Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - You've no doubt experienced it yourself in recent days. You head to a local supermarket for a few things and scratch your head looking at the bare shelves.
There's been a run on fresh meats, staples and, yes, toilet paper at local supermarkets and big box stores.
Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz Sunday joined with local grocery stores Tops Markets and Wegmans to inform residents of continuing efforts to keep store shelves stocked and shopping environments safe for all. Grocery stores have been classified as essential businesses during the coronavirus pandemic and are working to ensure that all patrons have access to the supplies they need for the health and well-being of themselves and their families.
"Avoiding panic buying is important, as this will ensure that everyone has equal access to products they need, and this is a community issue that involves everyone, says Poloncarz.
At Tops Markets, Kathy Sautter says, “We are working to ensure that we have the items you need during this trying time. We appreciate your patience as our supply chains and distribution teams have been working around the clock to ensure that the food, cleaning supplies, household essentials, and pharmaceuticals that you need are reaching our stores as quickly as possible and are available to purchase in-store, with grocery pick-up, or by delivery."
“Wegmans is here for the WNY community and our doors remain open", says Michele Mehaffy. "Because this is impacting the retail industry around the world, supply is limited and there are a number of pressures on the supply chain to keep up with demand. This, coupled with the high volume we're seeing across all departments, is affecting what is available on our shelves. Know that we continue to receive shipments to our stores every day."
Social distancing is also a challenge at essential stores. Most outlets have designed lines to wait behind at checkout lines to ensure proper distancing between customers.local news