My fellow DeKalb Countians! Being in control in an uncontrollable situation is the basis for the “milk and bread” winter weather debacle.
Feeling prepared and being in control are the two main reasons local citizens rush to their grocery stores to buy milk and bread when inclement weather, specifically snow, has been added to the meteorological weather forecast.
Currently, the Food Lion grocery store is stocked with an ample supply of milk and bread to accommodate the hundreds of DeKalb Countians who flock yearly in preparation of the winter weather forecast. Usually, it’s snowing. But it could be sleet or freezing rain. Whatever. It could be absolutely nothing. Just know that when the word “Snow” is mentioned, Tennessee and DeKalb County shut down indefinitely. It is then when the rush for bread and milk overtake humanity.
The two key sentences relative to this food hoarding, are feeling prepared and being in control. And, it is written that you may be buying more food to satisfy your emotional needs. There is a sense that anxiety becomes more pronounced during this unforeseen time, which causes sporadic purchasing and stockpiling.
According to Accuweather, New Englander’s may be the origin of the milk-bread debacle. One incident was the Blizzard of 1978 that trapped persons in their homes for weeks. The second event was the 1950 snowstorm in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania that left many citizens without bread and milk. The early purchasing of milk and bread seems to have stemmed from these two wintertime incidents, which left citizens unprepared and emotionally-drained.
Another reason local residents buy bread and milk before a snowstorm is because they are considered staple foods that can be easily used to make simple meals if someone gets stuck at home due to heavy winter weather, specifically ice and/or sleet or snow. These delicacies provide essential nutrients like protein and carbohydrates while being readily available in an operative refrigerator. This behavior often stems from a desire to feel prepared and in control during potentially disruptive weather conditions, even if it means buying perishable items that might not be fully consumed. The above statement hinges upon having electrical power in the home during and/or following a snow event.
The following are the key points about this phenomenon:
• Perishable nature: Bread and milk have a relatively short shelf-life, so persons worry about running out if they can’t get to the grocery store during snow-based inclement weather.
• Psychology factor: The act of buying these items can provide a sense of security and control when facing an uncertain situation like a snowstorm.
• Historical influence: The “bread and milk” trend is often attributed to major snowstorms in the past where persons were trapped at home for extended periods without access to fresh food (See above).
• Mob mentality: When others are seen buying large quantities of bread and milk, it can create a sense of urgency and lead others to do the same.
When a bad storm is predicted, especially a snowstorm or mounting inches of the white stuff, persons often buy milk and bread because these items are seen as essential staples for weathering the storm. And, like with accumulating snow, neither lasts long – seven days maximum.
The shelf-life of pasteurized milk is seven days, while skim milk has a 10-day shelf life. Ironically, the shelf-life for a loaf of bread is also seven (7) days,
Yes, stocking up on milk and bread for a one-inch (or smaller) snow is perhaps a bit overboard but, in a more sustained weather-event, what types of things should persons run to the store and buy? The American Red Cross preparedness website recommends things like:
• WATER: One gallon per person per day.
• NON-PERISHABLE FOODS: Note: Bread and milk are perishable, each having a shelf life of seven (7) days,
• FLASHLIGHT
• BATTERIES
• SANITARY PRODUCTS
• BLANKETS
• EXTRA CASH
• CELL PHONE CHARGERS
• DAILY MEDICINES
• FAMILY CONTACT INFORMATION
• BATTERY-OPERATED RADIO
• MAP (S) OF THE AREA
• COPIES OF PERSONAL DOCUMENTS
• PET SUPPLIES
• TOYS FOR CHILDREN
• BABY SUPPLIES
• MEDICAL EQUIPMENT – HEARING AIDS, ETC.
• EXTRA SET OF CAR KEYS
OK, now go and enjoy that “French Toast” if you have purchased all the milk, bread, and eggs.
Feeling prepared and being in control are the two main reasons local citizens rush to their grocery stores to buy milk and bread when inclement weather, specifically snow, has been added to the meteorological weather forecast.
Currently, the Food Lion grocery store is stocked with an ample supply of milk and bread to accommodate the hundreds of DeKalb Countians who flock yearly in preparation of the winter weather forecast. Usually, it’s snowing. But it could be sleet or freezing rain. Whatever. It could be absolutely nothing. Just know that when the word “Snow” is mentioned, Tennessee and DeKalb County shut down indefinitely. It is then when the rush for bread and milk overtake humanity.
The two key sentences relative to this food hoarding, are feeling prepared and being in control. And, it is written that you may be buying more food to satisfy your emotional needs. There is a sense that anxiety becomes more pronounced during this unforeseen time, which causes sporadic purchasing and stockpiling.
According to Accuweather, New Englander’s may be the origin of the milk-bread debacle. One incident was the Blizzard of 1978 that trapped persons in their homes for weeks. The second event was the 1950 snowstorm in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania that left many citizens without bread and milk. The early purchasing of milk and bread seems to have stemmed from these two wintertime incidents, which left citizens unprepared and emotionally-drained.
Another reason local residents buy bread and milk before a snowstorm is because they are considered staple foods that can be easily used to make simple meals if someone gets stuck at home due to heavy winter weather, specifically ice and/or sleet or snow. These delicacies provide essential nutrients like protein and carbohydrates while being readily available in an operative refrigerator. This behavior often stems from a desire to feel prepared and in control during potentially disruptive weather conditions, even if it means buying perishable items that might not be fully consumed. The above statement hinges upon having electrical power in the home during and/or following a snow event.
The following are the key points about this phenomenon:
• Perishable nature: Bread and milk have a relatively short shelf-life, so persons worry about running out if they can’t get to the grocery store during snow-based inclement weather.
• Psychology factor: The act of buying these items can provide a sense of security and control when facing an uncertain situation like a snowstorm.
• Historical influence: The “bread and milk” trend is often attributed to major snowstorms in the past where persons were trapped at home for extended periods without access to fresh food (See above).
• Mob mentality: When others are seen buying large quantities of bread and milk, it can create a sense of urgency and lead others to do the same.
When a bad storm is predicted, especially a snowstorm or mounting inches of the white stuff, persons often buy milk and bread because these items are seen as essential staples for weathering the storm. And, like with accumulating snow, neither lasts long – seven days maximum.
The shelf-life of pasteurized milk is seven days, while skim milk has a 10-day shelf life. Ironically, the shelf-life for a loaf of bread is also seven (7) days,
Yes, stocking up on milk and bread for a one-inch (or smaller) snow is perhaps a bit overboard but, in a more sustained weather-event, what types of things should persons run to the store and buy? The American Red Cross preparedness website recommends things like:
• WATER: One gallon per person per day.
• NON-PERISHABLE FOODS: Note: Bread and milk are perishable, each having a shelf life of seven (7) days,
• FLASHLIGHT
• BATTERIES
• SANITARY PRODUCTS
• BLANKETS
• EXTRA CASH
• CELL PHONE CHARGERS
• DAILY MEDICINES
• FAMILY CONTACT INFORMATION
• BATTERY-OPERATED RADIO
• MAP (S) OF THE AREA
• COPIES OF PERSONAL DOCUMENTS
• PET SUPPLIES
• TOYS FOR CHILDREN
• BABY SUPPLIES
• MEDICAL EQUIPMENT – HEARING AIDS, ETC.
• EXTRA SET OF CAR KEYS
OK, now go and enjoy that “French Toast” if you have purchased all the milk, bread, and eggs.
I’m waiting for snow cream. It’s made with cream, vanilla and sugar. God furnishes the snow. It’s free!
