Mahoning Valley - Meat packing companies around the country have cut back production or temporarily closed due to workers being exposed to Covid-19.  Some are warning that the clock is ticking to a possible meat shortage. 

Supermarkets around the Mahoning valley say there is no shortage of demand for meat and so far the supply is stable.

"Beef and pork is quite plentiful, and chicken. We're doing good on all three staples," said Mike Janik, Meat Department Manager at Sparkle Market in Cornersburg.

Store manager Brian Gorup says they check in daily with the supply warehouse. "Until we hear from them we won't know what's going to go on, so right now I think we're going to be alright for a while at least,".

Rulli Brothers Markets are also doing fine right now with meats. Michael Rulli says the supply chain is deeper than just the major companies making news.

"The two Tyson and three Smithfield plants that are being talked about right now don't even make up five-percent of the meat production of the country," Michael Rulli said.

Rulli also  points out that both companies were offered assistance from the National Guard to maintain production.
"Smithfield and Tyson have not taken them up on that offer and  I'm sort of beside myself why they wouldn't," said Rulli.

Giant Eagle also issued a statement Monday about meat supplies to it's stores.

"We work with several suppliers within each product category. We believe the diversity within our supply chain will help us to offer consistent product availability in our meat department,"  According to the statement.
The store managers say it's possible things could change, but for now shoppers should find what they want.

"The selection of meat today is a lot better," said Norm Peppitte of Youngstown who was shopping for his father at Sparkle on Monday.