COVID-19 impacting meat supply chain

GOLETA, Calif. - The same people concerned about toilet paper shortages may soon be noticing meat supply shortages at their favorite markets or fast food franchises.

Outbreaks in Iowa and South Dakota processing plants are raising concerns even though the President signed an order for other plants to stay open.

It is impacting large local groceries such as Smart and Final and Costco where customers must limit meat purchases.

Small markets such as Santa Cruz Market in Goleta are seeing higher prices and bracing for what is to come.

Owner Tom Modugno said, "Be patient, be happy, be positive, we appreciate the patience. We are all doing the best we can. We have never been through anything like this before."

Santa Cruz Market is known for its beef and is working with a number of suppliers to keep shelves full.

Rosa Almanza said she has seen some prices soar in some stores.

"From $3.99, a piece of tri-tip, now it is $9.99 a pound, " said Almanza.

Wendy's in Goleta and Oxnard haven't run out, but about 20 percent of them nationwide are out of their famous "Where's the Beef" beef.

The drive-thru order area has signs posted that read, " Please bear with us: we are currently experiencing interruptions in our supply chain which may affect the availability of certain products."

People are being asked not to over order or purchase meat items for now.