In a decree, President Nicolas Maduro has ordered the army to monitor food processing plants, and co-ordinate the production and distribution of items.Great! Now all you need are raw materials. Like corn. And dirt.
Venezuela is going through a deep economic crisis despite having the world's largest oil reserves.
It will all be over shortly. We promise.
Basic products are increasingly hard to find and many say they struggle to feed their families
I hear Maduro and his cronies taste like chicken . . . .
The Venezuelan Bishops Conference said the rise of the military is a "threat to tranquillity and peace".
Only when they start seizing the food for themselves.
Mr Maduro says the measure is to fight the "economic war" he claims is being waged against his government by political foes and businessmen, with US backing.
Look! It's the boogeyman!
But the opposition says the government has mismanaged the economy, and has called for a referendum to oust the president.
Kinda hard to do when the military is in charge.
Mr Maduro announced on state television that the ports of Guanta, La Guaira, Puerto Cabello, Maracaibo and Guamache would be controlled by the army.
He created a government initiative called Great Mission of Sovereign Supplying, which will be headed by the country's Defence Minister, General Vladimir Padrino.
Among other things, it can establish how purchases and distribution of food, medicine and household goods are made.
Still grabbing for money?
Meanwhile, Mr Maduro accused Citibank of mounting a "financial blockade" on the country, after the US bank decided to close the government's international payments account with it.
There it is again! The boogeyman! Over there!
Citibank said the decision followed a "periodic risk management review", but did not explain further. It would be implemented within 30 days, it added.
Uh oh, they only have 30 days to get their ill-gotten booty out of the country and into offshore accounts. Hopefully they can afford to gas the plane when the day comes.
Due to strict currency controls in place since 2003, the Venezuelan government relies on Citibank for foreign currency transactions.