Looking at the 'stockpiling' threads..

[EinsteinaGogo]

Is there genuinely ANYONE who could afford to get a couple of weeks shopping into the house, who hasn't?

And if so, WHY?

There's a lot of people willfully misunderstanding the difference between prepping and panic buyers.

Whatever there's no point in discussing it with them, they've been told by the Govt months ago that panic buying is very bad and are using that as a stick to beat those who have genuine concerns over the situation (AKA the AD lot). This is so not about food, it's about their need to ridicule and deride anyone who takes this situation seriously and therefore there is little point in debate with them.

In fact if it wasn't CV they'd probably be looking for an argument elsewhere.

Usually at this time of year I'm running down all the cupboards and the freezer to empty so that I can defrost the freezer and do the big Christmas shop and a seasonal deep clean.

Who knew but doing this I was single-handedly causing disruption to the supply lines.

Sometimes I buy three of something I only need one of because they're on special offer.

And sometimes I buy entirely different things that I have never bought before because we have guests coming.

Logically these actions must also cause dangerous supply line disruption and I must desist immediately.

Do me a favour..

I'm not sure if some people are lackadaisical about taking care of their families because of ideological blinkers that forbid taking Covid seriously.

Or if they actually ate irritated to feed their family did a couple of weeks during illness or self-isolation bit are pretending otherwise.

But either way it is tiresome and illogical.

@ChavvySexPond

Usually at this time of year I'm running down all the cupboards and the freezer to empty so that I can defrost the freezer and do the big Christmas shop and a seasonal deep clean.

Who knew but doing this I was single-handedly causing disruption to the supply lines.

Sometimes I buy three of something I only need one of because they're on special offer.

And sometimes I buy entirely different things that I have never bought before because we have guests coming.

Logically these actions must also cause dangerous supply line disruption and I must desist immediately.

Do me a favour..

I'm not sure if some people are lackadaisical about taking care of their families because of ideological blinkers that forbid taking Covid seriously.

Or if they actually ate irritated to feed their family did a couple of weeks during illness or self-isolation bit are pretending otherwise.

But either way it is tiresome and illogical.

"Are equipped to feed their families during a period of illness or self isolation "

That "irritated" is a bit Freudian isn't it?!

I agree Chavvy, I think there's a lot of pretending going on actually, I don't believe for a second anyone didn't, hasn't or won't buy a bit extra in just in case.

I think loads of people buy a bit extra. Probably not 2 weeks extra though, which was the original, judgey, OP.

It's the "preppers" on this thread blaming everyone else for issues that has annoyed me

@toilet the OP wanted to know why, if you had the means to, you wouldn’t have a well stocked food cupboard. It wasn’t the ‘preppers’ who started the blame game. The very first response was

I could afford to but haven’t because I’m not an arsehole who hoards resources at the expense of those who don’t have the luxury of driving to big supermarkets and spending £££ on a few weeks’ worth of shopping.

There have been numerous posts along these lines and all I, and others, have tried to do is explain why gradually building up supplies at a time when there are no supply issues does not disadvantage anyone and may, in some circumstances, be beneficial to others by reducing demand during times of shortage. I’m certainly not claiming everyone who builds a stockpile is an angel or everyone who chooses not to is the devil incarnate. I do think ideally more people would be a little more prepared if they can be, but of course it’s up to them if they choose not to be. What I can’t ignore are all the posters who seem to wilfully misunderstanding the whole concept of building a stockpile responsibly and levelling unfair accusations at those who do.

I have spare money as I can budget...

Stockpiling is just greedy and irresponsible as there is no need to do it and just messes up the delivery of goods schedule!

But hey, some people are born this way!

There's a familiar "we just have to believe " ring about some posts on here. Despite the evidence of their own eyes regarding how difficult shopping became from March and the strong possibility of short notice self isolation.

Hand on heart I honestly have not stocked up on anything. I don't have an issue with anyone who has. Do what you need to do. Some people take reassurance from having supplies. I take reassurance from believing I don't need supplies and shopping as normal.

My cupboards are full, always are. I'm a prepper so don't have to panic buy or go without, it's daft not to be in this day and age.
We are very poor, so when I go shopping I pick up one or two extra things. Have enough loo roll to last about 6 months, gave plenty to friends and family when it was scarce.

I just don't want or need 6 months worth of loo roll in my house. It's obviously a different type of mindset.

@SurroundedByIdiotsEverywhere

I have spare money as I can budget...

Stockpiling is just greedy and irresponsible as there is no need to do it and just messes up the delivery of goods schedule!

But hey, some people are born this way!

Stockpiling is not the same as panic buying which is what screws up delivery schedules and inventory levels - because it's a huge unexpected surge in demand.

Buying just a few extra here or there easily gets absorbed by the supermarkets as run of the mill buying behaviour.

I’ve stocked up on some items. However, having been hit on the head while asleep by a falling tower of loo roll in about mid-April, I’m not about to go to those lengths again.

@Janevaljane

I just don't want or need 6 months worth of loo roll in my house. It's obviously a different type of mindset.

We buy the Nicky loo roll from either Home Bargains or Farm Foods. They are usually 18 for around £4. It is good quality, just as good as the expensive brands

There is only me and DH and we get through, on average, 2 loo rolls a week so they would last around 9 weeks. The last time we bought loo roll they had packs of 40 which worked out even cheaper per roll

Why would we buy a smaller pack when they work out dearer? I don't really understand why people buy packs of 2 or 4 loo rolls. It's something you always need and doesn't really take up that much room.

My sister buys massive packs from Costco and keeps some out and the rest in the loft

Ah ok. There's 5 of us. 6 months of loo roll would be a lot of loo roll.

I always have a fair bit in, just because weve been through times of not much money so I prefer to have plenty of food etc. We do a bi-weekly big shop and top up milk and bread in between, this isn't because we're stockpiling though, just our normal routine.

I have just now bought some nectarines for my CEV neighbours because they fancied some fresh fruit and I was going to the shops anyway. What’s the big deal?

Should I be lashing them about not preparing properly? or say they could have eaten slimy tinned peaches instead?

I am happy to help them out or add stuff to my online order for them. Why wouldn’t I be?

Those selfish bastards aridane

I don't have family round the corner and live on my own.

So in case I have to self isolate or worse still, come down with the virus itself and I'm ill for a long time I have stocked up.

I have a tiny kitchen but have made use of all availalable space.

What I would want to know from those of you who have huge kitchens, what do you have in all your cupboards, larders etc? Don't you make use of the space with food etc?

As for equating gradually making sure you have enough supplies without stripping shelves for unforseen situations, illness, etc, with depriving those who haven't the funds or space or inclination. Nonsense.

Using the same logic, why have second homes, rental portfolios as aren't you depriving others from owning their own home, by stockpiling houses, when you already have one!

By the way I don't have a second home and I'm not a landlord.

At the height of lockdown I was supposed to be medically sheilding but was forced to walk miles every day (I don't drive) visiting different supermarkets trying to get food for my family of 6. Pride stopped me from registering my details with my local council to get voluntary help.

That was foolish.

My first ever post but a long time lurker and a long one!
Can’t believe how nasty some of the posts here are just because people have different opinions
Would never have called myself a prepper and didn’t talk about it (mainly for fear of being laughed at!) but similar to an earlier poster, I started gathering extra things weekly c.18m ago inc. a second freezer - had about 3-4 months worth Dec time. DH and DS making jokes about my Brexit cupboard and I felt a bit unsure and crazy about it but I just had a weird gut feeling
@bellinisurge and many many other posters (think I can spot some but they’ve NC) have given absolutely invaluable advice to many, so thank you from me
The news from China started and I was also due an op early Feb
Neither DH or DS can cook and I’m not sure if they have ever been in a supermarket in last 10 years (I’m not hard done by they are amazing at doing everything else in the house!)
Op (private) seemed to go ok but early March I was rushed back in to an NHS ward for urgent surgery (it had gone wrong and I didn’t know) and came home day of lockdown as 4 cases on my ward and they turfed everyone out as quickly as recovery would allow. Bought fruit/veg from stall outside hospital doors on way and I knew we’d be ok for weeks as had already seen the reports of panic buying)
In March I lost my GPs to COVID and in April-May very nearly lost another 4 family members to it (some young) and I have been SO grateful that we were able to stay at home and not go near the madness and lack of deliveries that ensued around here, apart from dropping some food from my stash to other family members (who only shop for a few days at a time and took the p* out of me originally) but ended up having to isolate!
DH and DS have never mentioned the stash again and are now in full support of being aware/keeping on top of things
I honestly owe any preparedness I had to the prepper board so thank you!

@TheFridayFeeling , I'm so sorry that you have had such a dreadful experience during these past months. I hope you are finding a way to get through it.

My weekly shop also tops up the pantry and freezer. If I was stocking these from scratch that would be a different matter entirely.

Thanks @bellinisurge back health now and all recovered. I only posted to illustrate how having enough in was a godsend for us as I’m sure it was for others) even with family around who incidentally couldn’t help at the time
Think we are now again in the top 5 areas so I will be keeping on top of it but each to their own 🤷‍♀️

TheFridayFeeling I'm glad you are recovering. I can't imagine what it must be like to be so ill and still not be able to rely on your dh and ds to get the bloody shopping! Honestly, buying fruit and veg on your way home from urgent surgery, what's that all about.