A form of food rationing has begun in the U.S.  You don’t believe it?  There are spotty shortages of rice, oil, and flour at stores like Costco’s in the Northeast and West Coast.  Buying limits are imposed so it’s not possible to buy what someone considers to be too many bags of rice.  Of course, prices are going up, too.

            Here’s an important point to keep in mind.  Merchandising is handled differently than it used to be, and stores simply don’t have inventories like before.  They order on demand.  When you buy something off the shelf, the item usually has to be reordered before that item reappears in the store.  We have such giants as Wal-Mart to thank for innovation in computerization that cuts their cost of doing business and increases competitiveness and efficiency.  Most often this system works, but it’s based on the assumption there will always be adequate product to replenish store inventory.  What happens when that is no longer true?

            It is certainly time to look out for the survival of yourself and your family.  If you’re going to buy more than what you need when you go grocery shopping, don’t panic.  Be deliberate, but keep a low profile.  Don’t arouse suspicion or give anyone cause to question your shopping habits.  Don’t forget about growing some of your own food as well.  Even if you live in an apartment, there are ways you can grow such things as herbs or lettuce.

            You may already be aware that storage food companies are experiencing delays getting food products to customers as demand has greatly increased.  A few days ago I heard of one storage food company whose suppliers were asking them for certain items.

            Should we experience more widespread shortages of food items throughout the country, I anticipate the government, in typical form, will respond slowly if at all.  It wouldn’t surprise me if there are no official rationing programs as in World War II.  The mantra will be, “Let the free marketplace work things out.”  Take them at their word.  It will be even clearer that you and I are left to be responsible for our personal survival.

            This brings to mind an incident from history.  Do you recall the account of a certain French queen in the 18^th century?  Upon being told there wasn’t enough bread for the people, she is reported to have said the famous words, “Let them eat cake.”  My favorite is angel food, but as survival food it’s strictly the last resort.