TULSA, Okla. — This is the time of year people light up the grill to make steaks and burgers for family cookouts. But because of the coronavirus, that may be put on hold like everything else.
Fast food restaurant franchise Wendy's says some of its locations are out of hamburgers.
Grocery chains nationwide now limiting the amount of meat products you can buy the next time you go shopping.
The coronavirus, which has left so many without jobs and wondering where their next meal is coming from, is now changing the question to what will our next meal look like?
A repeat of panic shopping has emerged. Meat experts like Heather Buckmaster of the Oklahoma Beef Council says it could lead to bigger issues.
“We don’t want consumers hoarding beef, because that could also create market disruptions,” Buckmaster said.
A market which has already had to raise prices because of limited supply and high demand.
The effect being felt not just at chain grocers, but small markets like Perry's Foods in Tulsa. Tricia White says they've had to adjust their prices several times during the pandemic.
“Our ground beef was $4.98 and it climbed to $5.49 then $5.98 and then within one week, it went to $6.98," White said.
She says her customers are concerned about meat running out and have been buying in bulk.
However, Buckmaster says consumers should rather look for ways to get more beef for the buck by being creative using the same amount.
You can find those tips here on the Oklahoma Beef Council's website.
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