To aid the poor, the government has set up a network of state-operated grocery stores, selling goods from nationalized industries at discounted prices. Shoppers like Laura Hernandez go to buy whatever is in stock.

"This store is vital," said Hernadez. "You can save a lot of money here. The only problem is that sometimes you cannot find what you need. Much is lacking: sugar, milk, basic items."

The government-run stores are shunned by well-to-do Venezuelans like Adela Franco. "I do not trust what they sell there. I do not know if the food is fresh or of good quality."

But the march towards a socialist food supply continues. The latest government target for nationalization is Empresas Polar. The mega-conglomerate produces everything from beverages to the number-one brand of flour used to make arepas - pita-like sandwiches that are the mainstay of the Venezuelan diet.

President Chavez recently lashed out at Polar on national television. "If Polar continues to hoard products, we will have to go after it. We will not allow anyone to swindle us."

Polar executives deny any wrongdoing, saying their production is limited by the dwindling availability of raw foodstuffs in Venezuela.

Meanwhile, shoppers continue to patronize privately-owned supermarkets that may or may not exist in the future.