Yesterday morning I noticed I was running low on vinegar {I use it to set the dye when I hand dye wool}. And since we were going to be out at the recycling center dropping off a bunch of cardboard, I mentioned to the HH that we should pop by Market Basket since we were out so I could grab a few bottles of vinegar for dyeing wool.
Yada yada yada… He suggested I text our elderly neighbors to see if they needed anything from the store since we were going to be there … and so I did.
Although not totally surprising because of everything that’s going on right now, several sections of the store were pretty much empty. Most surprisingly, the meat section. We had gone shopping just a few days ago and things were pretty mellow at the store. Yes, the toilet paper aisle was pretty sparse and the pasta section was looking pretty slim but the rest of the store was in pretty good shape.
This time around though… it was a different story.
The cheese section was hit pretty hard {although the fancy cheese area was still intact}. The butter and yogurt was fine but the milk and cream section was only at about 40%.
Pasta, rice, canned soups, canned BEANS {OH THE BAKED BEANS!!! This is New England, c’mon…} were all hit pretty hard. But oddly enough, there was still plenty of junk food and fizzy waters to choose from. Frozen fruits and vegetables were pretty low, but the dessert section and entree’s were well stocked.
Oh, and there wasn’t a sack of sugar or flour in sight {well, unless you wanted almond flour, there were 4 bags of that left}.
Nearly all the soap {in any form} was gone and there was only 1 box of old lady pills left on the shelf!
Luckily though, we were able to get everything but one item on our neighbor’s list {and the vinegar I needed as well}.
And gas. Gas is currently $2.04 a gallon in our neck of the woods. Wowza!
So what’s the situation like at your place? Are things flying off the shelves at your grocery stores as well? And how much are you paying for gas these days? Curious minds want to know.
Keep Calm and Carry On,
~Mavis
P.S. If you were thinking about planting a garden this year and haven’t bought your seeds yet, I just wanted to remind you Botanical Interests is currently offering 30% off online seed orders with code SEEDS30 at checkout. Growing food in your very own backyard is and will always be, a cool idea. 😉
Kathy says
Hi Mavis, here in West Michigan gas is only 1.85! The store was low on milk and meat and of course tp .they did have some and are limiting it to 2 packs per person. No dried beans at all of any kind! Plenty of canned tho. No regular rice but lots of instant. My dad who is elderly went to the store early and said it was very busy,the cashier told him there is no good time it’s crazy 24 hours a day. Thanks for your blog .I look forward to your posts.
Shari Harniss says
I just think about all the knowledge I’m accumulating during this mess. I wonder if it is even a little bit like what our parents/grandparents endured during the depression and WW2. That was a learning curve!
I firmly believe that this will make us better in many ways. ‘Enhancing’ my patience would be at the very top!
Maggi says
Shari
Those of us that lived in that time know you always now you should have your pantry stocked for emergencies. There was a shortage of things we take for granted Things were ration. Sugar, flour, milk and paper products. Gas was a shortage. We had a coupon book for items you could purchase . We survived and we will again. We just need to be a good neighbor and help those that can’t go out because of age and risk of this virus. We also lived through Polio and survived. God Bless America
Mel says
This reminds me of an article I saw in Slate about the groceries no one wants to panic buy—basically a summary of everything left on shelves right now.
I’m a little concerned about shopping this week (the last time we shopped was Thursday, right around the time things started getting more intense here), but I really wonder what exactly is driving the trend. I don’t think people are necessarily hoarding food around here (toilet paper is a different story), so I think lots of people are just suddenly buying for longer stretches of time to avoid going out, which is emptying shelves. I really hope cheese is still in stock when we go this week, but we’ll make do either way.
My husband really likes beans, so I ordered him several pounds of dried beans from Rancho Gordo as an early Easter gift, but they are experiencing shipping delays due to increased sales.
Mavis Butterfield says
Rancho Gordo has wonderful beans!
Mel says
So I’ve heard! This is our first order, so I’m super excited to try them. I also got some popcorn since I think we’ll have a lot of home movie nights.
Mrs. C says
I think I may have a partial explanation for the disappearance of food in grocery stores (someone said they don’t think there’s hoarding going on.” It turns out that something like 30% of the population, on average, meaning that in some places it is much higher, eat one or more restaurant/take out meals per day. I lived in a big city once and I knew many people who would eat out three times per day. Now, many of these places are closed and people are told to stay home. Well, you still have to eat, so you buy groceries. Grocery supply chains are not used to this and will have to adapt. Also, buying enough food for your family for a month is certainly not hoarding. FEMA itself changed its two-week supply recommendation a few years ago to SIX MONTHS.
Mavis Butterfield says
The point about people eating out at restaurants totally makes sense, especially in big cities.
Lisa says
Also with schools and colleges closed and businesses encouraging employees to work from home if possible, there are more mouths to feed all/most meals at home during this time of year.
My son’s college classes start online today (University of Minnesota) from home. It is amazing what they can do with technology. I was home yesterday when one of his professors did a trial run with the students and it was pretty cool. Quite personal actually as students identified themselves as they got on their computers and chatted with the professor. Not ideal but much better than having to repeat this semester. Now to figure out when to move him out of the dorm. Truly a memorable first year of college:)
Mel says
All of this makes sense! We almost never go out to eat and pack all our lunches, so I always forget that that’s not really the norm or have any fluctuations in how many people we feed.
And yes, I helped a local professor put his class online a few days ago, and he was thrilled that he could keep most of the class exactly the same. I had already been piloting an online version of my job (in a different corner of education), so I’m pretty much set as well. I will miss the kids though.
HollyG says
My son’s college is on-line only as well, for final exams and the beginning of the next semester. As he is a music major so some things are just cancelled – his jury recital, symphony and ensemble practices, pit music for the opera. He did however, have a performance final in a methods class over skype with the professor. He’s really hoping that his performance classes are not just cancelled for next semester.
Kathy says
I work in a drug store in Ohio. Beside the obvious, people have bought out thermometers. Everyone wants an oral thermometer. Rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide are gone. Baby wipes are in short supply as are kleenex and, of all thing, paper plates. I have perfected the art of dropping coins into hands with no skin to skin contact . Most customers appreciate us and say so and we are finding funny things to talk about to keep sane during this madness. Please keep retail workers and truck drivers in your thoughts and prayers!
Gail says
I stopped by Food Lion yesterday and found lots of frozen vegetables but very few frozen pizzas. Hmmm.
Lynne says
I was last in one of the big supermarkets on Saturday. I was in the Michael’s in the same shopping center (which was doing a brisk business, by the way), and thought I’d get a few things while I was there. Pretty picked over, but they did have some meat (with a limit of 2, mostly family-sized packages), almost no water, no tp, lots of milk and eggs, and at least some things in most other categories. Neighbors on a local chat platform are now sharing both offers to shop for those who cannot get out to a store, as well as tips on what stores seem to have stock and those which are pretty empty. Tomorrow, one of the local big supermarkets will start opening an hour and a half before its regular opening for those over age 60. I am thinking of making an Aldi run either today or tomorrow, although I’m not sure what I’ll find there. I’m on Long Island, NY. I’ve lived here through hurricanes, floods, extended power outages, all sorts of things, but have NEVER seen anything like this.
Melody says
Hi Mavis! I’m just outside Nashville, TN and the shelves here have been bare since Saturday morning – no paper goods, laundry detergent, vitamins, OTC medications, or pantry staples anywhere. Gas is $1.92 now.
Lisa Millar says
Hi! Good on you for checking in on the neighbours!
Yes… its been fabulous down here in Australia watching people come to blows over toilet paper.
Two court cases pending and a tasering incident by police to calm someone down!!!!
Its just embarrassing.
Anyway, right now everyone is very keen on bread and flour in my neck of the woods. Milk was low too last time I was in. Rice shelves empty… first time I’ve ever seen that around here!
I’ll pop in tomorrow and see if I can scrounge up some bread and flour – and check what else is missing.
I just heard today from a few people in regional areas close to Melbourne that there were BUS TOURS of people coming in to raid the country supermarkets!!
The. World. Has. Gone. Mad
Very grateful for my garden and preserving!! (And the fabulous egg laying chooks!)
Carole says
South Texas, no vinegar here Mavis, not sure what that is about but there is NONE. All shelves empty, some produce available, dairy is marginal, all staples are gone!! I don’t get it. We are OK as I prep all year long and have planted my usual garden, have two freezers full but seriously folks, calm down and carry on. We don’t have any cases of this flu here at all. Lots of closings that I don’t understand either. On a good note gas is $1.77 here. If you want to go anywhere. OH I did find ice cream so not all is bad!!
Laura Arnett says
In Trinity AL gas is averaging $2.02 a gallon and the eggs, sandwich meats, pork, chicken, beef , milk, rice, bread , flour, sugar, tea bags, bottled water, canned goods are all gone and toilet paper has been gone for a week! For some reason around 3 or so our local Dollar Store will have eggs and bread and a few gallons of milk ….. our schools are providing food boxes for kids 0-18 to help with their meals. We have to go and pick up 2 times a week – curbside only. We have to stay in cars and kids have to be present to get the food. We even have major stores like Bath and Body Works and American Eagle are closed in our area. It is all a little scary but we are ready if our area closes for 2 weeks if necessary.
Tonya says
Hello friends
We are in Albuquerque NM and same thing w our grocery shelves. Out of bread, eggs, TP, and rice. I was planning to to make some bread tomorrow. Thankfully, we have a food storage so we are good for a few weeks.
One tip, if you need TP, download the Target app and check at 7:30 am and see if you can find some. If so, buy it for “pick up” or “drive up”. Then you have reserved it before the store opens. Gas here is $1.59 .
Hugs and prayers for y’all.
Maria Zannini says
In north Texas, our gas was 1.65 the last time we went out. Shelves were empty, but plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit.
Laura says
In San Diego we finally hit below $3.00. It was $2.79 a gallon the other day at Costco.
Katie says
I haven’t gotten gas in a few days, but last time I did it was in the $1.80’s I think? (I’m in Texas). Our beloved HEB grocery stores are doing a great job of trying to keep things stocked. I did not have any trouble shopping last Saturday, though I am good on toilet paper and didn’t need cleaning supplies or rice or beans. I got the last handsoap, which we did need! Bread was low, and greek yogurt(?) was low. We’ll see how it is when I go this weekend. Trying to stick to my normal routine for now.
Dee says
I bought gas on Monday, paid $1.989 per gallon. Some places have it for $2.09. Our stores are restocking regularly, but are frequently out of some items. I stocked up on eggs last week when there was a sale for 50 cents per dozen. Toilet paper and hand sanitizer are hard to find. Some grocery stores have special hours for seniors and folks with compromised health conditions.
St. Louis area is under many restrictions: Restaurants are carryout only, if open. Gatherings are limited to 50 people (10 preferred), so no church services at present. Schools, colleges, libraries, a lot of retail stores, casinos, parks and museums are closed. Meals on wheels now delivers weekly. Peop!e urged to stay at home, work from home if possible.
These are troubling times. Stay safe, everyone!
Michelle says
Just paid $3.49 a gallon still in California
No food either except for junk food which at least it seems people bought the healthier stuff first.
Jen says
I’m in the SF bay area. And if you’ve watched the new you know we’re under Shelter in Place orders. We can still go to the store and the bank, to restaurants fir takeout, to gas stations and convenience stores, the vet, the doc. But basically everything else is closed and you’re not supposed to leave the house except for necessary things. And you can hike, bike, walk and run if you keep your distance from others. Grocery stores here are like yours. There’s zero traffic. No idea about gas but last week it was $3.49.
Marcia says
Not sure what gas is here. Don’t need it. I think they are cancelling school till fall. Uhhh… How can I work full time and homeschool two kids?
Grocery shelves bare, but we got milk at least. I only think we need to have 30 days off stuff on hand in case someone in the house gets sick.
Marianne Lewis says
In NC gas is below $2.00 – varies from 1.99 to 1.79, and for the first time in a while I’m seeing the “cash vs credit” price differences. Stores here have been continually super busy, nearly wiped out, since Friday. Many shops are closed, bars and restaurants can only do take out food. Hermit life is the thing!
Peg says
I live in the southeast corner of Wyoming. The first 2 cases in our town were announced yesterday. I went to King Soopers (part of the Kroger chain) yesterday morning. It was a zoo and lots of empty shelves. So many items are limited in quantity (if there’s any on the shelf) because of the early hoarding. But I was able to get most things on my very shortlist. We are a top-producing oil and gas state, and our gas is hanging firm around $2.40/gallon. I work in the oil industry, and it makes me crazy that the prices haven’t come down. People everywhere deserve a break these days! My mom-89 years young-lives in another town about 40 miles away. One of my brothers told her yesterday she can no longer leave the house, so he went to the grocery store for her and to pick up her mail. We are forecast to have a blizzard, which starts later tonight. However, this morning is beautiful so my dog and I took our morning walk. Hoping everyone stays safe!
Deborah says
I haven’t been to the grocery store in several days, but when I was there, toilet tissue was non-existent. Paper towels were scarce as were beans and rice. Eggs were also sparse. Gas was $1.98.9 per gallon. I staying home for as long as possible. I do the errands and grocery shopping. Hubby doesn’t travel well.
Mrs. C says
Gas: $1.99
Friends and neighbors have told me that some stores, not all, are wiped out of meat, milk, and Tp, etc. I don’t know because I am a voracious news hound, formerly in health care, saw this coming, and got what I needed in late January, early Feb. I figured better safe than sorry, and if nothing happens, I have a little extra tp and beans and weenies.
Katherine says
We also stocked up early also since hubby has multiple myeloma and we knew we’d have to “social distance” early. We have enough for 5 to 6 weeks Luckily he can work from home indefinitely.
I’m missing my grandkids like crazy as I would normally see them at least twice a week. At least we have technology that allows us to video call and stay in touch.
Premium gas at Costco in Atlanta was $2.15
Dani says
I live in a small town in Midwest Missouri and work at the only Walmart within a 40 minute drive. We also have a small grocery store and a Dollar General.
Our shelves are empty of all paper products, to, toilet paper, napkins etc. Meat is very very low other than the most expensive cuts. No peanut butter, rice or beans and pasta. Very low on cereal, all canned food and cheese. Pet food is also very very low.
Absolutely no bleach or cleaning products and wipes and sanitizer.
Even diapers are extremely low.
We do get trucks in everyday but there isn’t always paper products on them and whatever we do get including food items is wiped out within a couple hours at most.
School is cancelled until April 6th, we only have about 5 restaurants with only the McDonald’s closing the lobby so far.
And gas was $1.85 yesterday.
It’s sad to see this and very upsetting to get yelled at by customers as if it’s my fault we don’t have the products they want.
I hope and pray that people think of each other and take care of others as you did.
Sorry for the long reply.
Kristi says
Thank you for working during this crazy time. I’m sorry customers have been so grouchy. I appreciate you!
Mable says
I am so sorry that you are being mistreated when you guys are all working so hard!
Michèle says
At the only store around, Safeway, the man who stocks the rice aisle told my husband that morning a frantic group of seniors got into the store he doesn’t know how and wiped out that aisle and then were furious they couldn’t check out so were going to steal it all. The doors are now manned, opens an hour earlier, and I got some rice from Amazon with difficulty. Gas $2.78 here in Arizona.
Lace Faerie says
That’s got to be the worst part of being in the trenches and having to deal with people, often when they are at their worst!
Once when I worked in a deli, after a particularly rude customer the next one complimented me on keeping my cool and being so nice. I told him that I figured if he vented at me he’d be less likely to kick his dog or hit his wife. Everyone laughed and relaxed, the nice customer returned and gifted me a mocha and a chocolate brownie!
Hang in there!, Dani!
Ramona says
In Idaho our gas is around $2.60 a gallon. That seems lower than it was a while back when it was around $2.80.
Normally I stock up on stuff and have plenty of food in my small freezer. We were thinking of moving and I didn’t have it stocked up so now my meat supply is low. Yes what a few days make. Last week I went grocery shopping and there was plenty of vegies and meat and now not so.
Christa H. says
I HIGHLY suggest you stock up. I am in NC right where the outbreak began here. There is nothing when you go in to the stores. It flies off the shelves very fast when they get stocked. NO TP, papertowels, hand sanitizer, etc. Meat hard to get and most canned goods. What was left the most was fresh produce. I haven’t been out in a few days but my neighbor has. You have to get to stores when they open. Some are out of shopping bags too. Medicines and vitamins wiped out. I was able to stock up last week before things got wiped out. You should get items now that you can freeze/store.
I ordered a lot on Amazon right before the slowed shipping for non essential items.
Schools here are shut down and a message was sent that we could be closed 8-20 weeks. Restaurants are closed except take out/deliveries/drive through.
I’m worried about our poor students. We do have breakfast/lunch pick up stations around the county for the students. I can’t help due to my health so I don’t catch it.
Glad I ordered my seeds when I did. BakerCreek closed for orders right now and running low on many seeds. I’ll be gardening a lot since school is out.
Deborah Herman says
It’s pretty bleak here in New Mexico as well.
On Sunday I went to our local grocers to pick up a few items. No bread at all. Lots of produce bins sat empty.
The butchers counter was shut down. Not many eggs nor milk. But still food on most shelves.
On Monday I needed to get my allergy meds from Walmart. Boy I was not prepared for that one. Not a shelf in the pharmacy was left unscathed. I did not get my medications.
I decided to see how devastated the grocery department was. Unbelievable. Very little produce. candy isle empty, why? I could go on, but why bother. The shelves where empty. (cue the crickets at this point)
Their baker department had some of their lovely freshly made French bread, I don’t know why but I bought 5 loaves. I think the bleakness of it all overtook me.
I went home and took stock of what we had on hand. Like you I stock up when things go on sale, so we will not starve. It may be tuna and noodles, but we won’t starve.
Here’s hoping.
Connie says
I live in New Jersey and certain items, such as: TP, chicken, meat and pasta are hard to find. Luckily, I went shopping a few days ago, so we’re ok for a while. The malls are closed and some restaurants closed, others take-out only. No need to panic. We will all get through this.
Elle says
Rural Idaho: shelves stripped of paper product, meat, cheese, frozen veg, eggs, milk products and of course anything that will clean as well as hand sanitizers. Baby items of any kind, baby food/formula…. What will these people do? It is hours to a larger city with more options.
I didn’t do any extra buying….I may very sadly, regret that.
nancy grimsley says
We live in central MI and gas is 1.87 and dropping . I haven’t been in a store recently but we have been preparing for this for weeks. We have big containers of flour, sugar, butter. I have a freezer full of meat and vegetables. I even froze milk. We rarely leave the house to try to do our part in containing the virus. Tomorrow I start my seeds. Maybe it’s a mid-west thing but we have been taking this seriously for a few weeks now. We have no bars or restaurants open in the entire state. I am an artist and all art shows have been canceled in the foreseeable future, many with no refunds given to the artists. So not only are we looking at no income in the next few months we are looking at thousands of dollars in show fees not refunded back when we need it the most. The stock market isn’t taking for nothing. Retail stores are closing, Disney is closed, restrictions on travel are here. All I can say is practice social distancing until we get through all of this. Get your provisions and stay home. Life is no longer the same.
sharon says
Hello. How do freeze milk. And when you thaw it how long is it good for?
Thank you
Mavis Butterfield says
Here’s the link: https://www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/how-to-freeze-milk/
sharon says
Thank you 🙂
Brianna says
I went to Safeway Monday. I had 3 shopping lists and 3 kids with carts and we were only able to get 60% of the lists. They also were not honoring prices in the circular. A Lysol toilet bowl cleaner rang up at $4.89, strawberries $11.98/2 1lb packages (advertised $1.77), etc. So many prices seemed marked up. They were out of eggs, bread, milks (except nutmilks), soap, paper products, nuts, peanut butter, canned staples (veggies, fruits, soups, beans, tomatoes), pasta, pasta sauces, flour, sugar, dried and canned milk, fresh meats (beef, chicken, pork), hot dogs, lemons, limes, tomatoes, potatoes, and even the pharmacy was out of some meds. Apparently people are filling several months out or early who normally do not. I tried to get a refill on a BC pill and it is out of stock, not even any alternatives. I might switch to an online mail order pharmacy next week if they do not get it in stock. There was plenty of beer and ice cream and packaged cookies and crackers and chips and soda and candy.
Today my hubby is making it home from Africa, it has been a long journey for him with lots of changes and uncertainty. The flights were empty and we did upgrade him to 1st class so the distance between him and others would be greater. I am hoping all is well in our house in the next two weeks, but I did stock up just in case on what I could. The schools are out, town is closed, and lessons and events canceled. I ordered books and movies through the library yesterday and picked those up curbside. Got the kids homework packets. Downloaded apps they needed, etc. My parents are older and my mom has autoimmune dieseases and takes chemo, so they have been sheltering in place at their house and I have been doing drops for them. Thye also have another neighbor who can and is willing to help. They still need distilled water for CPAPs and I have not been able to find any in stock.
KATHY HORT says
Brianna, here’s a link to make your own if you end up not finding any. https://www.thoughtco.com/making-distilled-water-609427
Dianne says
Report your store if they are price gouging (raising prices) to your local US Representatives. It is a crime if they are.
Margaret Hudgins says
tell that to Jeff Bazos at Amazon. I was appalled that he allows his outside vendors to gouge the way they are, and nothing I tried to buy was “prime” any more. Shame on him.
Carole says
I keep reading all this doom and gloom. My husband and I have lived through some pretty tough and scary times people. Polio epidemic and no vaccine even invented, we had all the childhood diseases, no vaccines then, you just got it. Swine flu in the 70s, really bad, no vaccine. Oil embargo, no gas anywhere, food shortages, having our children escorted to school by armed military guards during the Libyan bombing in the 80s. We both worked in DC during H1N1, again horrible. Through all this no one panicked, no one hoarded TP, you went about your daily lives and did the best you could. Covid 19 is not nearly as bad as any of the above, why is everyone panicking? Yes, people are getting sick, yes people will die, but nothing like regular flu each year, or cancer deaths, or people just killing each other in high density cities. Where’s the outrage on that? I say buckle up, this is America, we can do this. Please don’t shoot the messenger, just realize where you are in the grand scheme of things.
Robin in WI says
Yes!
Karen says
Thank you and as Mavis says “Keep Calm and Carry On.”
We will get through this!
Thank you Mavis for thinking of you elderly neighbors!
Gina says
Our healthcare system cannot handle everyone getting suck at once. Not enough staff, ICU bedds, or ventilators. That’s why you hear, “Flatten the curve” so less people sick will be able to be properly treated. If too many people get sick at the same time it will break our healthcare system and many more people will unnecessarily die. Be well.
Dianne says
You are grossly misinformed. Unless you lived through the Great Depression. Even so, the economy is now the WORST that is ever has been. The Stock Market crash that brought on the Great Depression was not NEARLY as bad as the Crash of 2020. With all the store closings, possbly for up to 3-6 months – what do you think the unemployment figures will be? If greater than 20%, that is worse than the Great Depression. Major retail stores are closing. Restaurants, sporting events, schools, libraries, DMV, theatre, etc are closing. PEOPLE are getting laid off by the thousands. The AUTO companies that drive our economy are shutting down. Unknown for how long. Daimler-Chrysler is looking at 2 weeks. Ford and GM – unknown. There are people now in China that have been re-infected with Covid19. It will take you 5 years to to grow back any 401K savings that you lost as of yesterday. The stock market today momentarily shut trading down, again. Those that are retired will never recoup their losses. The presidents stimulus package is a joke, 1K will not stimulate the ecomony. Families will be paying bills and saving for worst days to come. What do you think will happen many years down the road? This will have an effect on all countries for many years. This is not a joke. This is serious. This has NEVER happened in the U.S. This will have ramifications for many years to go.
Teresa Young says
“Covid 19 is not nearly as bad as any of the above” Perhaps you have a crystal ball? It’s new to humans and has just appeared – let’s circle back to your comment in 2 months and see.
Amy says
I’m with you on that Carole! Our nation has been through so much worse. NE Ohio has been exhibiting all the same shortages you see listed here and I am amazed at how shocked everyone seems…I feel like there is a lot of media hype for a virus with such a low mortality rate. Practice common sense, regular hygiene and remember there is nothing to fear, but fear itself.
Michelle Counter says
I agree 100% with your sentiments. I did not grow up through those times but certainly am aware of them. I just keep reminding people how blessed we are to be in a time and in a country where this seems devastating and what should be simply a social distancing to lessen the outbreak has turned into such tragedy for all. I have a high risk pregnancy and am 30 weeks. I have caught every virus possible the last 7 months. I have been on bed rest for the last month due to some sort of virus that drs are just now testing me for (possible covid19 – but unlikely). I have 5 children and find their school closure a huge blessing as I just cant imagine catching any more viruses and making it full term. We unfortunately do not have the excess funds to stock pile foods and meds so our weekly grocery trips have become a bit of a challenge. And yet I am still thankful. Thankful for what we have. Thankful for my family and the time with them. Thankful that this too shall pass and all will eventually be back to normal. Stay safe everyone! And wash those hands!
PMorrisHTX says
Amen, Carole! We must be of similar age as I remember all the events you mention, particularly H1N1 of just a few short years ago as I contracted that illness and suffered quite a bit. As you said, “This too shall pass” and I even have a tattoo to remind me of that.
In the immortal words from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy “Don’t Panic!”
Melanie in Calif says
Totally agree!
E in Upstate NY says
Upstate NY here. Haven’t gotten gas yet, need to though, so can’t report on the price. Need distilled water for my CPAP and its nowhere to be found. The grocery stores have instituted early hours for senior citizens. [That means I have to get up early!] Have yet to try them. Have to admit, no longer household shop, so can’t really report what is going on food wise. Do know that Lysol is a highly desired item. Son and GF had to travel over an hour to find a store with some stock. She runs infant care in the house and goes through containers quickly. Our kitchen smells of bleach too.
With all public school closed, most have instituted special pick-ups for lunches. With restaurants closing their inside dining, most are going to pick-up only. And they too have gone to free pick-up kids lunches. I worry about the small mom and pop businesses surviving. Just last year lost one of our two LYS, and I hope the one we do have is able to stay alive. Owner is instituting on-line ordering and drive-by pick-up of yarn and supplies.
Yesterday, noticed my right hand was aching: too much knitting!
My Wednesday night knitting group is going to a ‘net based knit-a-long. Download the app and log on to knit with others. Spectrum, our local provider has offered free net service to households who currently don’t have their service. With their already lousy service here, I wonder about what it will be like with everyone using the net to stay sane.
Take care all and stay safe.
Joyce says
I am in the upper third of Indiana. gas 1.99 and dropping . I have always lived rural and dislike shopping so always have a good stockpile. I went last Thursday to our local Aldi ‘s, shelves were stocked. They had plenty of everything except hand sanitizer, but this happens every flu season. I have been told shelves are picked over this week.
Everything around me shut down, drive thru ‘s open but I don’t eat out anyway. I have full freezers and pantry, I am remembering everything my mother and grandma told me about the Great Depression and the rationing of WW2.
I have my own chickens and share eggs with family and friends. Younger family still working, I provide some childcare as their jobs are service type jobs and they are not able to work from home, but must work.
I haven’t had a large garden in some years…growing only in pots, seriously considering having a larger plot this year. It would at least keep me busy and I can produce for others. Plus I do love to garden.
I think for my area IF the weather would straighten up and get warmer, people would feel better about all of this.
Stay safe and carry on.
Robin in WI says
Where I live in Wisconsin, toilet paper is the big problem. Gas is $1.99. Our freezer is packed with meat as we bypass the stores and buy directly from two small farms that care about their animals and raise them humanely. I gave about 3 weeks’ worth of TP to our 93-year-old neighbor in case he’s having trouble finding it. Today when I was getting a big pack of TP at Target, the woman in the checkout line ahead of me paid for my TP before I realized what was going on. To pay this kindness forward, when I stopped at a grocery store I gave the cashier $20 to help with someone else’s grocery bill.
Chris says
A family member works in the corporate offices of a large grocer here in Missouri and he and all other office people have neen called out to stock shelves. It’s, crazy, there is no fresh meat eggs other staples in stores. I’m not quite sure I understand this. Also stores are reserving first hour for senior shopping. Trying times but people are being kind and nice here.
Lolly says
I have zero clues what the stores are like! I put in a groc pickup order at walmart last fri, and then hit the smaller local groc store for meat and produce. We will need milk and half n half prolly by early next week, but other than that, we should be good on food for 2-3 more weeks…maybe longer. Our tp situation…when we go for dairy products next week we will look for tp. We should be ok with what we have for almost two wks.
So I haven’t been to the store all week, and I don’t plan on going! I’ve seen enough pics that look like yours from my friends, on fb! I don’t like crowds and I don’t like crazy….so I will just stay home for now!!
MEM says
We stopped by Target on Monday in Watertown, Mass. and their pain reliever aisle was empty – 12+ feet of nothing except a box of Excedrin that had been opened. They seemed to have plenty of food but of course the toilet paper and any sort of disinfectant was gone. Since both DH and I are over 60, we might check out Market Basket during their “senior hours” of 5:30-7:00 a.m.
Diane says
I just came back from Kroger to look for milk because they were out of it last weekend. Happy to say they were fully stocked up! Also had paper towels, OTC medicine and had restocked most of the canned goods which were previously sold out. Plenty of fresh produce. The only things still sold out were TP, disinfectants, fresh ground beef and chicken. But they have plenty of other fresh meat. I think all the stores will have plenty of supplies in the weeks to come. It was just the panic-buying that made the shelves empty.
Great idea to ask high-risk neighbors if you can help them since they are worried about going to the store. Also, many stores have pick-up and Kroger even ships to you free with minimum $35 order.
Bev says
We were grocery shopping yesterday at Sobey’s here in Edmonton, Alberta. Most stock is down to about 1/3 of what it is normally. Gas was 74.5 cents per litre. We have never seen it that low in years.
Tracy says
No one should be “running out to pick up a few thing” right now. I would hope by now, folks would have assessed the state of their panties, fridges and freezers, calibrated what they need to live for a few weeks, at minimum, and made one or two visits to stores to purchase what they need. I hope they’ve washed their hands and wiped down their vehicle upon their return home, and wiped down plastic or metal containers of those goods before bring them into their homes. Then I hope they stay home and stop putting themselves and the rest of us at risk by hopping out to pick up a single item, visit a cafe or general store, or tourist attraction. Please folks, the CDC forecasts that our hospital and medical professionals are going to be overwhelmed in about 45 days, by a factor of TEN. Don’t believe me, believe the CDC or the World Health Organization. Don’t need to be paranoid, but we do need to be smart..
And this behavior just isn’t smart. Please be safe. This crazy virus will pass, surely. But not before an unprecedented number of our friends and neighbors have died. Help stave off those peaks of illness by staying home. You can live without vinegar for a few weeks!
Jacqui Gauld says
Tracy, I assume “panties” is meant to read pantries? there’s nothing whatsoever funny about this whole situation but that made me laugh.
A close friend has many other friends in the medical profession, one of them (hospital based) has told her “we’ve been told to prepare for the end of days”. And yet, yes, people still aren’t taking it seriously.
Dianne says
I appreciate your post. Mine was not posted, I guess the moderator would not allow. But it spoke of the same thing, but included comments about the economy. This is not a joke. It is serious.
Lisa says
I have been feeling pretty mellow about all this as we prepped back in the beginning of February, but I ran into the store to get butter and felt immediately teary and anxious upon seeing those empty shelves and freezers.
I work in a hospital and appreciate everyone staying at home, so we can slow this down and not become overwhelmed. Hopefully, if folks stocked up they can bunker down and save lives.
Lauralli says
I went to the grocery store on Tuesday because one of my sons moved home when his medical school rotations cancelled. And, his fiance lives here in our town so two more people to feed that I originally planned. Our store was out of so much stuff it made me worry for the first time.
On a brighter note, I paid $1.59/gal for gas so it looks like my town is the winner on that deal in central Arkansas! 🙂
Patti says
Gas is $1.77 here in South Carolina. I went to Aldi on Monday and they have limits on milk, bread, and some other products. Not eggs, though. There was very little meat but I bought a package of pork chops and a ham slice. I also bought frozen salmon. I was able to get everything I needed. I have a freezer full and lots in my pantry because we like to cook and we grow our vegetables in the summer. We are enjoying trying to use up our food in creative ways (so far, just lengthening the leftovers). My husband is retired but I work for a church and am still employed with no meetings, etc. My son (in college) has lost his two restaurant jobs and his classes are online now. He is a bit worried but the restaurants sent foods home with the staff and he had been to the grocery store.
Jill N Hamilton says
Here’s atip if you are going grocery shopping and forgot/don’t have sanitizer for the cart….tie a produce bag around the handgrippy part! may have to turn it inside out for ultimate safety. Tip is from my 16 year old daughter. 😉
Mama Jo says
Gas $1.59 in central Texas just outside Austin. Expected to get down to 99 cents per gal.
Stocked up on dog food from Chuey’s cause I have my small dog plus keeping my grandpup ( lg lab) for a while.
Costco ran low on toilet paper & cleaning supplies last week.
I am staying home, not being around anyone as I am 80 yrs old. I have every thing I need.
God bless all of you.
Myria says
I haven’t gone to the stores here, but I’ve seen the empty shelves pics on social media. We luckily did our shopping before the worst hit. We are in Oklahoma and the last I saw about gas the cheapest was $1.24 I think.
Judi Y. says
Thank you for telling us about Botanical Interests! I’m afraid to go out and buy plants (I’m old and at risk) so I’m going to try the seeds. I haven’t ever had luck doing that but am hopeful this is my year!
Barbara says
Columbus, Ohio. Gas is $1.66 at Costco. Lots of items sold out, but several restocked over night as stores are closing early to sanitize and opening a little later in the morning. Take care everyone and wash those hands.
Jacqui Gauld says
The first confirmed case of Covid19 in Scotland was local to me which was very scary to hear, but numbers in this area have not increased dramatically as of yet. I last shopped Friday past and Tesco had a few bare shelves but overall it was ok. All UK supermarkets are now rationing certain goods, e.g. loo roll, handwash, tinned veg, and are reassuring customers that there is plenty food in the country and there is no need to go daft with the stockpiling, as has been happening. Also, most supermarkets are having “over 70 in age only” opening hours to make it less stressful for that age group should they have to shop for themselves.
All UK schools, colleges, etc are closed after tomorrow. Lots of individual businesses have also closed. I’m in the “vulnerable” group because of various conditions I have, e.g. asthma, we have been told to minimise all social contract for 3 months.
On the bright side, there are lots of C19 help and advice groups on Facebook. It’s truly heart warming to realise just how many good people there are who are willing to shop, pick up meds, etc for those unable to leave the house. It would be truly wonderful if this community spirit continued once C19 has (hopefully) abated.
Jacqui Gauld says
Update to above, just had an email from Tesco, as from tomorrow, they’re rationing every product line to three per customer, plus closing their deli, meat, fish counters, etc. All stores will close at 22.00, no more 24 hour opening.
Ketah says
What are old lady pills??
Mavis Butterfield says
My beloved Tylenol 8 hour arthritis pills. They work really really well.
Lace Faerie says
I have always tried to keep a 3 month supply of basics and our favorite food items and sundry items. I mostly buy ingredients not prepackaged products. Last Wednesday evening we went to Winco (large low price grocery store) to pick up things we were low on. Fortunately, we didn’t need any paper products! I urged my grown children to do their weekly grocery shopping early but my daughter who goes out to dinner with HH & DD then goes shopping every Friday found the same store in shambles. No potatoes, sweet potatoes or onions, no prepackaged pasta or rice. No canned veggies or fruit, no diapers or wipes. No milk, no eggs, a few pounds of butter but only the most expensive brand. It’s crazy out there! Glad I have always tried to keep a packed go-bag and followed the Red Cross suggestions for having enough food, water and medicine in case of emergency situations. Hopefully when this has passed, people will smarten up so they don’t panic-buy.
Teresa Young says
Western NY – gas at Costco today was $1.99 – haven’t seen it under $2 in a years.
Costco was not letting you get your own cart – an associate was cleaning them off as she gave them to shoppers. Reminder signs to stay 6 feet away from others. Also an associate directing you to a checkout line instead of a free for all.
I was picking up my contact lens order or might not even have ventured out – but ended up getting a picking up some meat & pillows. I didn’t see many empty shelves but didn’t venture into dairy or the toilet paper area.
No reason to leave our property until April, and who knows where we will be by then? Hopefully at the end of the flattened curve! Stay healthy, everyone!
Donna J. says
Back here in Wenatchee, Washington State, I went to Costco today. No potatoes! Not any kind. And I wanted some. TP, milk, eggs, rotisserie chickens, and lots more things rationed one per customer, but they had them. There were lots of things they didn’t have. Meat coolers were very much lacking choices. Fred Meyer was worse. Gas was $2.65 at Costco.
Jennifer says
$1.69 near me in Ohio. Last I went to the store there was no meat to speak of. I did find turkey sausages and hamburger patties, just not a pack of ground beef. I bought both of these meats because I can think outside the box and cook whatever. I am flexible because I normally cook from scratch. i found scratch ingredients to be fairly plentiful – though no pasta, bread, etc. Produce was hit or miss depending on what shipments came in. No toilet paper or sanitizer or wipes.
i am a stockpiler normally so I really just needed to fill in the gaps. I could use more pasta if we are shut down longterm, but I am not out yet and I have other options. I do think we will not be going back to school and I foresee a shelter in place happening fairly soon here.
SUZANNE says
Well, here I am in Texas. Almost wish I was back in Oregon. However, this is where God wants us right now so will accept it!
I’ve been a prepper for some time, but had to go out today for some items on my list. Have to wait on SS check to go shopping.
The bread aisle was wiped out. I had hoped to get a couple blocks of cheese, but they were all gone. The only way I could get cheese was shredded and packages of slices, so I got those. When I headed to get eggs, those shelves were totally empty. However, as I was wheeling around the aisle I spied a worker with a cart full of eggs. So, I lucked out there.
The thing that amazed me is that the shelves that usually held feminine hygiene products were completely bare.
As were the shelves that hold TP, PT, Paper plates, etc. And of course the shelves where hand sanitizer, alcohol and aloe vera gel used to hang out.
Oh, my hubby filled the gas tank with gasoline that only cost us $1.67/gal.
I guess this problem is now nationwide.
I pray that all of you, wherever you are, will stay home and stay safe.
Nancy O'Brien says
Hi from Nova Scotia in Canada! Here’s our situation today although things change quickly, as you know!
Things are pretty locked down here and everyone I’ve come across is super kind to each other and following the guidelines.
Lots of help for those financially, and otherwise, affected by the virus restrictions….ie. eliminating the wait period for unemployment insurance to kick in, increasing the child benefits amount, banks deferring loan and mortgage payments, etc. Everyone who does not have a job that is considered essential is encouraged to work from home and most businesses are closed. Daycares also closed.
Schools and universities are closed.
Grocery stores are open the first couple of hours of the day only for the elderly and immunocompromised where they can shop in smaller crowds. The rest of us can shop the remainder of the day …. although opening hours have been severely cut back.
Our local large food chain store has waived the fee for online shopping so you can just place your order, someone will shop for you and you just pick it up outside the store. They’ll even put it in the trunk of your car for you so excellent social distancing practices!
Any gatherings of over 50 people are banned…..that means that a store like Costco only allows 50 people in the store at a time and the lineups follow the social distancing rules.
Gas is super cheap right now! About 1/3 less than usual.
The stores have implemented limits on items so that there is enough to go around. Luckily I get my meat, eggs, and wheat from farmers and so far they are delivering to a drop off point as the farmer’s markets are closed.
Things like hand sanitizer and alcohol wipes have been off the shelves for the past month or so.
Any online orders are taking a lot longer to deliver but they are getting here. Waiting for my garden seed order which should arrive today.
That’s about it! Cheers from Canada and hope you’re all keeping safe!
Elbow bumps!!!!
PMorrisHTX says
Just outside Houston in The Woodlands, stores were still open 2 days ago when I ordered my groceries but my Instacart shopper sent pics of all the empty shelves of paper goods, dry pastas, rice & beans (still plenty of canned beans & peas), canned soups, frozen pizzas but still plenty of ready made or ready to bake crusts, and of course no toilet paper whatsoever. Every time the stores restock the hoarders descend and they’re gone. Good supplies of fresh produce though.
Fortunately, like many here we have a well stocked pantry & can easily eat for perhaps 10 days without being inconvenienced although I would have liked to pick up some meat or seafood and a couple extra rolls of TP as we don’t keep much of those.
Judy says
Hi Mavis:
Our governor in Ohio, DeWine sure has been taking a progressive attitude toward this virus. I am glad he has. He was one of the first ones to close schools, restaurants, BMV, Nail and Beauty Salons and even the libraries are county to county. I will be 79 this year and have been in doors for almost 2 weeks. I am healthy and want to stay that way. We are low on paper products from what I hear on the news and some of the grocery stores are delivering to those in need. It is nice to see people helping one another, but the younger kids need to practice this social distancing too. It seems that age group is developing more of the virus in the last couple of days. Have no idea what gas is around here, but would imagine it is around $2.00 a gallon. Everyone stay healthy and working together we can beat this virus.
KCB says
Here in your old stomping grounds, GH, Tacoma, Puyallup, the grocery store situation is grim. Shelves are bare of most staples. Our Costco had a full parking lot with a nearby field full of the overflow. We were just there for gas. I went to Fred Meyer Saturday. I got the last milk & some chicken breasts and a small roast. They did have a adequate amount of meat.
Dianne Hewitt says
Florida here!!! Let’s see the wisdom of this call—beaches still open till Monday 23rd at 6pm. Have a feeling that will turn around and bite Florida in the rear (and all the spring breakers who go back home to their families) Plus gas is $2.02.