Product shortage at Okanagan grocery stores, due to highway closures
Save On Foods was without produce Tuesday morning
It’s been a busy two days at FreshCo in Kelowna.
Customers are stocking up on various products after access between the Lower Mainland and the rest of B.C. was cut off due to floods and mudslides.
As of Tuesday, Nov. 16, there is no detour available or estimated time of reopening the major routes into and out of the Lower Mainland.
This has caused concern for those living in the Okanagan, many of who rushed out to stock their own shelves before the stores ran out.
FreshCo franchise owner Greg Frederick said, it is a bit of a panic when you see people lining up, but luckily he felt his store was prepared.
“We are facing the same challenges as every other store in the area, but rest assured we are well prepared and if we have to draw product it is possible we can from another place, like Alberta, we can,” he said.
But over at the Orchard Plaza Save-On-Foods, for example, a sign posted on the entrance door advised residents that no new produce could be received at the store on Tuesday due to highway closures. Inside the store, produce shelves were virtually empty.
Aisle at the Vernon Superstore. (Jenny Smith/ Vernon Morning Star)
Save-On-Foods media relations department responded to the lack of product in stores saying, at this time, all shipments in and out of the Lower Mainland are on hold based on the current road conditions.
“We are exploring all avenues to get product to our stores as quickly as possible. We’re asking our customers to maintain normal shopping habits. This will help our team members keep the shelves full for everyone. We understand that these are uncertain times and many people just want to do what’s right for their families.”
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