Publix, Winn-Dixie Set Purchase Limits On Thanksgiving Staples
MIAMI (CBSMiami) — You may not be able to check everything off your Thanksgiving grocery list this year. Because of pandemic fueled supply chain issues and surging demand, some stores are putting limits on some items.
Publix which operates nearly 1,300 stores across seven states in the Southeast is limiting customers to two each of the following items:
- Canned cranberry sauce
- Canned pie filling
- Jarred gravy
- Cream cheese
- Bacon
- Canola and vegetable oil
- Paper napkins
- Disposable cups
- Cutlery and plates
- Toilet paper
- Rolled sausageThey also set a two-purchase limit on sports drinks, refrigerated pet food, and canned cat food.
The Joseph family, shopping at a Publix in Ft Lauderdale were a bit surprised at the limits.
Marc Joseph said he was trying to buy a week's supply of Lunchables for his son.
"They said I could get only two. They blamed it on shipping," he said.
Phay Joseph said the limits do affect their meal prep plan. "We have a large family so we need extra on some things like cranberry sauce," she said. "It was tough but we'll make it work," she said.
Publix has placed signs in stores to alert shoppers about the limits.
CBS 4 checked other South Florida grocery stores to see if there were any limitations. We did NOT find any limits at Whole Foods. However, ALDIS had a two turkey limit per customer and six-packs of butter per shopper.
Winn-Dixie, which operates stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, is limiting the number of turkeys to one per customer.
In a statement, public relations director Meredith Hurley said, "Our well-experienced supply chain team continues to update our stocking plans throughout each day to ensure that popular Thanksgiving essentials are available and on shelf for our customers this season."
"We have a purchase limit of one turkey per customer to help all families have an opportunity to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal this year. We do not have a limit on other items throughout the store, and we feel confident in our ability to provide the essential items our customers need for their special feast."
Winn-Dixie shopper Ken Weissenberg sees limits as a minor inconvenience.
"I can wait. I'm grateful I'm healthy and my kids are healthy and we are surviving and moving forward as a nation" he said.
(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)