I don't have empathy for shortages of dry pasta, cream cheese or refigerated cinnamon rolls, they all have substitutes if people are willing to look for them.
Dry Pasta can be substituted with fresh pasta from a pasta makers (click here). When there is a pasta maker in the kitchen all kinds of pasta can be made and eaten, like whole wheat and some vegetable puree with carrots or green vegetables. It all depends on the palate.
Not having cream cheese for bagels can be disappointing but bagels taste good with any type of spread, even butter or any substitute. There may be local dairies that also create their own and if not they can be asked if they would consider it. If they have a store front. Many dairies that cater to the public sometimes have the ability to create more and better products if there is a demand for it. The large dairy producers, I am confident, are doing all they can because there is a high demand for milk.
If there is a shortage of milk and it is due to the processers and not the farmers, there needs to be some kind of priority on temporary laborers. This is an interesting time in the USA. The global pandemic has reshaped many household incomes and earners are finding better paying jobs. That is creating a shortage of workers in areas where they were abundant before. There is no reason to apologize for people that make better wages and are able to move up in quality of life, but, where there is a demand in the food supply there needs to be some priority placed on that either at the state or federal level.
This isn't the best example because previous to WWII women didn't really work outside their homes, but, during WWII when manufacturing for the war supplies was a primary focus of the country, there were rationing of food for those products that were in demand. It is better for everyone to get some of what they need if these dynamics continue. Governors should be taking inventory of their industries and the laborers that are within the state. If there needs to be a shift to faciliate the food supply it may be a priority. If every Governor reported to the federal Department of Labor about labor shortages that are vital such as the food supply, the US Department of Labor could be tasked to recommend answers.
I don't see the US Department of Labor tasking recreational issues, but, simply vital areas such as the food supply to the country. There are somethings that cannot be substituted like baby formula.
Another item people are complaining about is refrigerated cinnamon rolls. I only have one reply, "Really?" The solution is called a mixer, ingredients and an oven. My, my, how soiled are we?
But, Americans might find making their cat food will get them closer to understanding what the cats like and what they don't like. It could be fun and educational. So, it is time to muster up some ingenuity and decide what best is good for your cat in the absense of cat food.
But, the other most demanded product that is in short supply are cold remedies. It is completely understandable now that omicron has made it's debut. All, I can say is to be flexible in what type of cold remedies that will make a difference. If the favorite of the household is gone from the shelf, try another with similar or even better remedies. There are also household remedies such as a steamer in the bedroom to add humidity. Physicians should be placing advise on their offices webpage. Drug stores can advertise their products and availability. Cough drops and/or throat lozenges can provide relief as well.
This is a difficult time. The federal government might have to step in to be sure there is no hoarding. But, the stores can limit the number of items one person can purchase at a time.
Other than that, Americans have to put their thinking caps on and decide about substitutes. Ask Grandpas and Grandmas what they used before all these modern solutions.
Americans can do this.
Yes, we can.
Stop complaining and get busy.
