If SHTF occurs, and it something sudden like in the original posts, I expect people to go nuts immediately. Just look at local grocery stores when a hurricane is heading your way.
I plan to hunker down. I'll make contact with my neighbor, and any close friends I can contact if the phones still work. If not, then just me and my neighbor. I'm not heading out for anything short of being forced out by armed gangs. No shopping trips- no way. Its why I prep. Hopefully a few folks I have already invited over can make it with their supplies as well.
Considering the second point, of GOV redistribution, maybe they will access records to learn who buys food storage products and come knocking, or just do local door to door searches. Even if they don't, I have a few locals that know or suspect I have some food, or just want to see what they can get. So after the word is out that its SHTF and stores are being stripped, I go into redistribute and hide supplies mode. Probably within about 24-48 hours , most of my food will be no longer located in the house, and not all in the same place. Many small stashes on my land and my neighbors.That way the gov or nosey neighbors (I have some on one side I just don't trust), should find very little if they get into the house. Don't keep your eggs in one basket. Same for defensive devices and ammo. I wont say firearms, because all my were lost during the fire on the fishing boat in the ocean at night.