INSTRUCTIONS:
News Article Discussion: 3 News Articles https://biznews.fiu.edu/2020/05/supply-chains-and-the-coronavirus-why-are-shelves-empty-insight-from-fiu-business/ (Links to an external site.) https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-food-supply-u-s-has-a-lot-the-outbreak-makes-moving-it-tricky-11584631411 (Links to an external site.) https://www.wsj.com/articles/divided-supply-chains-are-challenging-producers-retailers-11586974088 Summary from the WSJ: You wouldn’t know it from the bare grocery store shelves across the country, but America has plenty of food. The challenge is getting it from the farm to your table. Companies that supply meat, vegetables and other staples are struggling to redirect the nation’s sprawling food supply chain to meet a surge in demand caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Restaurant closures and shoppers’ rush to stock their pantries are forcing the agriculture industry to boost production, hire new employees and set up “war rooms” to keep grocery stores stocked. Learning Objective(s): Based on the information provided in the articles: To be able to articulate the challenges and opportunities that have arisen due to the coronavirus pandemic To be able to describe and critically evaluate the strategies that companies are using to address the challenges & opportunities presented Instructions: Once you have read the WSJ news articles and the BizNews article, read the discussion topics, and choose any three topics to respond directly and submit your reply. Discussion Topic 1: Based on the news articles, and on your own experience, explain how the coronavirus outbreak has impacted consumer demand for food products in the USA. Are there any food products in higher or lower demand since the coronavirus outbreak? Discussion Topic 2: In your own personal life (or in your family unit), have you observed any specific changes in your food purchasing and consumption habits since the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent “stay-at home” / lockdown measures in effect initially? Have these changes been of your choosing, or have you not been able to find some of the products that you used to purchase in the past? Discussion Topic 3: Please explain why the WSJ articles suggest that the USA has plenty of food supply, but the challenge is in moving the goods to make them available for consumers?