Seeing empty grocery store shelves? Staffing issues are to blame, chamber of commerce says

DAYTON — Many across the region have noticed yet another effect of the pandemic as several grocery store shelves are empty and without several popular products.

>>PHOTOS: Empty grocery store shelves in the Miami Valley, blamed on staffing issues

Meat, produce, and even some packaged goods can be hard to come by in the Miami Valley. News Center 7′s Candace Price said she went to three grocery stores last weekend for strawberries, but was unsuccessful in locating any.

>>RELATED: US shoppers find some groceries scarce due to virus, weather

The reason for shortages, yet again, is the effects of the pandemic, according to the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Grocery Store Empty Shelves Todd Jackson/Staff

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As the county continues to deal with the COVID-19 surge brought on by the omicron variant, the latest impact to grocery store shelves has to do partially with supply issues, but more importantly this time around are staffing issues, Christopher Kershner, President and CEO of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce told Price.

“Workforce isn’t just a challenge in the Dayton area…but across the world. Happening everywhere … trickling down to communities like Dayton,” Kershner said.

Timing of when you go to the grocery store could help you get those items you need, rather than shopping later in the day, Kershner said.

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