The Alberta government has issued a release stating that they're working with the food industry to ensure that Albertans continue to have access to safe, affordable food as the COVID-19 response continues.

Albertans’ buying patterns have changed in recent weeks, and the provincial government says that our food supply chain has responded accordingly. The release states that the government is in constant contact with industry partners and continues to monitor the situation closely. 

Although some stores have had temporary shortages of particular items, they say that this does not mean food supplies are running low.

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Devin Dreeshen says that there is no need to stockpile food and supplies. He says that doing so creates unnecessary pressure on the food supply chain, which can put the most vulnerable at risk. He goes on to say that the government is working with retailers on supply pressures for high-demand items and monitoring availability in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.

Dreeshen says ”Food is essential and we are in constant contact with our food suppliers and we will do whatever it takes to keep them open. I want to assure all Albertans that our food supply will remain safe, secure and accessible. Albertans are tough and resilient, and together, we will get through this.”

The Alberta government wants to ensure the public that they are focused on maintaining our stable food supply system, and to date, the focus remains on maintaining an open trade relationship between Canada and the United States for movement of essential goods across the border.

Dreeshen says that the government is also working with federal and provincial partners to maintain functioning rail service, ports and commercial trucking systems within Canada and across North America to enable the movement of essential goods.