Throughout the pandemic, COVID-19 has forced staff to isolate, created disruptions in supply chains and slowed down the transport process for stock to be delivered from paddock to plate.

However whilst empty shelves are a frequent scene at Griffith's major supermarkets, businesses such as Gannon's Butcher and Broomes Fruit and Vegetable are doing just fine.

Owner of Gannon's Butcher Jason Power said that his business had remained free of supply or staffing issues throughout the pandemic.

"The big supermarket chains have their own abattoirs, own delivery systems, everything is internal within the business," Mr Power said.

"So when COVID affects one aspect of the business it affects the entire business, its a flow on effect.

"It's what happens when a multinational company like Coles or Woolies gets too big."

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According to Mr Power, whilst a small business like his could never compete with supermarket giants, there was a real benefit to shopping local.

"I have my own regional small abattoirs and if I can't get stock at one I can usually get it at another," Mr Power said.

"There really is a big benefit in shopping locally for your produce now, it's much more likely that we will have the stock.

"Coles and Woolies also now don't have any instore butchers so they just haven't got anyone to process and cut the meat."

Co Owner of Broome's Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Mick Macedone said that the business had experienced some disruptions, but not shortages in staff or product.

"We have had disruptions on the smaller scale, but no shortages and no difficulties like we have seen other supermarkets face," Mr Macedone said.

"I guess for other businesses they have big warehousing situations so when there is a COVID outbreak it is harder to manage.

"We do a lot of work ourselves and I think that's what makes the difference in ensuring our shelves are stocked and we have staff on hand to serve our customers."

So whilst Woolworths, Coles and Aldi may be struggling at the moment to kept the fresh food and produce on their shelves, why not shop local to support local and get the food and products you want on your plate and in your belly.

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