Anyone stockpiling food?

[NYCgrrl]

So, here's something I didn't consider that has started happening here in NYC. Grocery stores are closing due to employees being sick. Currently, the Whole Foods in Columbus Circle, which services a large area, and the Trader Joe's on 72nd St., which is only about 12 blocks north of that Whole Foods, are closed indefinitely. That's going to strain the open markets, and also reduce options for product. I'm not sure if these markets are closed because they are being more careful than the others, but it seems possible that more markets could close and that would be a bit scary!

I'm kind of not surprised that the WF @ Columbus Circle is closed now:

https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/03/20/us/20reuters-health-coronavirus-wholefoods.html
You can still get fresh OJ from Zabar's (delicious and my go to when in the nabe) and maybe Fairway. There is also a WF at 97th and Columbus and another at 127th St (don't remember the avenue name).

Didn't hear about the 72nd Street TJ's.

 

[skyblue17]

I'm kind of not surprised that the WF @ Columbus Circle is closed now:

https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2020/03/20/us/20reuters-health-coronavirus-wholefoods.html
You can still get fresh OJ from Zabar's (delicious and my go to when in the nabe) and maybe Fairway. There is also a WF at 97th and Columbus and another at 127th St (don't remember the avenue name).

Didn't hear about the 72nd Street TJ's.

We got a Zabar's catalogue the other day and I was drooling through it. I was trying to convince my (vegetarian) roommate that we should shell out for the Passover dinner for 6 (there are two of us) because it looks so delicious, lol. She says no.

 

[Bianca and Bernard]

I stopped into Publix this morning, to get milk and bread. (had to go to the post office to pick up packages, since they aren't delivering packages to our apartments now that the office is closed and they'd have to deliver to our doors...but that's another rant altogether).

Our Publix was limiting purchases, which is fine. Two items in the rice/grains section, 2 pastas, 2 pasta sauces, 2 tomato cans of whatever type, 2 bread/buns, etc. What really irritated me was the limit on 2 meat packages. Not 2 chicken, 2 beef, and 2 pork, but 2 meat packages of any type. AND they were not packaging the family size ones at this location. All the steaks and chicken breasts were packaged one per package, and the chicken thighs and short ribs were 2 per package. The manager was getting an earful from about a dozen people in the meat department over the limit and small packages.

I just grabbed 2 packages of ground beef to add to what we have at home (giving me 16 meals of meat, not including pasta/beans without meat). Next week is payday, and I'll go up to BJs to see if they have any of the big packages of meat before I head to Publix or Winn Dixie for the rest. I usually shop once a month, for meats, frozen veggies, snacks, paper goods, cat stuff, etc; then I do small weekly or biweekly trips for fresh veg, milk, bread. Have to change my shopping habits now. Plus I have to buy lunches for DS (he usually eats lunch at school) and DH (usually goes out).

 

[Imzadi]

So, here's something I didn't consider that has started happening here in NYC. Grocery stores are closing due to employees being sick. Currently, the Whole Foods in Columbus Circle, which services a large area, and the Trader Joe's on 72nd St., which is only about 12 blocks north of that Whole Foods, are closed indefinitely. That's going to strain the open markets, and also reduce options for product. I'm not sure if these markets are closed because they are being more careful than the others, but it seems possible that more markets could close and that would be a bit scary!

Wow. Although, in a way, I'm not surprised someone got sick. That place was a zoo the last time I went. I mentioned it in 2 posts on this thread about how packed it was. I swore I wasn't going back there until after this is over. Due to Tom Hanks' tweet, and someone here mentioning he has diabetes, I realized I'm in the high risk group as I'm pre-diabetic. It wasn't safe for the customers being so densely packed in together. I turned & left with the few things I could get along the periphery. It couldn't possible be safe for the employees.

This does put a strain on the other 3 markets in that area though. 2 of them I shop in instead and had to go back in 3 more times to stock up as there wasn't enough each time.

I didn't even bother going to Trader Joe's when this started. It is always packed in there, even without a pandemic. They have my 5 favorite frozen dumplings though.

You can still get fresh OJ from Zabar's (delicious and my go to when in the nabe) and maybe Fairway.

Fairway filed for bankruptcy about a month & a half ago. They were in the process of closing some of the NYC Fairways down. I went in a couple days after they filed, and they were already not restocking stuff. I couldn't get my favorite blend of olive oil they make. I doubt they'd have much stock left to choose from in there now.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Fairway filed for bankruptcy about a month & a half ago. They were in the process of closing some of the NYC Fairways down. I went in a couple days after they filed, and they were already not restocking stuff. I couldn't get my favorite blend of olive oil they make. I doubt they'd have much stock left to choose from in there now.

I knew about the bankruptcy filing but honestly don't know if it's a reorganization or closing filing. Nevertheless I've sadly been off Fairway for a while. The veggies haven't looked as good as they used to, the deli department is smaller; they kind of ruined it.

Yesterday, I ran into the new supermarket in the Bronx Terminal Mall. It's a few subway stops from our home or a 1/2 hour bus ride but has a less crowded Target too. The new market is run by Food Bazaar, and has an immense produce department. All I thought I needed was a new shopping cart so I just observed the other offerings there but plan to return in another week or so. From Manhattan, take the Metro North or D, B, 4 trains to Yankee Stadium. Decent prices although you will not find items like fennel or elephant garlic. I saw people food shopping there that definitely looked like Manhattan refugees, LOL.

@skyblue17- ack, feel your pain with Zabar's Passover meal. If it's any help I'm not in love w/ their brisket; tastes more like pot roast.

 

[MamaLema]

So, here's something I didn't consider that has started happening here in NYC. Grocery stores are closing due to employees being sick. Currently, the Whole Foods in Columbus Circle, which services a large area, and the Trader Joe's on 72nd St., which is only about 12 blocks north of that Whole Foods, are closed indefinitely. That's going to strain the open markets, and also reduce options for product. I'm not sure if these markets are closed because they are being more careful than the others, but it seems possible that more markets could close and that would be a bit scary!

This is happening in my city as well. So far 2 supermarkets have shut down. In one of the store the employee passed away. This is causing even more panic buying due to uncertainty of stores staying open.

 

[MamaLema]

Deleted

 

[Imzadi]

This is happening in my city as well. So far 2 supermarkets have shut down. In one of the store the employee passed away. This is causing even more panic buying due to uncertainty of stores staying open.

They really need to let the store employees wear face masks & gloves if they want and can find them. So what it it doesn't look professional or that they scare the customers. We're already scared. They need to understand that if an employee gets sick, they end up closing down & scrubbing everything.

When I went into my local supermarket to see if they finally got some meat & fish, the meat person was there stocking the meat in the coolers. As I left I said to her, "Stay safe." She turned fully around and looked at me with such appreciation for thinking of her and said a very grateful thank you.

 

[Imzadi]

Yesterday, I ran into the new supermarket in the Bronx Terminal Mall. It's a few subway stops from our home or a 1/2 hour bus ride but has a less crowded Target too.

I sometimes head to the Target in Riverdale. It's a straight shot up the 1 Train. But, there aren't many other stores up there.

 

[Imzadi]

Will be using my bread machine when we actually run out of bread.

I'd like to make some flat bread. It's actually quite easy. Only 2 ingredients: self rising flour & yogurt or sour cream in pretty much equal parts. One can drizzle in a little olive oil for flavor and to make it less sticky and some optional herbs. (One can substitute regular flour and add baking powder. Google for correct amounts.) Knead for a minute. Cover, let rise about 15 min. Cut into smaller portions, Flatten & fry in a really hot skillet. No oil needed. Or broil on a griddle for nice char marks.

It's Weight Watchers friendly if one used fat free yogurt or sour cream. It tastes a bit like sourdough bread. WW people are making all kinds of bread with it, pizza dough, herbed rolls (don't flatten,) and cinnamon buns. However, flour seems to be as rare as TP.

Would like to start the garden, but then I'd have to leave for fertilizer & such since that has also been out online.

As for gardening, research hydroponic gardening - growing in only water. It's actually a great experiment with the kids. I was looking at growing romaine lettuce. It's quite easy to start one from an existing head of lettuce. Just cut the bottom section, at least 2 inches up from the bottom and place that in a 1/2 inch of water. OR pull off the leaves until you get to the crown in the center. Change the water daily. In about 3 days it starts growing new leaves and grows enough for 1 salad in about 2 weeks. Cut off, start again. However, it will never be as bushy as the original one and the head can only be re-cut about 4 times before the leaves get too small, starts flowering and becomes bitter. Hopefully, by then this quarantine/lockdown will be over.

Here is a link for various veggies that can be grown in water:

https://dontwastethecrumbs.com/regrow-food-water/
And how easy it is to grow lettuce:

 

[barkley]

interesting experience today.

i live near the boarder of washington and idaho. washington has had more cases/more progressive action than idaho but idaho has now done their own shut downs. within a 10 mile distance the difference between grocery availability is amazing..............

it reads like a time machine-what all the highly impacted states were pulling off the shelves a couple of weeks ago look just to be emptied now. the items that those of us in highly impacted states now realize we should have stocked up on-in ample supply (and not price impacted or with any mandated limitations, just 'courtesy notes' suggesting people limit their purchases).

fast food/to go eateries abound with help wanted signs-starting wages at $4 above minimum wage

 

[theluckyrabbit]

... However, flour seems to be as rare as TP...

Try calling around to bakeries, especially independent ones, in your area. Some bakeries in our area are selling smaller bags of flour (4 or 5 lbs.), sugar, eggs, and butter to customers. Flour certainly is scarce these days!

 

[Dole_whip_doll]

For those who are doing their own shopping, are you finding limits at the store? With the walmart pickup in my area, except for bananas and produce, everything has limits of 2. Now I could order 2 loaves of bread, 2 packs of english muffins and 2 packs of bagels, which I did and got none at all ...LOL...but I am wondering is this is just online or are people being stopped at the checkout with 8 loaves of bread. I realize if you have 6 people in your family, feeding them three meals a day, you need a loaf a day, but just wondering what and if any limits are occurring.

For one shop the bananas were limited to 6. Next shop , I ordered 9 and got them. A little banana tip that probably every one knew but me...........Normally we just buy a bunch and it sits on the counter and all the bananas go bad in 4 or 5 days. With this lack of just running to the store whenever....the bananas I got , I separate them and put them in the basement , spread out on a table. The basement is a little cooler than the kitchen and the bananas are lasting twice as long.

With Walmart curbside, EVERYTHING has been limited to 2 items lately. I know that’s not usually the case too. However, the only items limited in store are bread and milk. There were no signs by paper goods or pasta or meat.
My rant with Walmart curbside (and this was back on March 13-14) is I really believe the ones filling orders don’t want to pick up, push around, and load heavier stuff. 12 lb bag cat food? 30 lb bag litter? 10 lb frozen chicken breasts? 10 lb hamburger? Case of coke? Case of DP? All out of stock AND no subs at all? I then went in the store to see what I COULD get as a sub and found everything but the hamburger. PLUS I just feel the first thing they should do BEFORE they open is pull ALL the curbside orders for the entire day and have them ready. They have coolers and such for the storage.
H-E-B we had an order just for tp and paper towels that same time frame. Never got “ready” notification, called store, said they were out and that was all. Later that evening I got a call from them asking why I didn’t cancel my order. I told them THEY said they were out so that was on them. They kept trying to push for me to cancel and I finally said no I’d just leave it. It would get filled eventually and I’d be happy to wait. They were not happy, and magically my order was ready the next AM. About 24 hours after I’d should have been ready. They want US to cancel so it doesn’t look bad on them.

 

[skyblue17]

My rant with Walmart curbside (and this was back on March 13-14) is I really believe the ones filling orders don’t want to pick up, push around, and load heavier stuff. 12 lb bag cat food? 30 lb bag litter? 10 lb frozen chicken breasts? 10 lb hamburger? Case of coke? Case of DP? All out of stock AND no subs at all? I then went in the store to see what I COULD get as a sub and found everything but the hamburger. PLUS I just feel the first thing they should do BEFORE they open is pull ALL the curbside orders for the entire day and have them ready. They have coolers and such for the storage.

This might be true, and perhaps it's because they don't have the manpower to do so at the rate orders for such items are pulling in? Your average staff member might be fine with pulling average sized items but someone who's getting called in to help with curbside pickup and isn't used to that work load probably isn't able to pull such heavy stuff. And perhaps they're also trying to reduce people taking advantage of the service as well.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Try calling around to bakeries, especially independent ones, in your area. Some bakeries in our area are selling smaller bags of flour (4 or 5 lbs.), sugar, eggs, and butter to customers. Flour certainly is scarce these days!

I read an article somewhere about what people are doing at home during theses times. Many are trying their hands at baking. Should anyone need baking supplies and cannot find there is always this website:

https://www.kingarthurflour.com/

 

[Dole_whip_doll]

This might be true, and perhaps it's because they don't have the manpower to do so at the rate orders for such items are pulling in? Your average staff member might be fine with pulling average sized items but someone who's getting called in to help with curbside pickup and isn't used to that work load probably isn't able to pull such heavy stuff. And perhaps they're also trying to reduce people taking advantage of the service as well.

Not taking advantage. I get paid once a month and shop only once a month and that is exactly the sizes we ALWAYS buy. EVERY time we do a curbside for those items, it’s always the same.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I read an article somewhere about what people are doing at home during theses times. Many are trying their hands at baking. Should anyone need baking supplies and cannot find there is always this website:

https://www.kingarthurflour.com/

KAF is OUT of all purpose flour and all the "regular' flours that I checked! They do have the specialty flours, e.g. gluten free. You can leave your email to receive an alert when they are restocked, but who knows when that will be? Bob's Red Mill is out of all purpose flour, too! And no date for when they will be restocked.

 

[jo-jo]

With Walmart curbside, EVERYTHING has been limited to 2 items lately. I know that’s not usually the case too. However, the only items limited in store are bread and milk. There were no signs by paper goods or pasta or meat.
My rant with Walmart curbside (and this was back on March 13-14) is I really believe the ones filling orders don’t want to pick up, push around, and load heavier stuff. 12 lb bag cat food? 30 lb bag litter? 10 lb frozen chicken breasts? 10 lb hamburger? Case of coke? Case of DP? All out of stock AND no subs at all? I then went in the store to see what I COULD get as a sub and found everything but the hamburger. PLUS I just feel the first thing they should do BEFORE they open is pull ALL the curbside orders for the entire day and have them ready. They have coolers and such for the storage.
H-E-B we had an order just for tp and paper towels that same time frame. Never got “ready” notification, called store, said they were out and that was all. Later that evening I got a call from them asking why I didn’t cancel my order. I told them THEY said they were out so that was on them. They kept trying to push for me to cancel and I finally said no I’d just leave it. It would get filled eventually and I’d be happy to wait. They were not happy, and magically my order was ready the next AM. About 24 hours after I’d should have been ready. They want US to cancel so it doesn’t look bad on them.

I thought it was odd to have a limit of 2 on cans of bean sprouts. Somehow I don't think bean sprouts is on the "hot list of items to buy" that everyone is buying.

There have been a few comments here of wanting to get a pick up time early in the day since they found they had better luck getting items than a pick up time late in the day.

Yes, I do wish they would pull the items before store open. Granted I am not paying for this service, but if it gives me a better chance of getting my items, I'd be willing to pay a $5 - 10 fee. Even with the 2 item limit. In the two walmart orders, I had 8 bread items on the list....so far I've gotten one loaf of bread. And it was a sub, not even the one I really wanted.

I'm trying to stay out of the stores, since when we drive by, they look mobbed. Since this started I've only spent roughly 5 min in aldi's getting some bread.

 

[NYCgrrl]

KAF is OUT of all purpose flour and all the "regular' flours that I checked! They do have the specialty flours, e.g. gluten free. You can leave your email to receive an alert when they are restocked, but who knows when that will be? Bob's Red Mill is out of all purpose flour, too! And no date for when they will be restocked.

Darn! I bought powdered milk from them back in Feb which feels like it was a year ago. So much change in such a small amt of time.

 

[skyblue17]

Not taking advantage. I get paid once a month and shop only once a month and that is exactly the sizes we ALWAYS buy. EVERY time we do a curbside for those items, it’s always the same.

Not suggesting that you are, I just wouldn't be surprised if SOME are, given the hoarding going on.

I'm not surprised there is some limit to curbside pickup, especially as staff gets overworked.