The Kroger Co. of Michigan is shortening its operating hours beginning Sunday to give staff more time to restock the quickly emptying shelves at area stores.

All stores will temporarily shift to 15-hour days rather than 18-hour days, operating from 7 a.m.-10 p.m., rather than 6 a.m.-midnight.

"Our supply chain teams continue to work to ensure that the food, medicine and cleaning supplies our customers need are reaching our stores as quickly as possible," Kroger said in a statement.

"This change in service hours will allow our store teams to focus on stocking our stores with the fresh, affordable food and essentials along with cleaning and sanitizing supplies our customers are seeking for their homes and families."

"As we continue to monitor this rapidly evolving situation, we strive to make decisions that balance the safety of our associates with our commitments to our customers and communities," Kroger said.

Picture after picture of empty store shelves have filled social media over the past few days as people scrambled to stock up on what they saw as the essentials for extended quarantines.

Kroger Corporate Affairs Manager Rachel Hurst said the most-sought after products include:

Bottled water

Hand sanitizer

Cold/flu products

Household cleaning supplies

Toilet paper

Boxed dinners

Soups

At-home meal kits

"We are working closely with our suppliers to replenish our inventories," Hurst said.

Meijer is also making changes to adjust to the new realities of the coronavirus threat.

In a tweet sent out late Saturday, the Grand Rapids-based chain said it is suspending service at its meat counter and deli areas. It will begin packaging and selling those items in self-refrigerated cases in Meijer stores.