After Governor Inslee announced the temporary shutdown of all bars and restaurants in Washington on Monday, Action News has heard several stories of small business owners having to layoff dozens of employees.
With so many layoffs in the area, 2nd Harvest is preparing to support people in need.
But with grocery store shelves being wiped clean by Tri-Citians hoarding food and supplies, representatives from the food bank say their supply is running low.
Food banks often get near expiration food from stores. As supplies are dwindling in stores, the food bank isn’t getting their usual amount.
"We are certainly seeing a reduction in the availability of the products from grocery stores and that is having an effect on our supply chain,” said Drew Meuer, Senior Vice President of Philanthropy.
Plus, volunteers aren’t coming out to help as much as they did because of coronavirus fears.
Meuer says they are encouraging anyone who is out of work or school and does not have an underlying health condition to come volunteer. He says they are taking precautions to keep the environment safe and encourage social distancing.