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How to Prepare for Three Days of Food Disruption

The Government’s new "Be Ready" campaign is encouraging households to take simple steps in case everyday services are disrupted by an emergency such as severe weather. 

Its advice to be prepared for three days is about coping while support reaches those who need it most. It is not a warning that food shortages are expected.

For That’s Food and Drink readers, the practical message is straightforward: make a modest plan, use food your household already enjoys and build up supplies gradually. 

The Government advises checking your cupboards first, then picking up an extra item or two during normal shopping trips. You don’t need to buy everything at once or clear shelves.

Start with the food you already eat

Choose food that lasts without refrigeration and can be eaten without cooking. Tinned fish, meat, beans, vegetables and tinned cheeses are useful options, alongside crackers, oatcakes, dried fruit, nuts and long-life snacks. 

Tinned or pouch foods can make quick meals, while long-life milk and juice add variety. Check labels and choose things that suit your household’s tastes and dietary needs.

Think about how you would serve the food if the cooker, kettle or microwave were unavailable. A tin of beans might be useful, but only if you have a safe way to open and eat it. A manual tin opener is a small item worth checking.

The official checklist suggests bottled water too: three litres per person per day for drinking, with more needed for cooking and washing. That means 18 litres for two people over three days. Store it safely and rotate it as needed.

Plan for everyone at home

Remember food for babies, pets and anyone with particular medical or dietary requirements. The Government’s checklist also highlights ready-to-feed formula, nappies, essential medication and pet food. If you rely on regular prescriptions, request them in good time.

If a power cut happens, keep fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible. The UK Chief Medical Officers say a fridge may stay cold for around four hours; a full freezer may keep food frozen for up to 48 hours, or 24 hours if half full. Their emergency food advice also says to use chilled and defrosting food first, and to take particular care with food for babies, older people, pregnant women and anyone with a weakened immune system.

Also, keep torches and portable lamps at the ready, making sure they are fully charged or have sufficient batteries to hand. Candles and matches are also a good idea.  

Finally, check dates and replace items every six months. A few familiar foods, gradually added to the cupboard, can make an unexpected disruption less stressful, and can be used in everyday meals if the emergency never comes.

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New Kent Sparkling Wine 'Figgy's Fizz' Launches With a Powerful Story of Hope

Figgy's Fizz, a premium single-estate, single-vineyard sparkling white wine from the newly established Figgis Family Vineyard, on Mount Ephraim Estate near Faversham, Kent, has been created by Sean and Steph Figgis and their son Alistair in memory of their son and brother, Chris, affectionately known as "Figgy", who sadly took his own life in October 2022 aged 18. 

Rather than allowing Chris's story to end there, his family transformed their grief into something positive, creating a wine that celebrates life, community and connection while encouraging more open conversations around mental health and suicide.   

In support of The Listening Place, a donation of 50p from every bottle sold will be made by Figgis Family Vineyard to The Listening Place (Registered Charity No. 1164739). The Listening Place provides free face-to-face support for people struggling with suicidal feelings. 

Made exclusively from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes grown in Figgy's Field on the Mount Ephraim Estate, Figgy's Fizz is a sparkling white wine, made using the Charmat method, with a 12.5% ABV and an RRP of £25. 4,000 bottles of the 2025 vintage will be available from September through selected fine food retailers across Kent and the Figgis Family Vineyard website. 

Figgy's Fizz 2025 

Tasting Notes:  A bright, lightly sparkling wine for any occasion. Crafted from Pinot Noir & Chardonnay grapes grown at our vineyard near Faversham, Kent, and made using the Charmat method, it is fresh, fruit-forward and wonderfully refreshing.  

Serving suggestion: Enjoy well chilled as an aperitif or alongside light dishes. 

ABV: 12.5%  

RRP: £25 

Link to Buy: https://www.figgisfamilyvineyard.com/shop 

Other stockists: Macknade, Perry Court Farm Shop, Myatts of Mockbeggar, Gibson's Farm Shop, Wingham Country Market and Monks Granary Wine and Cheese.

If you are feeling depressed these resources are helpful:-

https://www.thelisteningplace.org.uk

https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/depression/

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What's the Matcha With You? Move Over Matcha: Tom Parker Creamery’s Golden Milk Brings a Tasty, Cosy Glow

As the evenings draw in, there’s something lovely about having a comforting drink to look forward to. 

Tom Parker Creamery is adding a golden touch to the milk aisle with Golden Milk, a gently spiced whole milk drink inspired by haldi doodh, the traditional Indian drink made with milk and turmeric.

Made with free-range British whole milk, turmeric, cinnamon, honey and black pepper, Golden Milk has a naturally golden colour and a creamy, gently spiced flavour. 

It’s designed to be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge or warmed up for a soothing, caffeine-free alternative to an evening coffee. 

What about trying it on your cereals for a wonderfully warming breakfast?

The new 500ml glass bottle launches in Waitrose and Ocado from 21 October 2026, with a recommended price of £1.80. There’s no need to measure out spices or wash a saucepan afterwards: just give the bottle a shake, pour, and enjoy.

Golden Milk takes inspiration from a drink with a much longer history than the modern café golden latte. Known as haldi doodh in India, turmeric milk is part of South Asian food culture, with families often making their own versions using spices such as cinnamon, black pepper or nutmeg. Tom Parker Creamery’s ready-to-drink version brings together familiar ingredients in a handy everyday format.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy it. Warm it gently and froth until silky, then finish with a little cinnamon. For a more indulgent mug, add grated dark chocolate or chocolate curls. On warmer days, pour it over ice, or spoon frothy cold milk over an iced glass for a refreshing golden latte.

It can also bring a gentle hint of spice to breakfast. Try it poured over granola or use it to make overnight oats. It’s an easy way to add variety to a balanced diet, with whole milk and traditional spices in one convenient drink.

Rob Yates, CEO of Tom Parker Creamery, described it to That's Food and Drink as “a hug in a mug” when warmed and frothed. That sounds especially appealing on a chilly evening, when a familiar mug and a comforting drink can make home feel just a little cosier.

Golden Milk joins the creamery’s range of added-value whole milks, including Vitamin-Enriched Whole Milk and Bedtime Milk. Like the wider range, it is made with British whole milk and comes in a glass bottle with a recyclable paper label.

Whether you enjoy it cold, warm or over ice, this golden newcomer offers a simple, gently spiced moment of comfort.

https://www.tomparkercreamery.com