Empty store shelves symbolize the frustrations and fears of the COVID-19 pandemic, with toilet paper, rice, beans and water in scant supply and purchasing limits imposed so more customers have a chance to buy such staples.
Mark Miller, president of the Arizona Food Marketing Alliance, in an email interview, discussed how panic led to hoarding but warehouses are being replenished, the rising popularity of grocery delivery services and the appreciation felt by industry employees who are working hard for Arizonans. His answers have been lightly edited for clarity.
What does the food alliance do? Are only major grocery chains members, or are ethnic markets and small, independent grocers members as well?
The Arizona Food Marketing Alliance is a trade organization that helps with education, legislation, regulation and connecting.
