Winter Storm Looms Over North Carolina; Small Businesses Step Up With Meal Kits
In a proactive response to an impending winter storm, small businesses in North Carolina are offering snow day meal kits to help families prepare for the icy conditions and potential power outages ahead. The storm, which threatens to bring an arctic blast and significant ice accumulation, has prompted a rush at local grocery stores and inspired community support initiatives.
Grocery Stores See Last-Minute Rush Before Storm
Raleigh’s Village District saw a surge of shoppers at Harris Teeter, with staple items like pasta, canned soups, and bread flying off the shelves. Zoe O'Brien, a store employee, noted, "Stuff like pasta was fully cleared out. Some canned soups were missing. Some breads definitely were missing. A lot of people were also stocking up on meats."
Gianna Jones, a local resident, managed to gather essentials but found water bottles in short supply. "I got some pasta and some non-perishables. I tried to get some water, but it was all out," she said, reflecting the urgency many felt as the storm approached.
Cheeni Offers Prepared Meal Kits for Snow Days
Amid the panic buying, Cheeni, a local restaurant chain with locations in Downtown Durham and Research Triangle Park (RTP), introduced snow day meal kits. Chef and owner Preeti Waas explained the initiative was born out of a desire to support the community during challenging times. "To make sure that in case people don't want to cook or didn't have enough ingredients or they're unable to cook cause the electricity's out and the power is out," she said.
Waas emphasized the importance of community solidarity, especially in a month when many small businesses are already slow. "We just hope that together, by helping each other, it'll benefit everyone," she added. The meal kits are designed to provide ready-to-eat meals that require minimal preparation, ensuring families have food even if they lose power or cannot venture out.
Supporting Small Businesses in Challenging Times
Waas also highlighted how the meal kits can help sustain small businesses during the storm. "Help us out to help other small businesses out because two or three days of lost revenue can be fatal to a small business, especially in a month that we're already very slow," she explained. By pre-ordering meal kits, customers can ensure their support reaches local businesses even when physical stores are closed due to weather conditions.
Community Preparedness and Safety Tips
As the storm draws closer, experts urge residents to take additional steps to prepare. This includes ensuring an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, blankets, and a first-aid kit is readily accessible. Additionally, knowing how to report and check power outage locations can be crucial in a widespread outage scenario.
"How long will food last in the fridge after a power outage?" is a common question. Officials advise keeping refrigerator doors closed to maintain cold temperatures longer and using coolers with ice if the outage persists beyond a few hours.
Stay Informed and Support Local
For those looking to order Cheeni’s snow day meal kits, the restaurant’s website provides detailed information on availability and pickup options. Meanwhile, local authorities and meteorologists continue to monitor the storm’s trajectory, urging residents to stay informed through reliable channels like ABC11 and other local news outlets.
In a time when extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, the collaboration between community members and local businesses serves as a powerful example of resilience and mutual support. As North Carolina braces for the winter storm, the message is clear: preparation and unity can make all the difference.
