Is there already a Food Shortage in the US?
Food is on their way. Currently, there is no shortage of food despite the many events of panic buying in different parts of the country.
An Ample Amount of Food
Dairy, meat, and produce supplier groups and federal regulators are saying that there is a sufficient amount of food products in cold storage to supply the unexpected demand for food and household goods for US citizens due to the COVID-19 crisis, says an article.
According to the latest data from the Agriculture Department, frozen poultry, red raspberries, cheeses such as American cheeses and Swiss cheeses had reached record-high stocks. Also, frozen pork products are 11% more compared to last year.
The Supply of Rice
Producers of rice are saying that there is no shortage of this product. Rice is known to have a long-shelf-life and cheap. The producers say that these products are quickly being replenished in grocery stores and supermarkets.
According to Betsy Ward, the president of the USA Rice, there are no supply issues with rice. She says that the empty rice shelves in grocery stores are a sign of shifts in the logistics system in the retail market.
The Supply Chain
On Tuesday, federal meat inspection groups stated that they will continue normal operations. In the Southern border, food imports will continue to flow. This will continue regardless of restrictions of non-essential travel in the region.
Also, the US government and executive of grocery stores and supermarkets stressed that the supply chain remains firm.
Restocking high-Demand Goods
Big-scale retail chains such as Kroger, H-E-B, and Walmart have lessened their store hours to allow their staff to have more time to restock high-demand goods overnight. Also, agricultural groups assure everyone that there is no shortage of food in the country.
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Hiring 100,000 more Employees
The large-scale online shopping platform, Amazon, had announced job openings of 100,000 for its warehouses in the United States. This aims to meet the inclining demands of household goods such as groceries.
Amazon had recently temporarily paused receiving non-essential goods in its warehouses until April 5.
Assistance from the Government
The Congress and the Whitehouse are on the edge of a possible $1 trillion stimulus package for workers in the airline industry and those who are working for small businesses. It will probably include a minimum of $1 billion extra food assistance. This is forecasted to be of high demand due to the huge number of laid-off employees from restaurants, and other businesses. These people are obligated to stay home indefinitely due to the increasing threats of the COVID-19.,
Asking Consumers to Remain Calm
The food sector of the country is convincing US consumers to stay calm and refrain from hoarding. The sector is saying that the fears for food shortages are exaggerated.
According to Heather Garlich, the VP for the media and public relations at FMI, there is no issue with the supply of food, but there is a concern with the demand for food.