Minnesota Hy-Vee Stores Are Now Limiting Meat Purchases

TWIN CITIES, MN — As the new coronavirus crisis impacts the meat throughout the Midwest, Hy-Vee stores in Minnesota has begun limiting meat purchases. The new policy went into effect Tuesday.

"We continue to work with industry leaders so we are prepared for any possible fluctuations in product and can best serve our customers," the grocery said in a statement.

"At Hy-Vee, we have product available at our stores but due to worker shortages at plants as well as an increase in meat sales, customers may not find the specific items they are looking for. Because of this, we are going to put a limit on customer purchases in the meat department. Effective Tuesday, May 5, each customer will be limited to four packages of a combination of fresh beef, ground beef, pork and chicken when they checkout at all Hy-Vee locations."

Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in Minnesota. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily.

COVID-19 outbreaks across the region have caused many meat production plants to temporarily cease operations.

Last month, JBS announced the indefinite closure of its Worthington, Minnesota pork production facility. The facility typically employs more than 2,000 people and processes 20,000 hogs per day.