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RobinA

(10,389 posts)
14. I Have To Work
Fri Mar 20, 2020, 03:27 PM
Mar 2020

as well, and have a similar problem. I can't just shop all day. I am in PA where last night we went into enforced lockdown. As with other announcements, it was followed by a run on stores. On my lunch I went to Target and a grocery store. Stores were actually in worse shape than last Friday.

I have a theory that going into a store and looking down the paper (or any) aisle and seeing empty shelves from the front of the store to the back creates anxiety and people think "I won't be able to get toilet paper when I need it, I better start stockpiling." I think people will not stop hoarding it until they can walk into a store and see shelves of toilet paper. Or whatever. This same store had no poultry and no red meat with the exception of some corned beefs (expensive) and pork (there's always a little pork left). Canned goods were sparse, I didn't look at bread, but last weekend bread was hard to come by unless you wanted whole wheat English muffins. Beans either canned or dry, forget about it.

It's scary to not be able to walk into a grocery store and put your hands on what you want or need, and I believe that's what is causing this behavior. I didn't start hoarding, I went to buy TP when I was getting close to needing it. I couldn't get it. THEN I started making sure I had more toilet paper than I would generally stock. It's still not obtainable, so I'm thinking I should have even more.

From an evolutionary standpoint, none of our genes would still be on this planet if we didn't have the an embedded urge to stockpile when we sense a shortage. And yes, I know toilet paper isn't technically food, but in our society you aren't going to get very far if eschewing toilet paper, so it's probably linked pretty close to survival, or at least security, in our heads.

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I hit two stores today. Trader Joes and Safeway. How are your stores? LizBeth Mar 2020 #1
This was from Monday in Ar, Kroger wasn't totally ripped apart. 10box though... Lancero Mar 2020 #9
Thanks. I have a fascination with this for whatever reason. Blows my mind in ways. LizBeth Mar 2020 #10
Kent, WA. My local Safeway has done OK... Wounded Bear Mar 2020 #2
I think people are hoarding because they don't know BigmanPigman Mar 2020 #3
I finally went yesterday to buy stuff to last. Last time going out. Had not gone out for days. LizBeth Mar 2020 #11
My neighbor just told me about instacart BigmanPigman Mar 2020 #15
Ah, well, I am just old and weak lungs. My oldest insisted I try. Good. The problem now, LizBeth Mar 2020 #16
Grocery stores stay open. BigmanPigman Mar 2020 #17
You are in Calif. And you still have instacart. So you kinda answered my question. lol. LizBeth Mar 2020 #18
Why don't they enforce a limit? treestar Mar 2020 #4
Yes they should. Out of PT. Not end of world but I would like a two roll pack. LizBeth Mar 2020 #13
This is a REAL problem. Every ER & ICU (esp night shift) is facing this with staff. hlthe2b Mar 2020 #5
People are treating shopping as a sport spinbaby Mar 2020 #6
K&R. Hopefully medical professionals from researchers in labs to nurses in the thick of it ck4829 Mar 2020 #7
more evidence in the UK steve2470 Mar 2020 #8
. dalton99a Mar 2020 #12
I Have To Work RobinA Mar 2020 #14
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Critical care nurse Dawn ...»Reply #14