We’ve all walked into super markets and seen the empty aisles. The once full shelves are now completely picked over from hoarders coming in to over stock on supplies. Items such as canned food, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, face masks and so much more, are now completely wiped. Hoarding is an irresponsible response to the pandemic panic that leaves the vulnerable at risk.

Through this time of uncertainty, the government advises us to ensure that we have the adequate supplies for our family’s needs. However, this does not mean purchasing enough toilet paper to last a year. We should only purchase food and supplies for a family to last a week or so, without having to go back to the super markets as often. Hoarding leaves high risk people such as the elderly without items that they need.

“I’ve seen lots of people in the grocery store take too much food and supplies and I know that they are hoarding it instead of giving to people in need”, says Tressa Heslar.

Many hospitals are having a lack of medical supplies including masks. Our school even donated the science department’s supply of masks to Mission Viejo Hospital in hopes of helping to keep our health care workers safe. It is important to keep this in mind when we purchase masks for our families.

Hoarding causes unnecessary stress and panic amongst the public. Food suppliers aren’t able to refill the shelves fast enough for the customers leaving people without food. If this problem alleviates, there will be less panic amongst the public. Therefore, we must each make the decision to be responsible in our purchases during this stressful time.