Tag: coronavirus
Why there will soon be tons of toilet paper, and what food may be scarce, according to supply chain experts
Stuck rationing toilet paper because you didn’t stockpile during the coronavirus panic over the last few days? Don’t worry, according to supply chain experts.
“All the grocery stores are going to have pallets of toilet paper sitting in the aisles, and nobody is going to buy it, because who needs to buy toilet paper when you’ve got a year’s worth sitting in your garage?” Daniel Stanton, a supply chain expert and author of “Supply Chain Management for Dummies,” tells CNBC Make It.
But what about food?
Even if the COVID-19 pandemic stretches over months (President Donald Trump said it could last until August), there will be no big food shortages, especially on staples like milk, eggs, cheese, bread and meat, according to three supply chain experts who spoke to Make It.
But your favorite brand or the exact kind of fruit you want could be scarce.
“The brand that you normally want may not be available. But, hey, there’s some other kind of pasta. Or instead of rice, we’re going to have potatoes for dinner,” Stanton says.
“The U.S. produces a huge amount of food. We’re also an exporter of food, so we’re going to be okay,” he adds.
Many food manufacturers have been adjusting their production lines for social distancing and have increased cleaning to ensure workers’ safety in recent weeks, experts say.
With that in mind, here are the few kinds of products that might actually be harder to find.
Specialty items
Specialty items like imported pastas and wines from Italy, cheeses from France or other niche food products from countries overseas or smaller businesses may be impacted, says Anantha Iyer, senior associate dean in supply chain and operations management at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management.
These kinds of items may not go out of stock permanently, but it could “get a little tricky,” Iyer tells Make It.
“Some ingredients for nearshore specialty things could get shut off because they can’t come across the border,” Stanton says.
Brandon Hernandez, a supply chain expert and partner at Whole Brain Consulting, who works with specialty brands in the U.S., agrees.
“I think the major items of concern are more tied towards raw materials or packaging coming out of China that support the broader food chain,” Hernandez tells Make It, explaining that China is an important exporter to the U.S. and provides things like quinoa and spices.
Because the pandemic may encourage higher scrutiny of exports, that “could potentially slow down the supply chain,” he says.
As for U.S. specialty products, Hernandez doesn’t foresee a “complete collapse in things like [protein] bars or all the [specialty] chips are going to be gone or anything like that,” but the items may not restock as quickly.
Certain fruits and vegetables
Iyer says Americans may just have to be “a little flexible” on certain types of fruits and vegetables they want to buy in the coming months.
“If you don’t see one type of fruit, you may have to buy another type of fruit,” he says.
That’s because some kinds of produce are imported from other countries, so there may be delays in shipping if ports begin to close.
Hernandez agrees it is possible that Americans could see gaps in availability.
“I’m not saying that it’s impossible that you won’t see bananas become scarce or strawberries in the back half of the year, because they shift from California production to Mexico production.”
“Maybe it’s possible, but it really depends on what they decide to impose at the borders from the [Food and Drug Administration] and the [United States Department of Agriculture] standpoint,” Hernandez says.
Overall, however, Stanton believes many domestic farmers and ranchers, who have been struggling in recent years, could actually see a boost amid the pandemic, as the U.S. may look to local suppliers for produce instead of international suppliers.
Article via CNBC
The Senate GOP Plan Would Give Up To $1,200 to those who are affected by the coronavirus. Are you eligible?
These payments would help a lot of our TiSippers out there!
VOX What are the rules for social distancing? We asked an expert .
OK TiSippers stay informed!!
How you can help those impacted by COVID-19 with Eloise’s Cooking Pot
The following is a message from Eloise’s cooking pot food bank they’re in desperate need of volunteers food and supplies and financial donations. All this unnecessary hoarding of cleaning supplies diapers toiletries etc. you have affected a lot of people that needed these things.
To Find Your Food Bank Where You Live Click The Link ????https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank
Eloise
A Message From Eloise’s Cooking Pot Food Bank Tacoma WA
We’re thankful to have so many people reaching out to us to ask how they can help us provide food for those in need in the midst of the current COVID-19 outbreak. Here is how you can help.
- Sign up to volunteer at the food bank. We need volunteers each day at the food bank. We are taking measures to ensure the safety of all of our volunteers, staff, and clients in the midst of this outbreak including rigorous sanitation, small work-groups, and the implementation of a “curbside” service model that limits contact for the safety of all. Please sign up at themadf.org/volunteer.
We are also looking for volunteers with the following expertise:
- C.D.L Drivers who can drive a truck with a manual transmission
- Logistic Specialist: someone who can help us organize our system
- Cleaning Service: someone who can help us keep the food bank clean each day so that everyone stays healthy.
- Data Specialist: who can help us input data from our clients.
- Procurement: someone who can help us find and acquire the items we need for our clients.
2. Sign up to volunteer as a driver. You can go to our web page and sign up to deliver food to families in need. We are delivering to the most vulnerable people right now, while working out the logistics in real-time. If you sign up on our website, someone will give you a call next week.
Note: if you choose to shop and pick up for people making requests on our social media, you are engaging in a private delivery between you and the recipient. Please exercise wisdom and stay safe. Do not enter anyone’s home and use the buddy system please. Drop the food off at the door. We highly recommend that you choose to deliver for families in your neighborhood that you know. We want to keep everyone safe.
3. Donate supplies to the food bank. We are currently in need of the following supplies to keep the food bank up and running through this crisis:
- Unused boxes, grocery bags, and lunch bags.
- Baby formula, baby food, and diapers (sizes 1,2 & 3)
- Silverware packets, small hygiene products, toilet paper, and paper towels for our homeless clients
- Backpacks for our homeless clients to put food in.
- Orange safety cones and safety vests.
- Cases of water
- Anti-bacterial rubber gloves
4. Make a cash donation. We have a big increase in the need for gas, diary foods, fresh fruits/veggies and daily operation expenses. You can donate through this page or on our website at themadf.org/donate.
Thanks again everyone for helping us make a difference in the lives of others.
Please help us get the word out and share this message.
DJ iMarkez Cardi B coronavirus (Parody) REMIX official music video
TURN IT UP YA’LL TURN UP DA BASE. Don’t blame me if you get this jam stuck in you head!! ????????????
Planet Fitness to offer free at-home workout classes via live stream
Some gyms across the nation are closing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t workout. Planet Fitness, one of the nation’s largest chain gyms, is offering free online classes starting today, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The at-home workouts will be streamed on the company’s Facebook page starting March 16. These classes are open to anyone, including non-members.
“Our daily routines have changed in unexpected ways, and we know that people may not be able to get to the gym. That’s why we’re offering a free, daily virtual fitness class for everyone on Planet Fitness’ Facebook page from Monday through Friday,” said Jeremy Tucker, chief marketing officer of Planet Fitness, in a statement to USA TODAY.
The workouts will be live-streamed at 7 p.m. ET each day for the next two weeks. And if you can’t make it live, the workouts will be available on-demand on Facebook and in Planet Fitness’ YouTube channel. No equipment is needed, and the classes last 20 minutes or less.
Tucker said that virtual classes “will be led by Planet Fitness certified trainers, as well as special guests like ‘The Biggest Loser’ coach and fitness trainer Erica Lugo, among others. The home workouts will offer tools to combat stress, while providing motivation and inspiration sure to keep us all physically and mentally fit.”
With President Donald Trump on Monday calling for Americans to avoid social gatherings of more than 10 people, most gyms will feel the impact immediately.
“We are calling this movement ‘United We Move’ because we know that the best way to stay healthy both physically and mentally is to stay active,” added Tucker.
The gym chain has consistently grown its revenue in the past three years, with a total revenue stream of $174.4 million for 2018.
Article via USAToday