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Over-buying at grocery stores could hurt families and businesses in need

Posted at 6:46 PM, Mar 16, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-16 21:46:23-04

PHOENIX — Business managers and grocery store representatives are asking people to only buy what they need at grocery stores.

Most grocery stores across the Valley have empty shelves where toilet paper, cleaning products, canned goods, and several other items would normally be.

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Kim Burch is the executive director of two daycare centers in Mesa that serve low-income families. First Academy Preschool and Fifth Place Community Childcare Center take care of more than 250 children a day.

Burch said in the past couple of weeks, she hasn't been able to buy the usual staples that keep them running, like bleach, diapers, latex gloves, paper towels and toilet paper.

"We buy our products where you buy your products daily. So we shop at the Costco, the Sam's Clubs, the Walmarts, we try to use our dollars wisely," said Burch. "I've been out all weekend searching every grocery store, every Costco warehouse, Sam's Club and came out empty-handed for most of the items I was looking for."

Burch said they have enough supplies to stay open two more weeks. If they can't keep their centers clean and safe, they'll have to close.

Mark Miller is the President of the Arizona Food Marketing Alliance, which represents grocery stores in Arizona. Miller said the empty shelves don't mean there's a shortage. They're a result of people over-buying.

"We have big warehouses in Arizona, millions and millions of square footage that we normally have 30 plus days of inventory on hand. But as people purchase more than they need, the people who don't have the ability to buy more than a week to week or are on SNAP or WIC, they're not able to find the products," he said.

Miller said stores are constantly re-stocking. "But when people over-purchase it's difficult to catch back up. So I think if everybody relaxes and thinks about the people around them, just take what you need and not take from other people," said Miller.

"Be considerate of your family, your friends, your neighbors. Even if you have an abundant supply, share it with your neighbor, share it with your family until we can get back in stock."

Many stores are starting to limit how many of the high-demand items you can buy. They've also shortened their hours so they can work in the morning and night to re-stock.