Meat plants shutting down as workers get sick

[captain queeg]

https://apple.news/ACpnAl74WQMWVHjm-tzQyUg

I remember when the hoarding started meat cases were emptied. I don’t eat much meat so didn’t care but maybe some people knew what was coming.

[Midnightwalk]

1. Don't panic but reasonably prepare

Dried or canned goods are good because you don’t need refrigeration.

A month or so ago bought for a couple of weeks but could stretch for a long time. We didn’t need to buy a lot more than usual, but mostly it was to avoid going out for at least a week. No problems restocking every 10 to 14 days. We still have plenty of meat but we’ll get what’s there next time we go to top off.

A big change in mentality was buying with 2 weeks between the next trip in mind. We used to wind up in a store to grab something a lot more. We restock with a list but are ready to adjust mentally based on what is or isn’t there. So far we’ve not had problems but some prices went up.

The article itself says shortages are unlikely so don’t panic buy. That’s what causes shortages right now.

Consumers are unlikely to see any shortages because of production disturbances. But the closures are devastating for some meat producers, which have remained open during the pandemic. Food suppliers are essential businesses.

The United States has a large enough meat inventory to prevent shortages for consumers, explained Christine McCracken, senior analyst of animal protein for Rabobank. Processors that were previously servicing restaurants or cafes have started to sell to retailers. And some restaurants are selling groceries, including meat, directly to customers.

[Demovictory9]

2. uh oh. meat eaters going to have to learn to love tofu, lentils, peas, other sources of protein

[marybourg]

4. O? You don't think the pickers of peas will ever get sick?

[Demovictory9]

5. ooops. I wasnt thinking.. we are screwed.

[uponit7771]

3. K&R, thx for this info. I'll start stocking up for the month. IHEA model depends on 100 Wuhan lock

... down to be over by May so we're nowhere near that