ECON Report food and grocery price increases/shortages here: 2021 Edition

[Jubilee on Earth]

Wife did some shopping at PetSmart yesterday. They were out of non-pate cat food. The dog food was virtually gone in all types of wet. They did have dry.

So she asked the manager what the deal was and he responded with they trucks have been running at half full for the last few months. They had just that week's truck and it had little cat or dog food. Note: we are talking about wet versions and not the dry.

I believe this to be more of a supply chain issue rather than a run on cat/dog food. There is a bit still around town, but all of it is the lower China type of food. Not something we feed to our animals.

I was just about to post that I replenished another round of both cat food and chicken feed. Holy smokes!! Prices went way up. $8 more a bag for the organic layer pellets I typically buy, and $5 more a bag for the grain-free cat food. Yikes. That’s quite a jump. (This is on Amazon. I haven’t checked Tractor Supply.)

 

[Dm19cm]

I went to Walmart yesterday for cat food and kitty litter and a few odds and ends. Very sparse almost through the store. It would take forever to list all the categories, but over by the cat food wall where they usually have seasonal things I counted 5 rows of shelving with nothing at all on the shelves. Granted, they might have been prepping for something, but I've never seen a store do that before (and I worked in retailing for 29 years before I retired). Freezer, milk section, canned goods of all kinds, cleaning supplies etc, all had empty spaces. Their produce section looked fairly full though. It looked like they either hadn't had deliveries for a few days or were going out of business...and they're not going out of business. Even the candle section was probably 1/4 full. This was in Northern California. Also, Safeway has had sparse shelves in the freezer and bread sections lately. Not to the extent Walmart did, but it caught my attention. And when I went shopping on New Year's Day (crazy I know but I wanted something from their "Friday Only" sale), the soda section was bare in the 2 ltr bottle space. I've never seen that before. Strange times!

 

[20Gauge]

I am thinking the supply chain was stressed / busted during the 1st lock down and has not recovered. Now with the push to use the 25th on Trump and people having a few dollars from the stimulus, people are stocking up.

Thus the lack of stock on shelves.

Now for the announcement by government that the only reason we have shortages are due to those evil Trump supporters who "stole" and "hoarded" all the food.

 

[Lurker]

I've only used it as a foliar spray on tomatoes and peppers, but it really does help fruit production. I'm just leery of using too much of any "trace" nutrient... I've seen land which was essentially poisoned with too much boron. Lets just say it's a situation that's a lot easier to fall into than fix!

Summerthyme

Ahhh. I toss it by hand at the base of the plants, maybe a quarter to a half of a handful. I have a size 11 hand (for scale). Some get a little more, some a little less, nothing specific and then watered in unless rain is coming and make sure any that lands on the leaves gets rinsed off. Been doing it this way for about a decade and all the plants seems to love it.

 

[tiredude]

I was just about to post that I replenished another round of both cat food and chicken feed. Holy smokes!! Prices went way up. $8 more a bag for the organic layer pellets I typically buy, and $5 more a bag for the grain-free cat food. Yikes. That’s quite a jump. (This is on Amazon. I haven’t checked Tractor Supply.)

Dog food hasnt gone up here yet but availability in noticeably down

 

[20Gauge]

I was just about to post that I replenished another round of both cat food and chicken feed. Holy smokes!! Prices went way up. $8 more a bag for the organic layer pellets I typically buy, and $5 more a bag for the grain-free cat food. Yikes. That’s quite a jump. (This is on Amazon. I haven’t checked Tractor Supply.)

There is a thread somewhere detailing why this is happening.

 

[Michiana MaJo]

Did anyone else hear the news that Amazon is discontinuing Prime groceries....foods to be sold in the regular places. Dunno if that portends anything to watch?

 

[Barry Natchitoches]

David's seeds have always done well for me. There are several veteran owned companies that sell on Amazon as well that have done well for me. In fact, our strawberry plants came from one of the veteran owned companies, and we have Strawberry (bushes) plants that produce amazing berries.

I am looking for a good supplier if strawberry plants.

Who is this veteran owned company that you gyt yours from, if you don’t mind my asking?

 

[John Deere Girl]

I am looking for a good supplier if strawberry plants.

Who is this veteran owned company that you gyt yours from, if you don’t mind my asking?

It was a company on Amazon. I will try to find it for you.

ETA: About Us
I think this is the right one.

 

[Terrwyn]

I've not only noticed increases in cat food they are back to shortages. Bought a dozen more cases at Chewy.
Also came across cane sugar shortages including Amazon. Finally found a case of La Suer peas. I mean really?
I dont know anybody besides us that even eats them. Nothing feels normal about shopping anymore. It is hit and miss. And heaven forbid you run out of anything and think you can just go buy it.
So now I have peas, corn, and green beans enough to last through summer.
Also added some camping pouches of all natural chicken gumbo.

 

[Keric4]

Saw an ad on Craigslist. $30.00 for 16 MREs. Just curious if that's a good price? Never bought them before.

 

[Terrwyn]

Saw an ad on Craigslist. $30.00 for 16 MREs. Just curious if that's a good price? Never bought them before.

Check MRE Depot. They are honest and the date will be good. I wouldn't trust Craigslist. The shelf life isn't that good to begin with unless stored under ideal conditions and they could be out of date.

 

[bbbuddy]

Went to Baker Creak seeds online this morning to find they temporarily closed the site again due to increased sales and Covid. I didn’t expect that to happen so soon. It closed a couple times in the spring due to a lot of sales

Just got a big order from them, guess it was just in time.

I found a site called "Urban Farmer" - Urban Farmer | Seeds, Plants and Garden Supplies - that has a good selection, including pre-ordering potatoes and strawberries etc...

 

[Marseydoats]

Something I've never seen before... Mid-Atlantic WM this am --- a woman pushing a VERY overloaded shopping cart almost crashed into me because she couldn't steer it. Didn't offer a word of apology, just glared at me. I glared at her right back. Not in the mood...
Get to the check out. She's got 8 -12 of every item she bought in her buggy. the total hits $598. The cash register says "Exceeds allowed purchases" (or something to that effect) She was about to slug the poor cashier. Nobody knew how to override it, so she had to divide her stuff into 2 orders and she was just plain nasty about it.
The good part of my trip --- I finally got some Compleats. I know they're not good for you but when I've been working 12-14 hour days I just need something I can shove in the microwave. They haven't been available here in months. Also found some BBQ lighters. Been looking for awhile.
And I found some Sasquatch size hoodies for dh for $9.96. Even the cheapie ones he tears up in 2 weeks are usually over $30, and these are good quality Fruit of the Loom.

 

[Terrwyn]

Something I've never seen before... Mid-Atlantic WM this am --- a woman pushing a VERY overloaded shopping cart almost crashed into me because she couldn't steer it. Didn't offer a word of apology, just glared at me. I glared at her right back. Not in the mood...
Get to the check out. She's got 8 -12 of every item she bought in her buggy. the total hits $598. The cash register says "Exceeds allowed purchases" (or something to that effect) She was about to slug the poor cashier. Nobody knew how to override it, so she had to divide her stuff into 2 orders and she was just plain nasty about it.
The good part of my trip --- I finally got some Compleats. I know they're not good for you but when I've been working 12-14 hour days I just need something I can shove in the microwave. They haven't been available here in months. Also found some BBQ lighters. Been looking for awhile.
And I found some Sasquatch size hoodies for dh for $9.96. Even the cheapie ones he tears up in 2 weeks are usually over $30, and these are good quality Fruit of the Loom.

That is a real eye opener report! I never heard of limits before on how much you could buy somewhere. If your card is good why would they limit you? This communist crap is getting really bad.

 

[Lurker]

Took that inexpensive chuck from the other day and just canned 19 quarts. Now no freezer needed.

 

[Grouchy Granny]

Son went to get Dog food on Friday at the Petsmart since Petco keeps changing their hours around.

He got the last 2 bags of Natural Balance Duck & Potato large breed (also wanted a bag of small breed bites because we mix them).

Checker told him we'd better stock up because the supply chain is totally unreliable. She also indicated that they were not getting everything they were ordering. Going to go to Petco on Monday, then to Ace Hardware for a couple of galvanized trash cans that we can store dog/cat food in.

I also noticed that Walmart was pretty low on cat food - depends on what brand/type you're after, but they were low. Mine can't tolerate the grain-free varieties (we've tried, but they all throw it up). I do have one bag in reserve, but want more.

 

[psychgirl]

Kroger was full, to the brim this morning with everything!!
Everything!

It’s like nothing ever happened with the panic buying. The store was a ghost town, too

 

[20Gauge]

Son went to get Dog food on Friday at the Petsmart since Petco keeps changing their hours around.

He got the last 2 bags of Natural Balance Duck & Potato large breed (also wanted a bag of small breed bites because we mix them).

Checker told him we'd better stock up because the supply chain is totally unreliable. She also indicated that they were not getting everything they were ordering. Going to go to Petco on Monday, then to Ace Hardware for a couple of galvanized trash cans that we can store dog/cat food in.

I also noticed that Walmart was pretty low on cat food - depends on what brand/type you're after, but they were low. Mine can't tolerate the grain-free varieties (we've tried, but they all throw it up). I do have one bag in reserve, but want more.

We got the same thing from our Pet Smart the other day.

 

[Lurker]

Kroger was full, to the brim this morning with everything!!
Everything!

It’s like nothing ever happened with the panic buying. The store was a ghost town, too

Not for long.

 

[psychgirl]

Not for long.

Probably right.

One thing I splurged on for myself, is this lotion...,( yeah I know lol).... it’s normally 20$ for a big bottle but marked down to 9$ in the sale aisle!

It’s holiday edition, cinnamon, vanilla chai, scented lotion from that “Hempz” brand!

Mostly natural ingredients and very strongly scented...it’s delicious!!! I did hesitate thinking about that ten bucks ...?...but life is short!

 

[blackguard]

Just got home from an unplanned WM run. Store was quite busy, basically well stocked in grocery and paper goods. Heavier customer traffic that is normal for Sunday afternoon. Also gas prices here in town jumped .20 in 24 hours. Just an FYI

 

[20Gauge]

Gas prices have jumped $0.25 cents in the last week.

It is a bit worse as Sams is selling for $2.03 while the place next to them is selling for $ 2.29 per gallon.

They both have booming business.

 

[Mprepared]

Costco yesterday was busy and stocked very well, but every person shopping had the big package of toilet paper and there were pallets of it off to the side ready to replace the low stock. People getting water, but the unusual thing I noticed was cart after cart buying 3, 5 or 6 plastic tubs. They were on sale a $1 off, but was strange seeing so many all over the store, but maybe nothing new.

 

[packyderms_wife]

Did anyone else hear the news that Amazon is discontinuing Prime groceries....foods to be sold in the regular places. Dunno if that portends anything to watch?

IIRC Amazon is now in the process of either buying Dollar Tree or is starting its own line of dollar stores to compete with Dollar Tree and Dollar General. According to Mike Kalamecco on The Bite via PBS Amazon made this announcement last year as a means to combat food deserts in the midwest and the inner cities. In other words they see DG and DT making a profit in the poorer areas of the US and want a slice of the pie.

 

[Carlyblue]

I stopped at our Piggly Wiggly today. I stopped by the meat display to see how their supply was doing. They carry Gerber's Amish Chicken. They are always heavily stocked on that but today they had almost zero. They filled off brand chicken in that space. First time I have seen this.

 

[ryken]

Went grocery shopping yesterday. But then thought of other things i needed. Got those today. Just have a weird feeling something, sometime, is gonna happen. Doing my best to make sure we're okay, just in case.

 

[packyderms_wife]

That is a real eye opener report! I never heard of limits before on how much you could buy somewhere. If your card is good why would they limit you? This communist crap is getting really bad.

Central Iowa here, there are limits on everything here locally. And that's because of the creeps that drive here from the major cities with their large trucks and trailers and then proceed to buy out all of the local grocery stores.

 

[packyderms_wife]

Just got home from an unplanned WM run. Store was quite busy, basically well stocked in grocery and paper goods. Heavier customer traffic that is normal for Sunday afternoon. Also gas prices here in town jumped .20 in 24 hours. Just an FYI

I have a friend who has a bulk fuel business. They're expecting gasoline to be $5+ a gallon come this time next year, and this is the midwest, who knows what it'll be like out on the coasts.

 

[Meemur]

I can confirm what Packy is saying in Post #108. I've chatted with several ladies from MN and IL who came to Des Moines in SUV convoys. They have to do what I do now: visit multiple stores. I'm not sure why they can't get a Sam's Club membership and just do some bulk buys.

 

[packyderms_wife]

Costco yesterday was busy and stocked very well, but every person shopping had the big package of toilet paper and there were pallets of it off to the side ready to replace the low stock. People getting water, but the unusual thing I noticed was cart after cart buying 3, 5 or 6 plastic tubs. They were on sale a $1 off, but was strange seeing so many all over the store, but maybe nothing new.

Gotta have a place to store extra food when you don't have the shelf space to do so. If they're the black ones with the bright yellow snap-on lids those are pretty much mouseproof. They're not rat or chipmunk proof, however, we did find that they do keep the mice out.

 

[packyderms_wife]

I can confirm what Packy is saying in Post #108. I've chatted with several ladies from MN and IL who came to Des Moines in SUV convoys. They have to do what I do now: visit multiple stores. I'm not sure why they can't get a Sam's Club membership and just do some bulk buys.

I know people who live in Omaha and also Kansas City that came up to "see family" and they were driving SUVs and towing a small Uhaul trailer, or just a truck with a large animal trailer, for the sole purpose of stocking up on food, and TP.

 

[Mprepared]

Gotta have a place to store extra food when you don't have the shelf space to do so. If they're the black ones with the bright yellow snap-on lids those are pretty much mouseproof. They're not rat or chipmunk proof, however, we did find that they do keep the mice out.

Yes, the black with yellow lids. I have seen people with their carts all loaded and I know they are stocking up, but those bright yellow lids ALL OVER THE STORE reminded me of Y2K.

 

[mecoastie]

Wife and I went 2 days ago. Canned and packaged stuff was thinner than usual. A few bare spots with the signs that said due to whatever we do not have this item but it was just one or two brands. One thing that has been missing is gallon jugs of organic and regular milk. More so the organic. Been that way for a couple of weeks

 

[packyderms_wife]

Yes, the black with yellow lids. I have seen people with their carts all loaded and I know they are stocking up, but those bright yellow lids ALL OVER THE STORE reminded me of Y2K.

I have eight of those tubs now, and one of the huge ones for dogfood. I love them as they stack very nicely, don't go more than three high though, and are stable.

 

[Lurker]

Yes, the black with yellow lids. I have seen people with their carts all loaded and I know they are stocking up, but those bright yellow lids ALL OVER THE STORE reminded me of Y2K.

Used a ton of them to move, great to have.

 

[Mprepared]

Went grocery shopping yesterday. But then thought of other things i needed. Got those today. Just have a weird feeling something, sometime, is gonna happen. Doing my best to make sure we're okay, just in case.

My internet went off and I walked in to the spare room and picked up a plastic jug to fill with water. LOL, Internet came on. Then, I streched my foot under my desk about an hour later and did not know I hit the power button. Stood up and realized my son's computer was still on, but told him to go to the store and get more water and get more matches and whatever food is on sale. I have not had the feeling like something is gonna happen since 1998. I have stocked up and went a little nuts over the years for different things and my kids are used to it, but I have them paying attention and my adult daughter, proud of her. She belongs on this board. LOL She is sending me links now to long-term storage food places, like I never heard of long-germ storage food, while I still have stuff left from 1998, but she is learning, even if she really did not listen 100% to me, she now is saying SHE IS JUST LIKE ME and I am so happy she did listen. I have a friend in Kansas who we for 20 plus years have been trying to out do each other. I went to Costco yesterday, so today she made another Sam's order. LOL She has me beat. She just ordered a shortwave and I will be a week behind her. My old radio finally went out a few years ago and when my husband was still alive he could not get it to work.

 

[Barry Natchitoches]

T

It was a company on Amazon. I will try to find it for you.

ETA: About Us
I think this is the right one.

Thanks

 

[John Deere Girl]

T

Thanks

You're very welcome! If you aren't able to find any, pm me, and I can always send you starts.

 

[Terrwyn]

I know people who live in Omaha and also Kansas City that came up to "see family" and they were driving SUVs and towing a small Uhaul trailer, or just a truck with a large animal trailer, for the sole purpose of stocking up on food, and TP.

Are the shortages this bad for real? Why would Omaha and KC be out of food?