Coronavirus: City, State officials tell residents to stop hoarding groceries

AUSTIN, Texas — Many people are worried about not having enough groceries during the coronavirus outbreak. There have been empty shelves in stores across the Austin area, and delivery and pick-up options are booked solid.

But local and state leaders say now is not the time to panic and hoard food and supplies.

H-E-B said they're sending 1,400 trucks to stores each day, filled with in-demand products so they can refill their shelves. H-E-B is also hiring short-term workers across Texas to stock shelves, help customers and bag groceries to meet increased demand amid coronavirus fears. 

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Gov. Greg Abbott said there is no reason to stock up because grocery stores are going to stay open. Austin Mayor Steve Adler is on the same page.

"You don't have to buy a month's supply of anything," Adler said. "Normal shopping patterns actually work and the shelves are going to be restocked."

If that's not enough to convince you not to overbuy, officials are asking that everyone consider vulnerable populations, such as older adults, people with health conditions or people who don't have enough money to stock up all at once.

A grocery industry expert also told our sister station in Phoenix that while stores may be low on certain products, there hasn't been a disruption in producing any of those goods, so they can be replaced.

WATCH: H-E-B supports Central Texas Food Bank

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