I had a long informative conversation with the manager of my local Albertsons

[Princess Turandot]

15. I've wondered if some of it is that more people need to food-shop, at least here in NYC..

The result of the growing restrictions leading to the current version of a lock-down that's underway here means that more and more folks are eating meals at home than they normally would've eaten out. Lunch for certain and dinner often enough. e.g. A graphics designer working in mid-town at an ad agency might eat a sandwich for lunch every day, but most likely one from a deli near their job rather than one they made at home. Or they might have a company cafeteria available. I myself only rarely bought anything from the supermarket's deli counter when I worked, because I knew that I would wind up not eating all of it before it became stale.

This might also be more the case in a place like NYC, where there is always a new influx of people who are early on in their work career and are single, prone to socializing more etc. And not too concerned about saving money yet.

Whatever the factors, I hope it settles down soon!