The rules and issues around the COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve and information changes consistently. Please take note of when our content was written and always go to the sources we’ve provided for the most current guidance.

HealthLink BC has recommended we limit our trips to the grocery store to once a week. Here are some tips to help you make each trip count.

These ideas came from you!

We shared a post on Facebook earlier where we asked you for some of your best grocery shopping tips to make each trip to the store as efficient as possible. Here are some of your suggestions.

Tips to make the most of your grocery shopping

  • Don’t panic buy. There’s no need for food hoarding. Only buy what you need for the week (or two).
  • Consider buying some shelf stable foods:
    • Beans, canned fish, chickpeas, soups, canned whole tomatoes and sauce
    • Frozen fruits and vegetables
    • Frozen meat
    • Pastas, rice and quinoa
    • Dried fruit
    • Popcorn kernels
  • Go in with a plan. Consider making a meal plan so you know exactly what you need to buy.
  • Categorize your list by each section of the grocery store to be as efficient as possible.
  • Find out what deals are available through online flyers or grocery shopping apps.
  • Don’t go in hungry. We all know what happens when we go in hungry…
  • Practice safe shopping. Remember the guidelines around physical distancing, and don’t fall victim to these myths about physical distancing. Don’t be afraid to politely tell someone you need more space.
  • Consider leaving your reusable bags in your car. Most grocery stores are not accepting reusable bags. If you want to avoid using plastic or paper bags, leave your reusable bags in the car and load them straight from the cart to your trunk.
  • Follow safe food practices once you’re home.

Did we miss anything? Share your tips in the comments section below.

This is an evolving situation and information is changing all the time, so go to the source for updated information.       

Did you like this? You might like these posts too! 

COVID-19 and food safety: the basics
COVID-19: 3 ways to politely tell people to keep their distance
COVID-19: which disinfectants work?
Physical distancing: myths and reminders

Look through all of our COVID-19 related information on our website.        

Where do we fit in?

Yes, we are a provincial regulator. We are responsible for some very specific transactions in BC. We aren’t experts on COVID-19. We won’t – and shouldn’t – ever give medical or legal advice. But we are in a unique circumstance right now and we want to help people navigate the current reality. We don’t have all the answers, but we will do our best to share information from reliable sources, put it in ways that are easy to digest and understand, provide referrals and help you navigate this situation.

About Consumer Protection BC

We are responsible for regulating specific industries and certain consumer transactions in British Columbia. If your concern is captured under the laws we enforce, we will use the tools at our disposal to assist you. If we can’t help you directly, we will be happy to provide you with as much information as possible. Depending on your concern, another organization may be the ones to speak to; other times, court or legal assistance may be the best option. Explore our website at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca.