, go for a walk, and most of all to enjoy the sunshine on these pretty spring days. I’ve made a habit of porch sitting in the morning and often the evenings too ever since we moved to Ohio and I’m even more thankful for that peace-filled habit now.
As a child in the middle of eight children, I missed the tightest of years for our family. My mom tells the following story of a particularly frugal season of life:
“I went to the store with a very small amount of money (I don’t remember how much), hoping to buy some meat. Back then ground beef was 99 cents a pound. Liver was 29 cents for a container the size of a small margarine tub. There were times I could not even walk past the meat counter because of the temptation to steal some.
Onions were 5 cents a pound. So, I bought the liver and two pounds of onions. We had one great meal and then fried onions until your father got paid a few days later. I always had beans and rice on hand so the onions provided an elegant garnish.”
I remember pinto beans and white rice on repeat throughout much of my childhood. My mom also made “Arroz con Pollo” (always said in Spanish to make it fancier!) which was always far more rice than chicken, but definitely an improvement over the constant beans on rotation.
One of my sister in laws recalls meeting the family over dinner and as my mom set a platter of chicken drumsticks on the table, apparently some of the younger kids were so excited they shouted “meat!”
The story makes me laugh now, as I recall there being meat for many of our meals, but she said that she immediately looked for the smallest piece on that platter to make sure there was plenty for the kids.
Yet, here I stand in 2020 able to buy what we need, but it isn’t there. For the past couple of weeks, you simply don’t know what you might find on the shelves at the grocery store. Will there be eggs in stock? or bread? or milk?
It isn’t good “business” right now to talk online about the Coronavirus or Covid-19 if you’re a food website.
The experts tell us that Google and advertisers will eventually search for the terms trending now as we deal with this pandemic and “reverse keyword target” them, meaning there is a list of keywords that they won’t want their advertisements to show next to.
The idea behind that is that if you post content with corona-related keywords in the posts, it is very likely that those posts will not earn nearly as well as your other content that does not include those keywords.
You know what? I just don’t care about that right now. This is a huge part of our life and our history and I don’t want to just gloss over it all.
There is so much unknown and I want to be present and listen and look for the joy in the little things around us. I want to help you where I am able.
Do you have random pantry ingredients that you’re trying to use? Shoot me a note, leave a comment on a recipe, or message me on Instagram.
Wondering if you can swap some chicken from the freezer for beef in a recipe? Odds are good that we can figure out a way to make it work with what you have on hand.
How are you doing, friends? How are you feeling? Do you want to talk about it? Please leave a comment.
Want to share something wonderful and great that is making you smile right now? PLEASE do that. Is it as simple as the cup of coffee that is breathing life into your day? Tell me about it.
We’re all in this together.
Betty says
I think we all needed to hear that right now. We are scared at not living through any time like this before and I think we “know’ we’ll be fine on the other side of it but we might ‘feel’ differently in times of panic and concern. Thank you for your words- we are all in this together and hearing that we aren’t alone helps,
Mary Younkin says
It IS a scary time, but knowing that everyone is in this together helps so much, Betty.
Deb Plante says
“For flowers that bloom about our feet; For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet; For song of bird, and hum of bee; For all things fair we hear or see, Father in heaven, we thank Thee!” Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Mary Younkin says
I love this quote so much, Deb!
Jamie L Abdnor says
Hi Mary, I’ve been receiving your emails for years now, but I just wanted to say thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story about your family..
I’m 53 and always loved to listen to the stories that my grandmother and great grandmother used to share,I never in my life thought we would be going through a pandemic of this sort, I just want to say thank you so much for being so uplifting and having such a gorgeous site to look at..
I look forward to more recipes and hopefully more stories..
Be safe and enjoy your lovely porch.
Love And Hugs From Texas…
Jamie..💜😘
I don’t have it too bad either, my husband and I live on a Wildlife Safari, so it’s nice to be here when all of this is going down… 💞
Mary Younkin says
What an interesting place to live, Jamie! I’m so glad to hear that you’re enjoying the recipes too.
Jennie Hall says
I have a few odd things in my pantry. One is a jar of mole given to me by my mother. I don’t have fresh chicken, but do have a pork loin. Any suggestions??
IIi
Mary Younkin says
Hi Jennie, mole is a traditional marinade or sauce typically used in Mexican foods. I’m thinking it would work nicely in the crockpot with the pork loin. Alternatively, you could roast or broil the pork loin after marinating it in the sauce and then slice it thinly to serve.
Donna says
I don’t like the time we are now going through. I feel sorry ones who live alone. I have my sister living with me. We may not always get along, but at least there is someone here. She in early stages of dementia, so there are trying times, too.
I worry about the children who depend on school for most of their food. The schools are making food for the children everyday, but how do they get it?
What about the children who are in bad homes with drugs of all kinds? What about the children who live with abusive family members?
I realize we are not to be in large groups, but I still with about the children.
Mary Younkin says
Hi Donna, I share your concerns for the children in unsafe homes and in homes with food insecurity. I wish there were easier answers. I know that many public schools are providing breakfast and lunch for those who need it and are either delivering it or making it available for safe pickup. Right now, all we can do is pray for them, but I am actively looking and listening for ways we might be able to help. I’m glad you are not alone right now.
Shelley C says
Hi Mary and all of you,
I think that as with most things, there are a lot of good things going on right now. It’s just different than what we’re used to. But maybe something like this needed to happen so that people would be forced to slow down and to spend more time with their families and good friends and less time running amok like we usually do trying to get so much done. I hope people relish this time for the veiled blessing that might be. Talk more and share some special moments with those that you love, as best you can with the social distancing rules in mind and maybe enjoy this opportunity to slow down a bit for a little while. Take care everyone and remember to check in on those who are alone in the world.
Brenda Clarke says
Thank you for supporting Feeding America and supporting your readers. We’re one of the lucky ones. My basement shelves are full of last years garden and what didn’t get canned is frozen. We have chickens who are enjoying the longer, warmer days and rewarding me with lots of eggs, enough for me to share with neighbors and still cook something sweet.
Here’s hoping your grocery list is filled weekly and you and yours stay well. Thank you.
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad to hear that you have plenty put away right now – and that you have chickens too! This was what it took to finally nudge us over the chicken line. I’m excited for our baby chicks to arrive soon!
Art Sulenski says
Mary,
We live in Costa Rica and so far are getting most everything we need. Chicken is a big seller here, beef is grass raised and is tough, good stuff for the crock pot. Rice and beans are a big stable here so we can get those when needed. We keep some on hand all of the time. Veggies and fruit are always available so we get them a lot. I was raised from 41 so i know what it is like not to have all that you want but mom was a kitchen genius and we ate fairly good. Folks just need to use common sense and things will be fine (too bad common sense has been replaced by one political party). i watch for things you post that we like and copy them so we can try them. thanks for all you do.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that things are readily available where you are, Art, and that you are enjoying the recipes too!
Sherry Darnell says
Loved your insightful posting. Truly a strange world we live in right now. Im 82 and do have pretty bad pulmonary issues so am staying on self imposed lockdown. So blessed that I have plenty of food and thinking about how earlier generations were called to go to war WwI, WWII and most recently Vietnam. So I feel certain that we can manage to obey instructions and stay in our homes on our soft beds and couches and watch t.v. Email, and read till this has past. I’m celebrating that one of our daughter in laws actually found a bag of flour in a store and bring to me since it’s been an item that has disappeared from the online shelves. So I,m going to use some of it to make cookies with whatever ingredients to be found ….chocolate chips or whatever. Love your recipes so much and I’m going to forage thro the ones I’ve saved and match whichever of them that conforms to my pantry . thank you. And stay safe.. We can do this!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you are staying inside and taking care of yourself, Sherry. And I’m excited for your bag of flour! I hope you enjoy the baking today.
Sue Mellado says
Thank you for your wonderful message today.
It is wonderful that so many people are (virtually) coming together supporting each other. I am feeling very blessed right now.
My prayer when we get to the other side of this is that we continue to realize that we are all members of humanity and that we will continue to be kind and caring. 🙏🏻❤️
Mary Younkin says
That’s my prayer as well, Sue.
Susan says
Mary;
I grew up learning rationing; as my mom’s mom lived with us. She was of Polish/Russian descent and came here as a child with her parents. Her Father went back to bring more family members here but ended up in Dachau. My bubbe, my mom’s mom was afraid that somehow they would come get her. She would always make my mom ration everything. We would take a gallon of milk and turn it into two buy adding powdered milk and water. Had a pantry behind the kitchen cabinets with canned goods and my mom’s canned fruit etc. so for me while yes I am shocked at all this, at the same time I am not as I grew up hearing the stories of WWII and what it was like before and then after. I have 4 sisters plus my bubbe and my parents in the house. My mom was T1 diabetic in & out of hospital most of my childhood life. We all had to pinch in and when were told enough, go to work & contribute to the household financially. So I am not doing anything new. I had already done our once a month shopping just before all of this started and had just refilled all my meds for 3 months as that is how I have always done it.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad to hear that you were prepared, Susan. I’m grateful for those lessons now as well!
KATHRYN EMERY says
Enjoyed your blog today. These are crazy days we live in! Where in Ohio have you moved? We are not far away in western NY…south of Buffalo, near Lake Erie.
Mary Younkin says
We are outside of Columbus, Kathy. One of my best friends lives near you.
Lokelani Rosehill says
Thank you for the beautiful pictures. I’m assuming it’s Ohio, where you live?
I really enjoyed this blog and your offer to figure out how to devise a meal with what we have in the freezer or cupboard. Great idea! I will definitely get in touch if I get to that point.
Have a beautiful day!
Mary Younkin says
Yes, we live in Ohio. Please do reach out if I can help with any recipes!
Linda Diaz says
Thanks for the comments on your feelings and thoughts right now during this crisis. I also remember growing up in a family of 6 children and my mother putting together healthy meals for us all with very little money. When I think back, I am amazed with what she did.
It makes me sad to think of some of us wasting food when we got by with so little.
Love your recipes,
Linda D. Ocala, Fl.
Mary Younkin says
I’m grateful as well for the lessons learned while growing up. I’m happy to hear that you are enjoying the recipes here, Linda.
Linda says
I love the quote by Fred Rogers now more than ever “look for the helpers”.
I try to find the good stories now, not the stories of people behaving badly.
Look for the Helpers, they are everywhere!
Mary Younkin says
Yes! The helpers are doing more than ever now, Linda.
Trish S. says
I live in a senior’s gated community & we are ALL self isolating. We wave at each other from the driveways. All non essential business are closed. We are very fortunate that we are able to order online, charge it to our cards and they load it in our cars in the parking lot. No physical contact. We accept any substitutes and so far it has been good. I’m learning to be very thrifty using what I have in my cupboards and freezers. We are planning our vegetable garden and this week I will be starting my lettuce seeds. I read on a site that some people save their washed vegetable peels in a container in the freezer and when they have enough they make vegetable stock. I save chicken bones and make bone stock. I cook and package beans in freezer bags & add them to soups and salads to up our protein. Lunch is soup or salads made from whatever is left over in the fridge. Hamburger soup is a real favourite. Like you at times in my childhood food was not that plentiful. I keep a very well stocked pantry and I make most things from scratch. Food doesn’t have to be fancy just back to the basics using herbs for flavouring. Know that we have our neighbours to the south of us in our thoughts and prayers. Take care.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad to hear that you’re doing well, Trish. We’re starting our lettuce seeds this week too!
Pam says
Thank you for your thoughtful post helping us all to remember to celebrate the little things. Today, I feel hopeful. I was able to find snacks to send to my students while we are out on this extended break and I began starting seedlings for my vegetable garden.
Mary Younkin says
That’s awesome, Pam. We’re starting a vegetable garden this year too! It feels good to have that to look forward too.
Patty p says
Got outside today and joined our food pantry team to serve about 30 families today. Taking the time to be kind to others makes this whole mess a little less scary and my frame of mind better! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on your favorite charity!!
Mary Younkin says
I agree, Patty. The more we help others wherever possible, the more doable all of this feels.
Patricia Kohar says
I enjoyed your thoughts today on the uncertainty of these tines
Times today. Your post was beautifully written. I too was
Sitting on my porch reflecting today here in Ohio. I listened
To the birds and looked at my daffodils the beauty of Spring
with all of this. May you and your family stay Blessed.
Mary Younkin says
The daffodils were making me so happy today too, Patricia.
Sharon says
I can truly relate to being giddy over finding eggs and bread in the grocery. I pray we will all learn and reprioritze when this crisis lifts. Perhaps some of our precautions now should become a routine part of our lives. Perhaps more people can work from home than they ever realized. My husband and I have found joy in our daily walks outside together. I am not at a dead run all the time. I am enjoying pictures of my grandkids and phone calls from my children. In spite of the health threat, I am blissfully happy.
Mary Younkin says
Oh Sharon, I hope so! We’ve all just had our priorities reset and I love not feeling like I’m in a race against time right now. There is definitely joy to be found through all of this.