Shively management expects not to serve turkey until at least Oct. 14.
Turkey lovers beware: Shively Grab ‘N Go is currently not stocking the delectable lunch meat.
“Sliced turkey will be replaced by sliced chicken until at least October 14th,” a sign hung at Shively Grab ‘N Go read. “Turkey is in short supply due to the bird flu, and we are only allocated a certain amount by our vendor, and if we use that amount before the next shipment, we must use chicken instead.”
Ohio University Culinary Services had been preparing for the shortage since May 2015, OU spokeswoman Katie Quaranta said in an email.
“This year’s bird flu (avian influenza) outbreak created a shortage of turkey meat across the country,” Quaranta said. “Even though the bird flu ended in June, the supply is still impacted and will likely be challenging through the Thanksgiving holiday.”
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Anna Rayburn, a freshman studying pre-physical therapy, said she eats at Shively every day. She would be incredibly disappointed if the whole campus ran out of turkey, Rayburn added.
“For some people, no, it’s probably not a problem,” Rayburn said. “I would be very upset. I eat turkey every day.”
Jared Wilder, a sophomore studying screenwriting and producing, said he doesn’t eat turkey often anyway.
“Personally, I feel like chicken is a much better meat,” Wilder said. “I feel like we should keep sacred things sacred, and just eat turkey on holidays.”
Kirsten Pribula, a junior studying graphic design, said she prefers chicken, but likes the option of turkey.
“I like to eat turkey in wraps, sandwiches, and salads. It gives me more options,” Pribula said. “I don’t like eating the same thing every day.”
Since OU is such a large institution, things like that are bound to happen, Kayla Ann Ventura said, a senior studying political science, said.
“Shively probably didn’t mean to run out of chicken,” Ventura said. “I also have faith that OU would try to fix the problem as soon as possible.”
As long as he knows what he’s getting, Wilder said he doesn’t mind.
“If I’m getting chicken, I’d like a head’s up,” he said. “If I’m getting avian bird flu, I’d also like a head’s up.”
@baileygallion
