Government and industry are working together to ensure Albertans continue to have access to safe, affordable food as the COVID-19 response continues.

In recent weeks, Albertans’ buying patterns have changed, and our food supply chain has responded. Government is in constant contact with industry partners and is monitoring the situation closely and ready to respond.

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

There is no need to stockpile food and supplies. Doing so creates additional unnecessary pressure on the food supply chain, which can put the most vulnerable at risk. Government is working with retailers on supply pressures for high-demand items and monitoring availability in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.

“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", says Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry

Government is focused on maintaining our stable food supply system. To date, the focus is on maintaining an open trade relationship between the Canada and the United States for movement of essential goods across the border.

Government is also working with our 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.

More information on the novel coronavirus and Alberta can be found at alberta.ca/COVID19.