Here’s Why Stores in Maine, New Hampshire & Massachusetts Are Running Out of Eggs

The last thing anyone wants to read about is more food and supply shortages happening at stores around New England. I think I speak for a lot of people when I say that stuff like this immediately takes us back to trying to track down toilet paper and diapers during the COVID pandemic.

READ MORE: This crazy Maine campground has SIX swimming pools!

However, though shortages aren't as front and center as they were while the world was battling COVID, these things can and still do happen, and they are just as unpredictable now as they were back in 2020.

Why is there such a shortage of eggs in stores?

According to an article published by the Kennebec Journal, the insanely contagious avian flu has been steadily making the rounds through farms all over the country and, because of that, millions of eggs have become unsellable, thus resulting in massive shortages in New England and around the country.

READ MORE: Here's how quickly frostbite can set in with these bitter temps

The KJ goes on to report that the bird flu, also known by its more science-y name, H5N1, has greatly reduced the number of available farm-fresh eggs around the country. However, the paper reports, that the eggs on the shelves are still safe to eat.

Will I find any eggs at all in Maine stores?

Most likely, yes. However, the selection you're used to seeing may be greatly reduced. It's much more likely that the eggs on hand will be local and regional eggs harvested here in New England as opposed to some of the large national brands you may be used to seeing.

READ MORE: 15 snacks disappearing from New England stores this year

According to an excerpt from the Kennebec Journal,

In the last quarter of 2024, around 20 million egg-laying hens died because of the virus, out of a total of 369 million hens, the USDA said. This has led to fewer eggs headed to grocery stores — and higher prices for the cartons that do wind up on shelves.

Is it just me or are eggs still wicked expensive?

No, it isn't just you. Typically eggs go up in price, mostly because of increased demand, around the holiday season, though this year because of the bird flu, prices have remained higher than usual.