Some Products are Hit or Miss on Idaho Grocery Shelves

A buddy eats bagels with cream cheese and lox at Christmas.  It’s a family tradition.  This year, it was postponed to New Year’s Day.  It’s because of a shortage of cream cheese!  He grew up in New York City and now lives in a small town in Kentucky.  While he couldn’t find cream cheese in December, I can walk into a store and find plenty.  The shortages we’re experiencing are often regional.  I’ve written before about my frustration trying to find cat food.  When it’s available, it’s often a cut or brand my cat doesn’t like.  Which means he ignores his bowl and whines.  Great fun!

Trial and Error When Shopping

When I come across a brand he finds acceptable, I try and buy as much as I can, which only makes matters worse for other shoppers.  What I’m doing is called hoarding and I guess you can say it’s selfish.  It’s also what another friend continually describes as “first world problems”.  After all, my drinking water is safe and when it comes to groceries there are still alternatives when you can’t find the flavor of cheese you want.  In other words, the shelves aren’t bare.  There are also store brands and a variety of sources of protein, minerals, and vitamins.  Even if, like my cat, you don’t always prefer substitutes.

Is This What They Call the New Normal?

I’ve been reading up on all of this and the supply chain issues are expected to continue through 2022.  When it comes to dairy products, we don’t have many worries.  We’re surrounded by farms and processing facilities.

And, when my cat gets hungry enough, he’ll eat his lunch.