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How The Meat Shortage Is Affecting Grills And Smokers Throughout Kansas City

By Steve Kraske,

Published May 12, 2020 at 4:10 PM CDT

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The most popular vending machine choices so far have been rib tips and burnt ends. — Some meat suppliers have stopped shipments of fresh meat, but customers likely won't be able to tell their meat was frozen, said Slap's BBQ co-owner Joe Pearce.

Kansas City is famous for its smoked meats, but a meat shortage resulting from COVID-19 outbreaks at processing plants across the Midwest is threatening the protein supply that usually keeps pit masters occupied and customers' bellies full.

Paul Mies, co-owner of Mies Family Food
Joe Pearce, co-owner of Slap's BBQ
Maria Carter, editor of Harvest Public Media

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Up To Date Talk Show North Kansas City Kansas City Kansas (KCK)food local food meat meatpacking barbecue Harvest Public Media

Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Michelle Tyrene Johnson

Michelle is a reporter covering race, identity and culture and is an assistant talk show producer.

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Luke X. Martin

As culture editor, I oversee KCUR’s coverage of race, culture, the arts, food and sports. I work with reporters to make sure our stories reflect the fullest view of the place we call home, so listeners and readers feel primed to explore the places, projects and people who make up a vibrant Kansas City. Email me at luke@kcur.org.

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