Journal of Critical Infrastructure Policy
severe hurricanes and wildfires , electric storms , and even sophisticated cybersecurity events , can cause major long-lasting disruptions to the food supply chain and food availability . In these events , non-perishable , shelf-stable food will be critical to stockpile .
3 . Deployable : The stockpile should be readily deployable and contemplate storage and transportation requirements . Similar to the SNS , a shelf-stable food stockpile should include standardized pallets that can easily be transported , in this case to a FAP loading dock for distribution . A resilient deployment framework should be developed , and storage space and delivery mechanisms must be accounted for .
4 . Decentralized : Stockpiles should be regional to ensure timely deployment and population data considerations . Each region should plan to stockpile based on geography and interjurisdictional relations . For example , existing councils of government in metropolitan regions like Washington , D . C .’ s Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments or Seattle ’ s Puget Sound Regional Council could be considered a region for both establishing the physical location of a stockpile , and also for planning , training , and exercise purposes .
5 . Safety : Food safety should be a top priority of a stockpile plan . Consideration for the shelf-life of products and process for replenishing expired or used products in a timely manner should be developed and practiced on an ongoing basis . The shelf-stable stockpile should be continuously replenished and renewed .
6 . Culturally and Health Appropriate : Stockpiles should have a standard set of staple items ; however , the needs of the population in a particular region should also be incorporated in the plan for supplying the stockpile . Culturally appropriate , shelf-stable items , such as rice and beans , kosher , or halal items , should be stocked accordingly , as well as non-allergen foods . Food consumption models can be established based on local food bank purchasing and distribution patterns .
Conclusion
In sum , the COVID-19 pandemic forced governments at all levels to respond with quick , stop-gap solutions to feed an ever-growing number of individuals , families , and communities experiencing food insecurity caused by the health and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic . Policymakers should view the COVID-19 pandemic as a “ near miss ” that precipitated emergency measures and continued intervention . As governments plan for recovery and prepare for future hazards , they should include food stockpiles as mitigation strategies . As a first step , the
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