Arizona National Guard begin to assist grocery stores to meet coronavirus demand

Members of the Arizona National Guard have begun assisting at dozens of grocery stores across the state to help clear stockrooms and stock shelves.

Dozens of national guard members overtook a Scottsdale Bashas late Saturday night and into the early hours of Sunday to help staff get products back onto shelves.

Earlier this month, Gov. Doug Ducey ordered the Arizona National Guard to assist stores and food banks to meet the rising demand for food and other products during the new coronavirus pandemic.

Officials said in a press release more than 8,000 members would assist in the operations, including deploying to 86 grocery stores across 15 counties. They aimed to help to close the "logistical gap" in supply and demand.

At the grocery stores, the Arizona National Guard members would mainly help in transporting goods from the distribution centers to the back of stores for unloading. Store employees and volunteers would be responsible for restocking shelves themselves.

Reach the reporter at chelsea.curtis@arizonarepublic.com or follow her on Twitter @curtis_chels.

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