ELKHART — For Twinkie lovers in Elkhart, it appears that satisfying those sugary cravings has become a treasure hunt of sorts.

Various stores around the city are running low on Hostess supplies after the company announced Friday that they will be ceasing operations.

At the Martin’s Super Market at 555 East Jackson Blvd., a handful of bags of Donettes and Mini Crullers partially lined a Hostess display. Empty bottom rungs were transformed into receptacles of extra storage for cans of soda and loaves of bread.

Even fewer products were available at the Walmart Supercenter at 175 C.R. 6, where a few boxes of Mini Muffins and Soft Baked Cookies were relegated to a small portion of the top shelf.

A brand staple, Twinkies, are nowhere to be found, most having already been snatched up in the days following the company’s announcement.

Little Debbie displays, often adjacent to Hostess’ products, provided a stark contrast to the barren areas that once harbored Twinkies, Ding Dongs and Ho Hos. Fully stocked Little Debbie shelves only served to enhance the emptiness of their competitor’s displays.

As Truth reporter Tim Vandenack noted in his blog on the subject, however, not all hope is lost.

Hostess would likely sell its brands to another company, even if its bankruptcy proceeds. There is also the possibility, however, that some of the less lucrative treats could be discontinued.

Tim Vandenack also contributed to this story. Vandenack also blogged about the lack of Hostess products Monday. Tim’s County Buzz blog can be found on eTruth.com.