For 25 years here in the middle of TX, milk would be stolen out of grocery carts by sweet little old ladies because the dairy section of HEB was always short. Empty shelves everywhere.
The meat section is about the same size as my kitchen counter and you have to do what amounts to a drug deal with “the guy in the back” to get some frozen fish. No one checks prices because you grab what they have before it’s gone. This was decades before Venezuela or today’s shortages.
You want olives? Easy decision - canned black or green.
You want cheese? Another easy decision - cheddar or shredded mozz with the occasional Kraft swiss lunch slices.
Cornmeal? The one lonely 2 lb bag on the mostly empty shelf. Same with the one lonely can of spinach.
Mustard - ooooh, how many cases? The entire aisle is full of Whataburger brand.
Fresh cauliflower or pork ‘n beans? Ha, they haven’t stocked those since the 90s.
The fresh produce section is shriveled and half rotten and moldy.
We’re driving 4 towns away these days and I’m tickled pink with the great selection. Knock on wood.
Thank you for sharing that, I grew up in a very small town with the sole store being just like that. It sure makes you appreciate the true current abundance we really do have.
Things could be worse, much worse, and we better buckle up because they just might get much worse soon. We are going to have to learn to live without our Charmin and Grey Poupon.