In an effort to be transparent with our customers, we have to let you know that our meat prices are going up for the foreseeable future.

Those of you who follow the weekly ad may be wondering where the meat packages are, or you may be looking at the new sale prices and wondering why they seem higher than even the regular prices a few months ago.

Meat plant closures and reduced production have tripled our costs

Over the past few weeks, the coronavirus has closed several meat plants around the country. Even with President Trump ordering plants to remain open, they are operating at a reduced capacity. Some meat plants are euthanizing their cattle because the meat plants are unable to process them due to plant closures and reduced capacity operations. This means less meat is available on the market.

As a result, our cost has more than tripled in the past few weeks. To keep retail prices as low as possible for our customers we have reduced the markup we normally apply to our meat items.

Read more about the meat shortage from Time.com

We’ve taken some preemptive measures, but we don’t know how long this will last

When we first heard about a potential meat shortage, we started making larger advance purchases so we could still make those items available to our customers. We weren’t the only ones.

In late April, John Alfano, president of Doris Italian Markets, was interviewed by the Sun Sentinel, along with representatives from other South Florida grocery stores and restaurants to talk about the issues presented by the meat plant closures or reduced operational capacity.

Read about local stores and businesses facing a potential meat shortage from SunSentinel.com

It’s possible there could be a period of time where certain cuts of meat aren’t available. It’s possible there could be a period of time where no meat is available.

We promise, we are doing everything we can to serve our customers first

We are doing everything we can to bring you the same quality and selection of meats you are used to buying at Doris Markets. We are working with our vendors, talking to different suppliers and trying to manage our own stockpile so everyone has a chance to get what they want or need.

What we ask of you, dear customers, is patience while those of us in the industry work to resolve these issues. We also ask for your understanding if an advertisement goes out with the expectation of a delivery to our stores that never comes.

This meat shortage will have an impact on your pockets and plates, as well on so many businesses large and small throughout the country.

Read about an expected hike in restaurant prices from FoxNews.com

We can get through this together

COVID-19 has had an unexpected impact on our lives. Some of us have lost jobs. Some of us have lost loved ones. Life seems a little different than it used to be, and we all are working to get back to the way we were.

During times like these, we are reminded of stories we were told of the old country, as well as the struggles and triumphs here in the USA. We know we can get through this just as they did, together and one step at a time.

We want to thank you so much for being a part of the #DorisFamily.