Food sector fears 'worst-case' scenario Brexit will become reality from January with 40 per cent of trade grinding to a halt

[SupplyChainHusband]

The government’s ‘worst-case scenario’ predicted 40-70 per cent of trucks travelling to the EU may not be ready for new border controls, resulting in queues of up to 7,000 trucks on motorways across Kent.

Since the EU supplies the UK with 26 per cent of its total food and around 70-80 per cent of its fresh fruit and vegetables, the disruption could leave a significant shortfall in the nation's food supplies.

Around 70 per cent of tomatoes, 99 per cent of spinach, 71 per cent of cucumbers and 74 per cent of pears come from Europe, according to Defra figures.

More information in link: www.fruitnet.com/eurofruit/article/183594/brexit-1.

[Dugee]

Have you all seen the news today - empty shelves in supermarkets and no delivery slots. People being told they are 4000th in the online queue.

[EzzieLove]

Very little meat in Tescoland today, so glad freezer is full.

[EzzieLove]

The whole country is ill. My DS is on his way home from Londinium, colleagues sent home today with “flu like symptoms “ 😐 uh oh, here we go. Very worried for DH as his lungs are not great. I work for NHS and have been lucky so far, feels like dodging bullets everyday.

[Whenwillow]

I wasn't sure if they are just re using old pics, Dugee but then Eddie's post made me wonder what's round the corner. I wonder if this lockdown is really going to cause any shortages - I guess higher levels of covid could mean fewer people keeping supplies going, but is anyone going to panic buy (if that's even a thing - I still think it was changes in shopping patterns plus the odd nutter)?
But I bet if it's brexit/customs/paperwork related it'll be kept very quiet/blamed solely on covid and 'selfish stockpilers'.
I don't need to shop again till Saturday but I might swing by the butchers if there isn't a queue tomorrow.
Does anyone know if there are queues/one way systems in supermarkets again?

[Whenwillow]

Sorry I meant @EzzieLove.
I hope DS is OK and that DH is able to avoid it. It's worrying me now - before I was cautious but not anxious. The rates have shot up in my area too.
Super grateful for my stash now!

[EzzieLove]

Thanks whenwillow, DS just did a lateral flow test and is OK today but just found out my sister has tested positive. She is a teacher so I think it was inevitable. We just keep on don’t we, hoping for the best but preparing just in case. Stay safe.

[Thelnebriati]

@Whenwillow I walked past the supermarket at about 3pm and the queue stretched for hundreds of yards out of the car park and on to the street. Luckily I managed to get a delivery slot, plus they open at 7am now so if I need to go I go early.

[Fuckingcrustybread]

Chicken little

[Whenwillow]

No, not really. Just heard there are long queues again at my local tesco, due to social distancing. I'm not worried about the sky falling in, but I'm happy not to have have to stand in a queue in the cold and rain, because I prepared for it

[MrsMiaWallis]

Surely booking and taking up delivery slots isn't prepping?

[Whenwillow]

Who is your comment aimed at @MrsMiaWallis
I've never had a delivery or done a click and collect in my life.
My posts were just meandering thoughts about whether there'll be any shortages, and if so, what the cause will be.
Today I unexpectedly need to stand in a queue for somebody else who thought prepping was unnecessary (because she'll 'just get a delivery' or 'just ask a friend' - as per many MN threads) No slots for C&C or delivery.
Unfortunately she has ocd issues which means she's refused my offer of some of what I have in.

[MrsMiaWallis]

There's a few posts saying how lucky they are to have a delivery slot.

To be fair, she has just asked a friend! Good of you to do it for her.

[Whenwillow]

Well yes. This friend must now stand in a cold queue, because, as we know, steady stockpiling when there are no supply problems is just so antisocial

[MrsMiaWallis]

Some people rely on community. That's normally a nice thing.

[Whenwillow]

Yes, I agree, and I am community spirited and I'm kind. So I am helping her out, despite the fact that it's cold, the queue may be long, there may be shortages related to covid and/or brexit, and I have no need to go myself, because I got myself prepared in good time. I do it with a good attitude, because I like her and she can't help her off tendencies, but can you not see that a bit of preparation can be a good thing?
It's put my own day out quite significantly, but that's ok, because, you know, community!

[MrsMiaWallis]

Well, yes, it's inconvenient. Buy yourself a treat while you are there!

[Whenwillow]

What do you suggest? A touch of covid, perhaps?

[MrsMiaWallis]

Just say no if you are that bothered. I'm off to Lidl for three aged ladies in my village and I'm happy to do it 🤷‍♀️

[Whenwillow]

You're missing the point. You've come onto a thread on the preppers board, where availability of groceries/delivery slots etc are being discussed.
I was simply pointing out some reasons why forward planning, rather than relying on other people is a reasonable idea.

[MarshmallowManiac]

I do not see what point you are trying to convey MrsMiaWallis with your condescending tone. When willow is obviously a kind soul who is helping her friend and in turn her community. You are after all on the Preppers board. Jog on.

[Thelnebriati]

@MrsMiaWallis

There's a few posts saying how lucky they are to have a delivery slot.

To be fair, she has just asked a friend! Good of you to do it for her.

Stop being so judgmental. No one should feel they have to explain to you that they are disabled and 'entitled' to a slot.

[Whenwillow]

Thanks @MarshmallowManiac 😘

[MarshmallowManiac]

You're welcome Whenwillow

[Makemineamartini]

Really don't understand why there is so much antipathy towards us from people who will quite happily accept our stash or help. To not have any extra in when this shitstorm was clear on the horizon is negligent, and for the people that can't afford to buy an extra bag of tea or star or such well that's just government negligence that allows people to live in such a hand to mouth way ,(disclaimer applies to include all the 90k+ earners who spend it all willingly on toad race betting)

[EzzieLove]

Up the preppers! Whoop, whoop ladies (or gents). Never had a slot either myself, a bit too technically challenged. Can’t get one now either as the computer has broken (in a lockdown, brilliant timing). I prep for myself and to help out family if needed. I would willingly (and do) go shopping for less able, elderly etc... however, some people are just like frogs in boiling water. Despite all that has happened this year I still know some who don’t even keep a weeks worth of food in the house. My hubby is now trained to inform me each time he uses up an item in the kitchen. I don’t cook so he lets me know what needs to be replaced. Using something up however does not mean we have run out. It just means we replace and rotate stock. I am at the stage now when my grocery list may include one tin of chopped tomatoes, to replace the one we used. I’ll put it behind the other 20 when I unpack the shopping.