The two big grocery stores in North Hastings are working to ensure the shelves stay stocked as people flood both stores looking for supplies.
“Our parent company Sobeys is aware of the great increase demand and reacting by providing our stores with the quantities we require,” Co-owner of the Bancroft Foodland Joe Favot says. He explains that they will get deliveries of dry groceries, dairy products and frozen foods on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, while fresh products like meat and produce will come in on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. “We’re working with our bread companies to provide us with more quantities of bread,” Favot says, adding getting more dairy products in is being worked on as well.
“We’re trying to keep as much product in stock for our customers,” Favot says. “Our customers are our pain priority and we’ll try to get them what they need at the right times.”
Tony McLaughlin owns the No Frills in Bancroft along with his wife Jill and explains they have staff working “around the clock” to make sure the shelves are stocked. He adds they’re making sure the store is kept as clean as possible as well.
While not mentioning any specific products, McLaughlin says they are working on getting special shipments in, but their distribution centre is backed up because of the increased demand.
“We’ve put a reasonable family limit of four on essentially all items in store unless otherwise posted,” he says. For paper and water, it’s two per person.
McLaughlin credits No Frills staff for working hard to meet the demand from the community. He also thanks the customers for being understanding as they work to ensure the demand is met.