Food City Rations Peanut Butter

SN STAFF

BRISTOL, Va. — The Food City here is managing the peanut butter shortage by limiting purchases to two jars per customer, according to a local report.

A sign at the shelf alerts shoppers to the rule that applies to all brands. It explains the lack of supply is due to an especially poor peanut crop. Food City's distributors are delivering about 30% less peanut butter, according to the report.

The rationing comes as peanut butter makers Kraft, ConAgra and J.M. Smucker have reportedly increased prices by as much as 40%. The situation is so dire that some brands have stopped producing specialty peanut butters in order to focus on the most popular varieties.