Paper towels are in low supply at St. Marys Galaxy Food Centers, but according to manager Terry Stewart, toilet paper is the only item out of stock. It will be replenished on Thursday. (Photo by Candice Black)

ST. MARYS — Amid the COVID-19 crisis, grocery and retail associations in West Virginia said the national food supply chain is doing well and are encouraging consumers to purchase what they need without going overboard.

“There is no need to hoard food, paper products, cleaning supplies and other items,” Traci Nelson, president of the West Virginia Oil Marketers and and Grocers Association, said.

Some grocery stores are changing their store hours in order to allow for additional cleaning, sanitizing and replenishing. Kroger announced its West Virginia stores will be operating from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

“Our purpose is to feed the human spirit. We’re always here for our customers and communities when you need us most. We are working hard to get the supplies and products you need on our store shelves,” Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen said.

Along with some of the stores adjusting hours, some stores are limiting in demand products like toilet paper and hand sanitizer to ensure everyone has an opportunity to get the items they need.

St. Marys Galaxy Food Centers is expected to receive a shipment of toilet paper on Thursday. Sales are restricted to one package per family. (Photo by Candice Black)

At St. Marys Galaxy Food Centers, toilet paper is out of stock, but a shipment is expected by Thursday, according to general manager Terry Stewart. After it is back in stock, the store is limiting purchases to one pack per family.

Stewart said store hours will remain the same. The store is frequently sanitizing, including carts.

The grocery is operating with a full staff.

“Everybody has pulled together. We’ve done the best we can,” Stewart said.

Both the West Virginia Oil Marketers and Grocers Association and the West Virginia Retailers Association encourage people to be on the lookout for potential price gouging.

Consumers are asked to contact the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office by calling (888) 368-1183 if any instances of price gouging are identified.