Meat Shortages Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, grocery stores are having to meet volumes they have never encountered before. People are panicking and stocking up on more groceries than the members of their family could eat if they tried. Although somewhat understandable due to the indefinite status of quarantine in the United States, it can be difficult for all food industries to meet these large demands. Particularly, it is becoming difficult for the meat industry. Meat production is down 25% in comparison to May of 2019, and shoppers are struggling to find their choice of meat in stores. “Retailers were 13.5% out of stock of poultry as of Monday, better than 14.4% a week earlier and a high of 25.4% on March 19 during the peak of America’s panic buying, according to Euromonitor International” (Bagenstose, Bomey, and Chadde, p. 12). Many plants have closed because the rate of infection in plant workers are so high and with the shortage of PPE country-wide, it is difficult to keep these workers safe. Although many plants have taken steps to close due to prioritize the safety of their employees, Trump recently signed an executive order that orders meat plants to continue operations as normal. Smithfield released a statement that says, “Trump’s order “helps ensure the American people will not experience protein shortages” (Bagenstose, Bomey, and Chadde, p. 34). The order to reopen its plant despite a COVID-19 outbreak among workers led to 50 employees walking off the job in protest, scared for their safety.

With such a massive shortage of meat, people may be forced to consider alternative ways to get nutrition. After all- meat isn’t the only healthy source of protein, contrary to popular belief and the belief of our current government. The situation at hand could give the public an opportunity to explore sources of protein that vegetarians have been eating for years, like tofu, beans, tempeh, quinoa, nuts, peanut butter, and so many more. It will be extremely interesting how people fair when their favorite meat is out of stock for an extended period of time, and if they will experience protein deficiency because of both lack of meat and the lack of knowledge of protein-rich vegetarian foods.

In efforts to reduce demand for meat and keep plant workers safe, consider opting for a healthy and nutritious alternative next time you visit the grocery store. Stay safe, and stay healthy! 💗

Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2020/04/30/coronavirus-meat-shortages-expected-production-plunges/3052398001/

Image Sources (respectively): https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2020/04/30/coronavirus-meat-shortages-expected-production-plunges/3052398001/

https://myvega.com/blogs/content/best-sources-vegan-protein