At the IGA in Glenmore, just like almost every other grocery store, it came on very quickly toward the end of the first week of March. "Panic," is how Roger Anis describes the mood among some shoppers at his IGA store. "There was panic buying, when you know people just have to calm down a bit."
And while it may have waned somewhat, it's been continuing to the point where stores like this one are constantly playing catch-up to keep food on the shelves.
"It's calmed down a bit," said Anis. But you can see by our shelves, we can't keep up."
He says the shelves are better stocked today than they have been for a while, but by early afternoon many are empty.
"Well toilet paper," said Anis, "if we had it. Sugar, flour, canned goods, meat, but fortunately we put a limit on our meat, like from day one."
The limit on meat purchases at the Glenmore IGA is one package per customer. It's stamped right on the label.
"We actually put it right on the package itself. 'Limit One" so that there's no grey area. The customer can't say 'Oh, I didn't see the sign', It says 'Limit One' right on the pack," he said.
The reaction from customers has been positive.
"Because they've been to other stores around town to get something and...nothing. Buggy loads of one person taking it all," added Anis.
He said the food supply is there, it's just a question of supplying all the stores.
"We're not running out of food. People think there's going to be a shortage. What it is, is warehouses can only ship out so much. They can't keep up themselves."
Anis hopes people will start to get the message that if they can just shop moderately, things would be better for everyone.
"If people could be a little more aware and take a little bits at a time, everybody can have some and we'll get restocked quicker."
In order to increase safety and accessibility, the Glenmore IGA is one of the stores holding special openings for seniors.
"It went really well," said Anis about the first 7 am to 8 am senior shopping hour this week. And he expects next week to be better.
"Give us another week or so when there's more product for them to get at, but they really enjoyed it."
At the Glenmore IGA, the senior mornings are Wednesday and Friday.
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