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Food shortages -- in the US?

Food shortages -- in the US?
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  • Post #31 - August 11th, 2021, 6:04 pm
    Post #31 - August 11th, 2021, 6:04 pm Post #31 - August 11th, 2021, 6:04 pm
    These foods disappeared from grocery stores last year. Now they're back.
    https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/11/business ... index.html
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #32 - August 16th, 2021, 1:46 pm
    Post #32 - August 16th, 2021, 1:46 pm Post #32 - August 16th, 2021, 1:46 pm
    https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2021-08-03/arizona-water-drought-farmers-cattle

    Just a heartbreaking article about the devastation right now in Arizona.

    I think it is very interesting that we don't hear more about this on the news.
  • Post #33 - August 19th, 2021, 1:53 pm
    Post #33 - August 19th, 2021, 1:53 pm Post #33 - August 19th, 2021, 1:53 pm
    Costco reports shortages of toilet paper and bottled water due to hoarding in the wake of the Delta variant.

    It's deja vu all over again
    What is patriotism, but the love of good things we ate in our childhood?
    -- Lin Yutang
  • Post #34 - August 21st, 2021, 8:13 am
    Post #34 - August 21st, 2021, 8:13 am Post #34 - August 21st, 2021, 8:13 am
    Joy wrote:https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2021-08-03/arizona-water-drought-farmers-cattle

    Just a heartbreaking article about the devastation right now in Arizona.

    I think it is very interesting that we don't hear more about this on the news.



    Funny, I live in Arizona and I have not heard it. It has been the wettest July and August in years.
  • Post #35 - August 22nd, 2021, 9:31 am
    Post #35 - August 22nd, 2021, 9:31 am Post #35 - August 22nd, 2021, 9:31 am
    But Arizona is just ending its monsoon season, isn't it? So we would expect that there would be some significant rain for the past months? Is that right?

    The day after I posted that link to the article, wondering "why we don't hear about the drought on the news," there was a story about it on WGN morning news. I was surprised.

    Our peeps who live in AZ grumble about the drought somewhat. But all live in good-sized cities where they do not seem that affected. It is my friend that has lived in California almost all her life that is most vocal about what is happening with water.
  • Post #36 - August 23rd, 2021, 10:56 pm
    Post #36 - August 23rd, 2021, 10:56 pm Post #36 - August 23rd, 2021, 10:56 pm
    A couple thoughts on the California situation: If all that Iowa pork can't be sold in California, there should be an oversupply for the rest of the country leading to lower prices.

    And I wonder if the higher prices in California Aldis are due in part to higher fixed costs at the store, such as property prices (Aldi owns most if not all of its store properties) and insurance along with wages.

    As an aside on pork, it looks like cheap "elephant trunk" boneless pork loins may be back with restaurants increasing their orders for baby backs.
  • Post #37 - August 24th, 2021, 12:07 pm
    Post #37 - August 24th, 2021, 12:07 pm Post #37 - August 24th, 2021, 12:07 pm
    tjr wrote:A couple thoughts on the California situation: If all that Iowa pork can't be sold in California, there should be an oversupply for the rest of the country leading to lower prices.

    And I wonder if the higher prices in California Aldis are due in part to higher fixed costs at the store, such as property prices (Aldi owns most if not all of its store properties) and insurance along with wages.

    As an aside on pork, it looks like cheap "elephant trunk" boneless pork loins may be back with restaurants increasing their orders for baby backs.


    I cannot say that I shop at Aldi stores in AZ and CA very frequently as the closest stores are 100 and 325 miles respectively.

    However, I will say that the CA stores in El Centro, CA are 20%+ more than the Ohio stores that I frequent.

    I will say that CA has a number of regulations affecting egg prices for eggs produced in the state. Fry's (Kroger) stores sell AZ produced eggs at less than half of the price of the CA produced eggs sold by Smith's (also Kroger) stores in Mojave Co., AZ.
  • Post #38 - August 24th, 2021, 12:18 pm
    Post #38 - August 24th, 2021, 12:18 pm Post #38 - August 24th, 2021, 12:18 pm
    Joy wrote:But Arizona is just ending its monsoon season, isn't it? So we would expect that there would be some significant rain for the past months? Is that right?

    Our peeps who live in AZ grumble about the drought somewhat. But all live in good-sized cities where they do not seem that affected. It is my friend that has lived in California almost all her life that is most vocal about what is happening with water.


    Sure, it is monsoon season and there is a lot of rain. However, this monsoon year has been tremendous with at least SIX days of rainfall greater than two inches. And there has also been a dust storm and the like.

    Everybody likes to complain about the drought. However, there is almost NO DISCUSSION of water conservation. Throughout CA, NV, and the Phoenix area, MANY homes still have lawns and a number of non-native plants that are more appropriate to a temperate climate like the Midwest. And some of the people at the local university who are always screaming about the water issues has a lawn at his home near the university. (as does the university itself. For the record, my area has all xeriscaping and desert plants that require NO watering.

    Also, I cannot count the number of public restrooms in state and private buildings that do NOT use low-water toilets and fixtures. My first project after purchasing my home was to replace all toilets, faucet and shower heads with low floow devices.
  • Post #39 - August 25th, 2021, 1:13 pm
    Post #39 - August 25th, 2021, 1:13 pm Post #39 - August 25th, 2021, 1:13 pm
    It is hard to get a full picture of what is happening with the farmland that is disappearing because there is no water.
    There is an excellent new article about the effects of the reservoirs and rivers drying up in AZ as well as WY and CA. If you read one thing, this is it. The article also has a lot of photos, maps, charts and tables. There is no solution to what is going on.

    I was especially wowed by the photos of the reservoirs where you can see for example a small power boat in the water and you can look up the rocky wall of the reservoir to the line where the water lever used to be. WOW.

    https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2021/08/us/colorado-river-water-shortage/

    There are several sections in the article. Keep scrolling down.
  • Post #40 - August 26th, 2021, 12:40 pm
    Post #40 - August 26th, 2021, 12:40 pm Post #40 - August 26th, 2021, 12:40 pm
    Thank for posting this Joy. Approachable article on a serious and important topic.
  • Post #41 - August 26th, 2021, 3:17 pm
    Post #41 - August 26th, 2021, 3:17 pm Post #41 - August 26th, 2021, 3:17 pm
    Here is a video about the California situation:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFt2XLM ... EpochTimes
  • Post #42 - August 26th, 2021, 10:52 pm
    Post #42 - August 26th, 2021, 10:52 pm Post #42 - August 26th, 2021, 10:52 pm
    Fam had dinner at Chiefs in Lake Forest today. Good experience, but when we asked about the half-off happy hour appetizers, the reply was, "Because of the food shortage, we aren't doing any food specials."

    ??

    Shortage of frying oil? Cheese curds?
  • Post #43 - August 29th, 2021, 4:51 pm
    Post #43 - August 29th, 2021, 4:51 pm Post #43 - August 29th, 2021, 4:51 pm
    You're welcome, Janeyb! It is interesting, isn't it?

    And thanks to jlawrence01 for the recommendation to the youtube video about the California dought's affect on the farmers. Since it was a rainy Sunday today, I finally got around to watching it. Wow, well worth the time!

    That video was followed by a video about companies and workers leaving California put together by exitcalifonia.org. That was also very surprising.
  • Post #44 - September 12th, 2021, 2:14 pm
    Post #44 - September 12th, 2021, 2:14 pm Post #44 - September 12th, 2021, 2:14 pm
    Interesting story about a sudden U.S. government shutdown of a long-available route for fish to come into the U.S. food supply. The article says:
    “The fish we are talking about is American fish, caught in American waters by Americans. It is then transported to American factories in places like Massachusetts and Georgia where it is processed by Americans and then distributed to Americans for dinner.”
    And the article continues: “The economic harm is considerable and could leave restaurants and school lunches without fillets. As of Sept. 2, according to the court files, 26 million pounds of seafood products were stuck in Bayside. That’s 550 truckloads worth $41 million.”
    The out-of-the-blue shutdown of the route that had been operating since 20112 incudes pending fines totaling $350 million, “twice the annual value of all frozen Alaskan seafood transported through the Bayside port.”

    https://www.wsj.com/articles/joe-biden-fish-story-alaska-jones-act-customs-and-border-patrol-11631224985?mod=opinion_major_pos2
  • Post #45 - September 13th, 2021, 5:05 pm
    Post #45 - September 13th, 2021, 5:05 pm Post #45 - September 13th, 2021, 5:05 pm
    OH NO! There go the Oreos!!

    https://www.wsj.com/articles/grocers-prepare-for-possible-snack-shortages-as-mondelez-workers-strike-11630586597?mod=searchresults_pos1&page=1

    It is a long-ish article and very interesting. Here are a couple of snippets:

    "U.S. grocers are bracing for potential snack food disruptions, as a weekslong strike at Mondelez International Inc. MDLZ 0.90% facilities prompts fears of shortages in Ritz crackers and Premium saltines."

    "Grocers across the country are boosting orders of Ritz crackers and stocking up on alternatives in case the strike, now stretching into its fourth week, slows production of the crackers or cookies such as Oreos or Chips Ahoy."

    "Cameron Taylor, a business agent for the local union chapter in Portland, Ore., said workers there joined the strike from their posts at ovens and along production lines, leaving products stranded on conveyor belts. Mechanics and electricians belonging to other unions have also joined in a show of solidarity, said Mr. Taylor, a bakery veteran of 14 years. Mr. Taylor said employees picketing near railroad tracks that lead to the Portland bakery had disrupted shipments of ingredients like flour and sugar to the plant."
  • Post #46 - September 13th, 2021, 5:40 pm
    Post #46 - September 13th, 2021, 5:40 pm Post #46 - September 13th, 2021, 5:40 pm
    This strike is also being conducted at the old Nabisco plant on 73rd and South Kedzie Avenue in Chicago.
    Cathy2

    "You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
    Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways,
  • Post #47 - September 15th, 2021, 8:13 am
    Post #47 - September 15th, 2021, 8:13 am Post #47 - September 15th, 2021, 8:13 am
    I thought once-made-in-Chicagoland Oreos are now made in Mexico?
  • Post #48 - September 15th, 2021, 9:46 am
    Post #48 - September 15th, 2021, 9:46 am Post #48 - September 15th, 2021, 9:46 am
    I realize it's indicative of larger issues but no one is going to be adversely affected in any significant way by an Oreo shortage. In fact, one could easily posit that it's for the best.

    =R=
    Same planet, different world
  • Post #49 - September 15th, 2021, 11:51 am
    Post #49 - September 15th, 2021, 11:51 am Post #49 - September 15th, 2021, 11:51 am
    ronnie_suburban wrote:I realize it's indicative of larger issues but no one is going to be adversely affected in any significant way by an Oreo shortage. In fact, one could easily posit that it's for the best.

    =R=

    Are you dissing my Oreos? :D
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #50 - September 15th, 2021, 6:26 pm
    Post #50 - September 15th, 2021, 6:26 pm Post #50 - September 15th, 2021, 6:26 pm
    Dave148 wrote:
    ronnie_suburban wrote:I realize it's indicative of larger issues but no one is going to be adversely affected in any significant way by an Oreo shortage. In fact, one could easily posit that it's for the best.

    Are you dissing my Oreos? :D

    LOL . . . just sayin'. :lol:

    =R=
    Same planet, different world
  • Post #51 - September 16th, 2021, 6:20 am
    Post #51 - September 16th, 2021, 6:20 am Post #51 - September 16th, 2021, 6:20 am
    Joy wrote:OH NO! There go the Oreos!!

    https://www.wsj.com/articles/grocers-prepare-for-possible-snack-shortages-as-mondelez-workers-strike-11630586597?mod=searchresults_pos1&page=1

    It is a long-ish article and very interesting. Here are a couple of snippets:

    "U.S. grocers are bracing for potential snack food disruptions, as a weekslong strike at Mondelez International Inc. MDLZ 0.90% facilities prompts fears of shortages in Ritz crackers and Premium saltines."

    "Grocers across the country are boosting orders of Ritz crackers and stocking up on alternatives in case the strike, now stretching into its fourth week, slows production of the crackers or cookies such as Oreos or Chips Ahoy."

    "Cameron Taylor, a business agent for the local union chapter in Portland, Ore., said workers there joined the strike from their posts at ovens and along production lines, leaving products stranded on conveyor belts. Mechanics and electricians belonging to other unions have also joined in a show of solidarity, said Mr. Taylor, a bakery veteran of 14 years. Mr. Taylor said employees picketing near railroad tracks that lead to the Portland bakery had disrupted shipments of ingredients like flour and sugar to the plant."

    Striking employees at six Mondelez facilities, including two in the Chicago area, have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract with the food manufacturer.

    https://www.chicagotribune.com/business ... story.html
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #52 - September 22nd, 2021, 5:29 pm
    Post #52 - September 22nd, 2021, 5:29 pm Post #52 - September 22nd, 2021, 5:29 pm
    The effects of climate change on food supplies = https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/09/ ... really-be/
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #53 - September 23rd, 2021, 12:13 pm
    Post #53 - September 23rd, 2021, 12:13 pm Post #53 - September 23rd, 2021, 12:13 pm
    More important lunchtime reading. Thanks Dave!
  • Post #54 - September 23rd, 2021, 2:18 pm
    Post #54 - September 23rd, 2021, 2:18 pm Post #54 - September 23rd, 2021, 2:18 pm
    America’s meat supply is cheap and efficient. Covid-19 showed why that’s a problem.
  • Post #55 - September 24th, 2021, 12:11 pm
    Post #55 - September 24th, 2021, 12:11 pm Post #55 - September 24th, 2021, 12:11 pm
    Another interesting article! Thanks MarlaCollins'Husband. A wealth of reading material in this thread alone.
  • Post #56 - October 27th, 2021, 2:22 am
    Post #56 - October 27th, 2021, 2:22 am Post #56 - October 27th, 2021, 2:22 am
    There are shortages and there are shortages:

    Just noticed Jewel's French bread is no longer 16 ounces, but 14.

    Stopped by Mariano's for milk today, there was a woman looking at the lunchmeats and/or bacon muttering out loud, "Everything is so expensive."

    Regards,
    Cathy2
    Cathy2

    "You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
    Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways,
  • Post #57 - October 28th, 2021, 10:09 pm
    Post #57 - October 28th, 2021, 10:09 pm Post #57 - October 28th, 2021, 10:09 pm
    In an email today:
    To our ALDI Customers,
    As the holiday season approaches, we’re excited to welcome you into our stores as you prepare for family gatherings and celebratory meals. This is always an exciting time at ALDI as we welcome the return of seasonal favorites like our Advent calendar collection and make room on our shelves for many new and exclusive products.

    When you shop our aisles in the coming weeks and months, you may notice certain items arriving later than intended or after our advertised on-sale dates. We ask for your patience as we navigate supply chain delays. We’re working to the best of our ability to source the premium ingredients and products that you have come to expect in our stores this time of year.

    We appreciate your support and can promise you that we will continue to work tirelessly to minimize the impact to our customers. We anticipate product inventory and availability will change often, and we invite you to check-in regularly.
    Sincerely,
    The ALDI Team
    Cathy2

    "You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
    Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways,
  • Post #58 - October 28th, 2021, 11:41 pm
    Post #58 - October 28th, 2021, 11:41 pm Post #58 - October 28th, 2021, 11:41 pm
    FWIW, the canned bean section of the Gold Cost Whole Foods was pretty much empty yesterday. Low stock is more noticeable throughout that store than in the downtown Trader Joe's or Jewel.
  • Post #59 - October 29th, 2021, 12:30 am
    Post #59 - October 29th, 2021, 12:30 am Post #59 - October 29th, 2021, 12:30 am
    On my Jewel J4U, I had a deal of $.49 for a store brand of beans, with a limit of one. I use garbanzo beans more than any other ones, and they were out of them, and so I had to choose a can of kidney beans instead. It seems like most of the time when I go to Aldi's, they are out of garbanzo beans too. I buy the majority of my beans at Whole Foods because I can get a can of organic beans for $.99, and most of the time they have what I am looking for. I can get organic beans for $.89 at Aldi's, but I only go there every 2-3 months, and most of the time they are out of garbanzo beans. The last time I was at Whole Foods last week, I noticed that they had a limit on canned pumpkin.
  • Post #60 - October 29th, 2021, 6:32 am
    Post #60 - October 29th, 2021, 6:32 am Post #60 - October 29th, 2021, 6:32 am
    I can vouch for shortages on the wholesale level. Once a month, I place a large order from Gordon Food Service on behalf of a non-profit that I work with. The order is basically the same from month to month.

    In this month's order:
    1 - they were out of small boxes of raisins and granola bars. I ended up getting them at Sam's Club
    2 - they were out of light red kidney beans. Substituted dark red.

    The largest price increases I've seen vs pre-pandemic is on the meat products - roughly 30%.

    In speaking with my GFS rep, part of the problem isn't a shortage of product. There's a shortage of packaging materials for the products, specifically plastic resins.
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard

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