12 On Your Side: Supply chain kinks, a boost for some local businesses and a baby food recall

This week’s consumer roundup from Marilyn Moritz!

A pumpkin display at Wiard's Orchards. (Sarah Parlette, Sarah M. Parlette / WDIV)

Happy pumpkin season y’all!

I’m reading and hearing about a “pumpkin shortage,” but personally, I’ve seen plenty to pick from. Shortage is a funny word when it comes to products -whether it’s toilet paper, gas, or pumpkins. Often it means there’s less supply than is typical or that demand is greater than supply. It does not mean time to panic-buy and hoard the gourds! KSAT Meteorologist Justin Horne recently wrote a story about why you may be paying more for pumpkins this year.

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The supply chain kinks are real, though. Word to the wise and the procrastinators, don’t wait to start any holiday shopping this year. I had a chance to visit with a local toy store owner about her shipments. She started ordering her holiday inventory last spring –and she’s still not getting 100% of it in. She does have plenty, though, for now. You can check out that story here.

How about some positive business news? The Maestro Entrepreneur Center and the city have a pilot program going to help small, minority- and women-owned businesses grow. Out of 200 applicants, they chose a fortunate 10 who will get business education and some grant dollars. I’m visiting with a few of them, starting with Tia Rodriguez who runs a vegan soul eatery. It looked yummy! Her story is here.

And, finally, if you’re buying rice cereal for your baby, listen up. This week, a rice cereal sold only at Walmart was recalled over concerns of inorganic arsenic levels. You can see that recall and more here.

Have a great weekend, and enjoy the cooler temps!

Marilyn

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About the Author

Marilyn Moritz is an award-winning journalist dedicated to digging up information that can make people’s lives a little bit better. As KSAT’S 12 On Your Side Consumer reporter, she focuses on exposing scams and dangerous products and helping people save money.

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