NASHVILLE, Tenn (WTVF) — Memorial Day celebrations may be a little different this year because of COVID-19 but many people are still wanting to grill out, despite possible meat shortages.
The shortage is not because of a lack of product but a problem with getting the product out on the market. The Center for Disease Control says nearly 4,200 meat-packing workers at 115 facilities in 19 states have been infected with COVID-19.
Two Tyson plants in Middle Tennessee were also affected.
The closure of these plants have reduced meat production across the country.
“We put limits on meats just so that we can assure that everybody has a chance to get something,” said Comptons Foodland Assistant Store Manager Dolly Cannon.
Cannon says they’re bouncing back because unlike big box stores they can shop around locally for the best deals.
“If there was anything that we couldn’t get from our actual warehouse, there are outside suppliers that we can go to make sure we have plenty of product,” said Cannon.
But the product is coming at a high cost.
“When you have a demand as high as we had it, prices go up when you have shortages,” said Cannon Who says they’re working hard to keep the cost down.
Like Comptons Foodland many grocery stores have purchase limits on how many products you can buy in a day.
Fast-Food restaurants like Wendy’s have decided to take some hamburger options off the menu for now. Stores are hoping prices will decrease in the coming weeks.
