5@5: Suppliers struggle to restock store shelves | House protects nutrition programs via emergency COVID-19 bill

Companies that feed America brace for labor shortages amid worry about restocking store shelves

Keeping workers safe while also keeping America's retail shelves stocked is proving to be a challenge for supermarkets and distribution facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some chains, such as Wegmans, have instituted rations on items such as bottled water, hand sanitizer and toilet paper in an effort to allow suppliers to catch up. Read more at AgWeek…

House safeguards SNAP, WIC and other nutrition programs in emergency COVID-19 funding bill

Last Friday the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan coronavirus relief bill that will allocate funding toward federal food security programs. This bill is significant in part because it temporarily suspends a controversial Trump administration rule that would have implemented work requirements for SNAP users starting April 1. Read more at The Counter…

Amazon glitch stymies Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh delivery services

A technical glitch that affected Amazon's food delivery services is causing some consumers to question their reliance on such services. The same panic buying that is emptying store shelves is putting a serious strain on Amazon's delivery drivers, who were not properly matched with orders on Sunday because of the glitch. Read more at Yahoo! Business…

Factories shift operations in scramble to restock supermarket shelves

Factories are working round-the-clock to supply consumers with the staples they've stocked up on in anticipation of quarantines. Many retailers are also reducing hours to give employees enough time to restock and deep clean in between the onslaught of frantic shoppers. Read more at Reuters…

If you are healthy, leave online food delivery for people who need it

There has been a huge spike in demand for online delivery services. However, priority should be given to at-risk members of communities such as the elderly and medically vulnerable. Read more at The Irish Times…