I'm seeing people tweet about their anxiety surrounding meal preparation and planning and how to navigate this period of social isolation. I'd like to share a few maxims that have helped me through poverty, food insecurity, depression, and other dark times in my life.

First, having had periods of not being able to afford groceries, I always plan as if I'll be forced to live on the ingredients in my kitchen. There are items that last a long time that you can buy in bulk.

My kitchen always has: Oil, Flour, Vinegar, Sugar, Rice, Pasta, Dry Beans, Canned Tomatoes, Tuna at the very least

Seasoning Cabinet: Salt, Black Pepper, Adobo, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Curry Powder, Allspice

Rice has sustained me many times in my life. If I didn't have money for a protein, I could prepare rice and beans to hold me over until another income opportunity. When you're hungry, you have to think strategically

Flour is extremely versatile. If you have canned fish, you can prepare "fritters" by mixing fish with flour, water, seasonings of choice and creating a "batter" that you can fry in oil. Great for breakfast or snack.

Flour and water can also be used to make dumplings that can be boiled or fried. There high carb options can easily feed multiple people if you need to stretch

This thread is not intended to be prescriptive or align with any highly nutritious diet but to offer some options when your cupboard is vanishing and you don't have the means to replenish.

Here's a recipe for Spanish Style Beans that I've been using for years. http://urbangaygriot.blogspot.com/2014/01/recipe-spanish-style-beans.html