Swedes are increasingly stocking up on food and supplies as concerns grow that war in Europe could spread closer to home. Authorities have renewed calls for citizens to prepare for potential crises by keeping enough provisions to live independently for at least seven days. During ‘Preparedness Week’ in late September, government agencies highlighted Sweden’s “total defence” strategy — a nationwide system that mobilises citizens, businesses, and public institutions to maintain essential functions in the event of conflict. The Swedish Food Agency has issued updated guidelines, recommending easy-to-store and high-energy foods such as dried meat, biscuits, powdered milk, jam, pesto, and chocolate. The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) has also sent brochures to all households detailing how to act in a crisis and what to stockpile. A recent MSB survey showed that 86% of Swedes believe the country is worth defending and 76% would participate in civil defence. Yet feelings of unease are growing: 39% of respondents said they felt “worried” upon receiving the latest preparedness brochure, up from 24% in 2018. Experts warn that Sweden’s geography and supply chains pose logistical challenges, with most food production and imports concentrated in the south. In a conflict scenario, transporting food across the vast, sparsely populated nation could prove difficult. From fairs demonstrating crisis cooking to renewed government campaigns, Sweden’s message is clear: preparedness is not panic, but prudence.
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