US sees shortage of supplies, including diapers, ahead of holiday season

Supply shortages have hit the United States this month as stores run low on stock essentials like food. There has also been a reported shortage of diapers in states like North Carolina, according to statements from the National Diaper Bank Network.

Reports from Parade.com suggest the United States may on the onset of a shortage of poultry products like chicken and turkey, a product that is usually in high demand as the Thanksgiving season approaches.

About 33% of American households are being impacted by the diaper shortage, according to US media reports citing the National Diaper Bank Network. Michelle Old, an executive at the organisation explained that a demand increase of 400% has been noted in North Carolina since the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020.

The National Diaper Bank Network said in a statement, “Children in low-income families are at greatest risk of suffering the effects of diaper need because many families can’t afford diapers”, according to reports from the Washington Examiner.

The organisation added, “Current public support programs help some, but young children have additional needs necessary to build a strong foundation for healthy growth and to reach their full potential.”

The shortages, according to US media reports, are being caused by multiple factors in the country, with the COVID-19 pandemic taking the lead. The healthcare crisis has severely restricted trade practices around the globe.

Other factors include labour shortages and climate change.

The reported food shortage has sent social media users buzzing about “empty shelves” in supermarkets. Many Twitter users have blamed the administration of United States President Joe Biden for the apparent supply shortage in the country.

A social media user wrote, “#EmptyShelvesJoe We’re not even a year into Joe Biden’s presidency, and now facing a multiple-years-long food and supply shortage. Can’t wait for the next 3 years.”