Featured Post from Cedarville University

Bare shelves and closed facilities – is America facing a food shortage?

Apr 14, 2020

2 min

Zach Jenkins

Earlier this week, South Dakota based, Smithfield Foods was ordered to closed its Sioux Falls pork production facility because workers at the plant tested positive for COVID-19.


It may be one facility; however, it is responsible for five percent of all the packaged pork in America.


While the plant is making the decision to close indefinitely, President and CEO Kenneth Sullivan said in the news release that the closure "is pushing our country perilously close to the edge in terms of our meat supply."


The Sioux Falls, South Dakota, plant accounts for 4% to 5% of the nation's pork production, the company says.


"We have continued to run our facilities for one reason: to sustain our nation’s food supply during this pandemic," Sullivan said. "We believe it is our obligation to help feed the country, now more than ever. We have a stark choice as a nation: We are either going to produce food or not, even in the face of COVID-19."


The release said the plant will be shut down until "further direction is received from local, state and federal officials." Employees will be compensated for the next two weeks, but there was no mention of payment if the plant is closed for longer. April 13 – USA Today



And it is not just Smithfield facing trouble. Tyson Foods and National Beef Packing are also shutting doors at facilities in Iowa.


So, what will this mean for American supermarkets, consumers and a nation already worried about supply? Is there any way to keep production sustainable amidst a COVID-190 outbreak?


If you are a journalist covering this emerging issue – then let our experts help.


Dr. Zach Jenkins is an infectious disease expert at Cedarville University. He is available to speak with media about this topic – simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.

Connect with:
Zach Jenkins

Zach Jenkins

Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice & Clinical Specialist, Infectious Diseases

Dr. Zach Jenkins is an infectious disease expert who loves educating others about superbugs, antibiotic therapy, and emergency preparedness.

VaccinesSuperbugsVirusesCOVID-19Infectious Diseases

You might also like...

Check out some other posts from Cedarville University

1 min

What's Happening with the Iran Conflict?

Since 1997, Iran has vowed "death to America." It hasn't always been that way though, but over the course of seven decades the relationship has changed from being close allies to enemies.  America isn't the only country having conflict with Iran. For over 45 years, Israel has been fighting with Iran. There are currently 10 countries that have conflict with Iran.  Tensions between Israel and Iran rose higher in April 2024, when Iran launched its first-ever drone and missile attack on Israel. This conflict extended into June 2024, then grew quiet while remaining unstable.  On June 13, 2025, Israel launched surprise attacks on Iran due to Iran's imminent threat of constructing nuclear bombs. America, known for being philosemitic, launched its own attack on Iran which President Trump said "obliterated" their nuclear plants. White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt reminded Americans that America has "the best and most lethal fighting force in the world."  While updates are continually being given on the war. President Trump is working on negotiating a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.  Dr. Glen Duerr, professor of international studies at Cedarville University and a citizen of the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, is a nationally known expert on this subject and is available to speak to on the conflict going on in Iran and the implications it has for America. To schedule an interview, email Mark D. Weinstein, executive director of public relations at Cedarville University at mweinstein@cedarville.edu or click on his icon.

1 min

Supreme Court Takes Action on Transgender Law

On June 18, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that Tennessee could ban gender-affirming care for transgender minors. This decision is expected to not only affect those in Tennessee but those across America.  This is not the first time the Supreme Court has upheld anti-transgender laws. President Trump requested that transgender individuals be removed from the military, which the Supreme Court granted on May 6, 2025.  This ruling has gotten mixed reactions to those rejoicing and others enraged. Bill Lee, Tennessee governor, reminds others that, "Protecting children is a fundamental responsibility that we take seriously...this [bipartisan legislation] lawfully safeguards young people from irreversible, life-altering medical decisions."  Time will tell how this decision made by the Supreme Court will affect other similar cases that will appear before them.  Dr. Mark Caleb Smith is the Director of the Center for Political Studies at Cedarville University. Mark is available to speak with the media regarding the Supreme Court and their decision. Simply click on his icon or email mweinstein@cedarville.edu to arrange an interview. 

1 min

America Sees Another Surge in Political Violence

America has seen its share of political violence, the worst being the Civil War. But unrest is stirring once again in the hearts of Americans as her citizens are being divided by President Trump's deportation of illegal immigrants. Some see it as a solution to cut back violence and drugs in America, while others see it as a cruel, heartless act.  Protests are rising up across America as those who oppose the deportation are showing their dislike. People in Ohio, Florida, Alaska and other states are participating in anti-ICE protests. Texas and California have been the most vocal about it, with LA featured on the news many times.  As unlawful assembly escalated in LA, looted buildings, cars set on fire and blocked roads, President Trump sent 700 US Marines. This only frustrated state officials more who claimed they had it under control. While 338 arrests have occurred, there have been no reported deaths linked to the protests.  This is not the first time LA, California, has seen political violence though, as they have dealt with Watts Riots in 1965, the 1992 Los Angeles riots and in 1997 the North Hollywood shootout.  Dr. Stanely Schwartz is an expert on history and is available to speak to media regarding the protests and political violence throughout history – simply email mweinstein@cedarville.edu or text or call (937) 532-6885 to arrange an interview.

View all posts
Powered by