How COVID-19 is affecting food production and shopping habits

AMENIA — With reports across the heartland charging some of the largest U.S. meat processors with not providing personal protective equipment (PPE) to or enforcing social distancing among workers during the coronavirus pandemic that’s swept the globe, a number of meat plant workers have died — and processing plants have shut down in the wake. 

According to an investigation by the Washington Post, three of the country's largest meat processors: Tyson Foods, JBS USA and Smithfield Foods, failed to provide safe working conditions for its employees, resulting in the closure of 15 plants among the three companies in rural communities across the nation. Reportedly, industry analysts already estimate a 25% decrease in production, with COVID-19 striking a reported 3,300 workers — killing at least 17 — in 30 plants run by the three big meat processing plants and others.

In a statement on its website, Smithfield  President and Chief Executive Officer Kenneth M. Sullivan said about the April 12 closure of the company’s Sioux Falls, S.D., facility, “The closure of this facility, combined with a growing list of other protein plants that have shuttered across our industry, is pushing our country perilously close to the edge in terms of our meat supply. It is impossible to keep our grocery stores stocked if our plants are not running… The agriculture and food sectors have not been immune.”

One supermarket’s efforts to make it work

Locally, supermarkets are doing their best to keep up with customer demand, despite wholesale shortages. Unlike some other grocers around the country, Freshtown Co-Owner Noah Katz, who spoke to this paper on Thursday, April 23, said thus far, his store hasn’t felt the impact of what’s happening in the meat industry nationally.

“We had no impact on our meat supply due to those plant closures,” he said. “I don’t believe it will be a problem. I was told by my supplier that it won’t dramatically affect supply issues.”

As far as affecting price, Katz was unsure, but said, “So far, so good.”

Where he is seeing an impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on inventory shortages has more to do with cleaning supplies like disinfectants and sanitizer, as well as dry goods like pasta and flour. Orange juice has also been hard to come by. But, the good news, said Katz, is that “it’s all coming back to normal, or close to normal.

“We were seeing where the supply chain was impacted a month ago, so what we’re seeing now is that the supply chain is getting back to normal,” he said. “Most of the categories are now coming in nicely. Some paper products are starting to come in; some are not. We do have some toilet paper in the store.”

Produce is also in good supply, though it’s mostly shipped in from other locales; local produce will be more available in the summer. Local specialty items are also mostly in stock.

And while he couldn’t say if sales have truly increased overall due to panic buying, the store owner did say shopping trends have changed since the outbreak.

“I think what’s happening with COVID, is people are shopping a little less frequently, shopping once a week instead of twice a week, and only coming in themselves, not with their whole family,” Katz said. “It’s the right thing to do; people are trying to stay home to keep everyone safe. It looks like they’re buying a little more because they’re only shopping once a week.”

Another change, said Katz, is that the store has installed “extra safety precautions for workers and customers,” starting about six weeks ago. There is now plexiglass for all cashiers, and all employees are given face masks, gloves and safety glasses (if they want them). Cleaning routines have been added and the store is sanitized more frequently.

“It’s been a big effort to make sure we keep the store as clean and safe as we possibly can,” said Katz, adding that new social distancing policies are also in place, including one-way aisles and only one check-out line, with customers kept 6 feet apart in the aisle until they’re ready to check out.

And, customers, now, too, are required to wear masks, keeping in line with Governor Andrew Cuomo’s mandate that New Yorkers wear face masks when in public.

“They’ve been terrific,” said Katz of his customers. “Everyone has been cooperating. Everyone is on the same boat, on the same team. We’re all trying to get through this. It hasn’t been a problem at all.”

To show the store’s support for the community and all it’s been doing to keep everyone safe during the pandemic, Freshtown has organized a fundraiser for Sharon Hospital. As Katz explained, all Freshtown locations  have selected a different charity for which to raise money. Freshtown in Amenia is now selling face masks to customers for $1, and then converting all proceeds into store gift cards for Sharon Hospital workers. And while the fundraiser started less than two weeks ago, as of the 23rd, already $2,863 had been raised.

“We feel that it is important to always give back to the communities that we serve,” said Katz. “We stand shoulder to shoulder with all the local organizations, first responders and not-for profits. We are happy to contribute in any way we can and we thank the customers for participating.”

He added the appreciation for customers goes beyond the fundraiser.

“I just want them to know how grateful we are to the community, and we’re appreciative of everyone’s support and their business, and we are doing the best we can to keep the store as safe as we possibly can during this crisis.”

Meanwhile, Freshtown is not delivering at this time, as had been reported earlier. 

In the next month, however, shoppers can look forward to a brand-new Freshtown, as the store is going through a full-scale remodel. There will be new bakery, produce, seafood and deli departments, which Katz described as “state of the art.” After buying Freshtown, formerly Foodtown, in 2003, he said he and his brother, Co-Owner Dan Katz, decided it was time for an upgrade.

To reach Freshtown by phone, call 845-373-9155, or, go online to www.foodtown.com/stores/freshtown-of-amenia or, visit in person, at 5094 Route 22, Amenia.