CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Moody's Quality Meats has been in business since 1964, and owner Terry Moench says he's seen Corpus Christi weather a number of winter storms since then.
He's not surprised that the current Arctic blast is causing a number of problems.
"(You're) never prepared for it, because it doesn’t happen very often," Moench said.
One of the problems associated with the cold snap is a disruption in the food supply chain at HEB grocery stores leading to empty to near-empty shelves especially in the meat and produce departments.
That has some shoppers turning to smaller stores like Moody's that are having more success keeping meat and dry goods in stock.
"I had more (supplies) come in today, and I’ve got more coming in tomorrow," Moench said. "So, (it's) not a problem.”
Adding to the problem at HEB, water and power outages have shoppers more eager to stock-up on food -- further emptying store shelves.
Flour Bluff resident Judith Reader said her visit to her community's HEB Wednesday reminded her of what the store looked like right after the COVID-19 pandemic began.
“It was really deja vu, because it was just amazing," Reader said. "But I think -- this time -- I think it’s more warranted. I think people really needed to refill their pantries versus trying to get ahead of the game."
Moench agrees, and his sales show it.
“Number one is people just don’t have enough food," he said. "And they’re coming out in cold weather. (It) makes you hungrier.”
