The COVID-19 pandemic is stressing out people around the globe — the thoughtless beachgoers on spring break in Florida notwithstanding. Just as importantly, it is putting a great deal of stress on the produce industry’s supply chain. However, because of the dedicated people that make up that supply chain, produce departments around the country are, if not fully stocked, stocked enough to provide a little comfort to shoppers.
“Our supply chain is the best in the world,” said Mike Roberts, the director of produce operations for Harps Food Stores. “I think it has proven that this week. It was very stressed over the weekend, but it looks like it is rebounding.”
Harps produce department is working in concert with its other departments within the store to make sure its shoppers have as much as humanly possible available to them during this time. Roberts noted that the dearth of trucks has each department sharing space on trucks they receive to ensure an even balance of product — the more important products — is delivered.
“Our departments have been working as a team to make sure we have got the most important items,” said Roberts. “I told my guys, if we run out of an item like tofu, I’m okay with it — just make sure you don’t run out of potatoes onions and carrots. We are running the data to see what people are buying and making sure we have those items.”
For those that are most susceptible, Harps now offers free Instacart service and encourages the elderly to shop early — before stores get busy.
Beginning Friday, Giant Food Stores of Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia and Delaware will offer dedicated shopping hours for senior citizens 60 and older and individuals with compromised immune systems.
“Every store in our operating areas will reserve 6-7 a.m., every day of the week for this vulnerable population to shop and practice social distancing,” said a Giant spokesperson. “The stores will operate on regular hours of operation during all other times. We continue to work on restocking our shelves and will be ready to serve to the best of our ability.”
Other retailers around the country are doing similar. Roberts said it is the people working in-store, and behind the scenes, that have really stepped up.
“I was in five stores yesterday and I told every produce manger I talked to, ‘go home early and get some rest, you have been working for five, six days straight,” said Roberts. “Every one of them told me, ‘no, I’ve got more stuff to do. There are people here it is still busy, thanks but no thanks.’ It’s pretty amazing to see that kind of work force step up to the plate and help their communities out.”
He added a huge shout out to his suppliers, such as Associated Wholesale Grocers and Nogales Produce out of Dallas among others, “We wouldn’t be able to anything without them.”
Please, whatever role you play in the produce industry, get in touch with us at newsdesk@theproducenews.com or levitt@theproducenews.com. Tell us what you are doing, what challenges you are facing and what is being done to solve them to keep the industry functioning as smoothly as possible. We will let our readers know the efforts being made to keep our businesses going.
Stay safe.
