Thanksgiving and the Supply Chain

(YONKERS, N.Y.) — A&S Pork Store of Yonkers is a one-stop shop for any kind of food that you would need on your holiday table. From meats and prepared food to that last-minute loaf of bread, it is sometimes overwhelming to see how much food there is in one place.

Every year, the store takes in dozens of orders for everything from turkeys to prepared side dishes. So, it’s not unusual that many usual customers know that orders have to be in by a specific day.

“If they are not in by a certain date, we just can’t accept them,” said Ali Compotello, the daughter of the shop’s owner. “We have some leeway depending in the situation. If someone was really in a bind, we will help each other out. But at the end of the day, we stick to a strict day.”

But this year, everything is different due in part to a severe supply shortage hitting the nation from coast to coast.

“We have been running out of stuff,” said Compotello. “There has been a shortage, especially with trying to get the items we have imported from overseas.”

This year, they’re dealing with a limited amount of turkeys from the supplier, a huge hindrance because that is the biggest demand this time of year. “Years ago, we got a set amount, and whatever we had left we would donate,” she said. “Right now, we don’t even have any left to donate.”

All in all, whether it is just a few loafs of bread, or those last-minute side dishes, Compotello reminds us all to make sure to get orders in early.