East Providence, Rhode Island Food Dealers try to thwart hoarding
Purchase of certain items will be limited to two
EAST PROVIDENCE — Shoppers in most of the city’s supermarkets will be unable to over-purchase some items going forward as retailers attempt to meet demand of consumers during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Office of Mayor Bob DaSilva and the Rhode Island Food Dealers Association announced over the weekend efforts to thwart hoarding of essential supplies at local stores. Among the grocers represented by the group are Stop & Shop, Shaw’s, ALDIs and PriceRite.
“During this time of uncertainty, it is imperative that our community come together,” Mayor DaSilva said. “With that said, we need to be sure all East Providence families have the supplies that they need and in order to do that, we are asking residents to work with us and our retailers to have a safe and fair shopping experience.”
In order to maintain order at local grocers, the city has asked retailers to implement a policy to limit items that are in short supply to two. Toilet paper and other paper products, especially, have become the most sought after by consumers as have meats and some varieties of frozen foods and canned goods.
The stores are complying. Earlier this week they did put limits on the amount of certain products customers can purchase based in part on the size of the package and quantity of its content.
Customers who attempt to checkout with more than the number of allowed items, are being asked to return the extras. Those customers refusing to abide by the policy are being asked to leave.
“Our member retailers are working hard to serve the customers of East Providence,” said Steven Arthurs, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Food Retailers Association.
“Please be aware that the supply lines for grocers are in overall good shape and the supply of goods are moving from food manufacturers to wholesalers and suppliers and ultimately to your store shelves. There is no need to overbuy or hoard products,” he added. “As a critical industry our stores will remain open to serve you as we deal with the COVID-19 challenge.”
