Swedes Stockpiling Food in Anticipation of Possible War Amid Rising European Concerns

SadaNews - The number of Swedes stockpiling food and cooking supplies is increasing in preparation for the potential outbreak of war in Europe, in response to authorities' calls to enhance civil readiness as part of a comprehensive defense strategy.

Government agencies encourage citizens to stockpile enough food and water for at least seven days, so that aid can be directed to the most vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and the ill.

The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency has issued a list of protein-rich and easily storable foods such as pesto, dried meats, powdered milk, chocolate, and instant mashed potatoes.

A Moral Boost Before Being Nutritional

Some citizens believe that stockpiling their favorite foods helps boost morale during crises, considering that familiar food provides a sense of comfort and nostalgia amid unstable conditions.

The Biggest Challenge in Transport and Supply

Authorities warn that transporting food within the country will be a real challenge in the event of war, given the concentration of production in southern Sweden and the difficulty of delivering supplies to the sparsely populated northern areas.

Civil Defense and Public Awareness

According to a survey conducted by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency of 2000 people, 86% of Swedes believe that their country is worth defending in the event of a military attack, and 76% said they would be prepared to defend it within the Swedish civil defense system.

The agency has sent a guidance publication to all Swedish households twice to clarify how to act in the event of a crisis, once in 2018 and again in 2024.

The survey, published in March, showed that 39% of people felt "worried" upon receiving the latest edition of the booklet in 2024, compared to only 24% in 2018.