If you are staying at home longer than usual due to the community quarantine or as a safety precaution, it's important to have healthy foods on hand. First off, epidemiologist Brandon Brown stressed that there is no reason to clear out store shelves and hoard because many people probably have much of what they might need at home already. Vulnerable consumers such as the elderly or those with compromised immune systems may actually need supplies right now. Fruits Fourteen days of food and water is usually recommended before a pandemic so it's a good idea to keep both your freezer and pantry loaded up with fruits and veggies. These foods supply the same nutrients as fresh produce but last a lot longer. Pick up unsweetened fruits and unseasoned or low- or no-added sodium veggies.

• Long-lasting fruits: bananas, apples, oranges. Unripe bananas will ripen over the course of several days. You can also slice and freeze fruit for snacking or to toss in smoothies down the line. Keep in mind that fruits are packed with vitamin C, which is crucial for keeping the immune system strong.
• Frozen fruits: load up on frozen berries, pineapple, and mangoes which are perfect for making smoothies or topping yogurt and oatmeal.
• Freeze-dried fruit: Crispy, freeze-dried fruit supplies vitamins and mineral and is perfect for snacking.
• Dried fruits: shop for dried bananas or mango.

Vegetables Long-lasting veggies: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, peppers, and cauliflower stay fresh for several days when unwashed and uncut. Carrots (in the refrigerator) and potatoes (on the counter) even last longer. Canned food Beans, tuna, soups may not taste as good as the fresh stuff, but of course, they will last longer. And soups will come in handy if you happen to start feeling under the weather. Dry goods Pasta, rice, cereal, instant oatmeal, instant noodles, and biscuits will last a long time in your pantry. Snacks If you're going to be inside for two weeks, chances are you will be watching plenty of shows on TV or on Netflix. Buy several boxes of microwaveable popcorn, nuts, or chips. Water If you don't have safe drinkable running water at home, getting a two-week supply from the store might make sense. Cleaning and hygiene supplies Make sure you have a couple weeks' worth of dish soap, laundry detergent, and toiler paper. Medication It's imperative to make sure you have enough of any prescribed medications to last for a two-week period. You may also add convenience mixes like pancake and brownie mix on your shopping list especially if you have children. Keep this list handy in the event of a worst-case-scenario situation but, until then, keep in mind that the best defense against any virus is to practice thorough hand-washing. READ MORE: Chemistry professor explains how soap–not alcohol–annihilates coronavirus (Prepared by Gabriela Baron)