Milk, bread & the fear of dying during a snowstorm

[Derek‽]

Milk, bread, and eggs are staple foods that everyone "knows" are essential. The threat of resource scarcity creates insecurity. Even if people normally wouldn't care about those items or would otherwise be fine with not having them for a few days under normal circumstances, the insecurity about not being able to access them immediately if they so desire creates anxiety. That anxiety tells them to buy it immediately, just in case. When they get to the store, they see everyone else had the same idea and the emptying shelves convince them to buy a little extra to secure their share.

It's lizard brain bs. We all do it. I roll my eyes at it, but I'm not immune to it. Anyone gathering resources must know something, right? They must know what to do with it, so I'll figure out a good use too, even if I normally wouldn't care. Do I need bread? No, but who knows? I should have some just in case. (No, I didn't do any such buying for this winter storm, I'm just giving an illustrative example.)

At my store, people were buying some really unexpected goods. The cream cheese was wiped out in no time, which was a head-scratcher. It was probably one of the most sought-after items. The same with biscuits and crescent rolls, not only in online orders but also the most common request from customers I encountered in-store.

[User 180565 is taking donation]

Feb 4, 2022 11:09:49 GMT -8 Derek‽ said:

Milk, bread, and eggs are staple foods that everyone "knows" are essential. The threat of resource scarcity creates insecurity. Even if people normally wouldn't care about those items or would otherwise be fine with not having them for a few days under normal circumstances, the insecurity about not being able to access them immediately if they so desire creates anxiety. That anxiety tells them to buy it immediately, just in case. When they get to the store, they see everyone else had the same idea and the emptying shelves convince them to buy a little extra to secure their share.

It's lizard brain bs. We all do it. I roll my eyes at it, but I'm not immune to it. Anyone gathering resources must know something, right? They must know what to do with it, so I'll figure out a good use too, even if I normally wouldn't care. Do I need bread? No, but who knows? I should have some just in case. (No, I didn't do any such buying for this winter storm, I'm just giving an illustrative example.)

At my store, people were buying some really unexpected goods. The cream cheese was wiped out in no time, which was a head-scratcher. It was probably one of the most sought-after items. The same with biscuits and crescent rolls, not only in online orders but also the most common request from customers I encountered in-store.

A lot of that is because of staff shortages also I've talked to Walmart employees their excuse is that trucks are getting harder to come in. Our lunch meat section has almost been out of stock the entire year. I don't know of it's covid related or the fact people are getting more lazier. It depends on location and shortages. I can hardly even find plastic bowls I know it's not essential but it makes life a bit easier on the clean up side after doing all that cooking repeatedly. So I believe it's not just weather related it doesn't help but stores all around just have a shortage on cheaper goods vs more expensive when it comes to food.

Much like how the electronic shortage is still all too well and people are taking advantage of over charging you 3x the cost.

[Pearson]

If there had been a poll, Bread Pudding vs. French Toast, I would have selected French Toast. Syrup and Butter for the win! Delicious!!

[📚 Dianne 📚]

Feb 7, 2022 10:59:20 GMT -8 Pearson said:

If there had been a poll, Bread Pudding vs. French Toast, I would have selected French Toast. Syrup and Butter for the win! Delicious!!

True about the syrup and butter, but I still love the Bread Pudding better. I don't know why, but there you go. * walks off thnking about adding maple syrup to her recipe*

[harryk]

Incredible. Not snow but storm Eunice is due to hit the UK soon. It's been a bit wet & windy for a couple of days now.

By 10am yesterday my two local shops (Tesco Express and Co-Op) had sold out of bread and milk. This was before the risk of life warning was issued.

People can be so silly sometimes.

[User 180565 is taking donation]

www.cnn.com/2022/02/17/us/illinois-interstate-pileup/index.html

I think this is another good prime example of why people do this. Roads get slippery during storms and not everyone thinks correctly, especially in a panic. I've seen the slightest force of snowy winds cause cars to flip over on their sides and end up in a ditch personally.

The wiser ones are always prepared granted only take what you need some have massive families forcing them to over shop. It's all based on conditions.

[Krumm]

I swear people just do it to be trolls and so they can take pics of empty shelves and long lines...then post it to IG or TikTok to be like "oMg LoOk At AlL tHiS cRaZiNeSs!11!!!"

[Zenlethic]

I can't say I blame people for stocking up if they know there is a storm coming, but yeah, doing it just for attention is just... "Why?!" :/