When they went there, the cupboard was bare

Above, Stop & Shop Franklin, Tuesday afternoon.

With apologies to Old Mother Hubbard*, according to Patch reports and other outlets, a cybersecurity attack has affected Stop & Shop stores across New England, with some customers reporting issues with online ordering and more noticing that stock at their local stores is limited and some sections all but bare.

In Franklin, most parts of the store seemed to be normally stocked but many produce, meat, and dairy section were nearly emptied.

On Friday, officials from Stop & Shop's parent company, Ahold Delhaize USA, said they recently detected a cybersecurity issue within its U.S. network.

They added, "Immediately upon detecting the issue, our security teams began an investigation with the assistance of external cybersecurity experts. We also notified law enforcement."

To combat the issue, some systems had to be taken offline "to help protect them," Ahold officials said.

They added, "This issue and subsequent mitigating actions have affected certain Ahold Delhaize USA brands and services, including a number of pharmacies and certain e-commerce operations."

This cybersecurity attack has affected stores across New England, with some customers reporting issues with online ordering and more noticing that stock at their local stores is limited, according to Patch.

A shopper in Bellingham, Mass., shared with Patch on Monday that her store had barren shelves for two consecutive days. Another, who posted in a community group for Greenfield, Mass., shared that produce, deli and meat aisles had limited stock. Somerset shoppers were met with the same situation on Monday.

Patch reported that store officials said, "Each of Ahold Delhaize USA's brands' stores are open and serving customers. We will continue to take actions to further protect our systems. The security of our customers, associates and partners is a top priority. We apologize for any inconvenience this issue may have caused customers and partners."

*Old Mother Hubbard

Old Mother Hubbard
Went to the Cupboard,
To give the poor Dog a bone;
When she came there,
The Cupboard was bare,
And so the poor Dog had none.