Ag Minister Says There is no Shortage of Food in Alberta

The Alberta government says there is no food shortage in the province despite unnecessary stockpiling by some people amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Agriculture Minister Devin Dreeshen says retail sales at grocery stores are up about 50 per cent even though people are making fewer trips to the grocery store.

He says some people have been bulk buying out of fear of future shortages but retailers have started to address that by limiting the number of items that can be purchased.

Dreeshen says the province is keeping an eye on demands in rural areas and Indigenous communities and will provide help for food banks that are suffering.