PORT ANGELES – The Northwest Grocery Association, an industry group representing grocery store companies, has issued a news release they’re calling FOUR SIMPLE GUIDELINES FOR GROCERY SHOPPERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.
The number one message that spokesperson Joe Gilliam wants to get out is: There is no need to hoard merchandise.
“Well, I think it’s real important that there’s no need to hoard. This isn’t a natural disaster where roads have been cut off or there’s a flood or the trucks are stuck in the snow. There are trucks coming. So just to throttle back, get what you need, but don’t hoard. Your neighbors need supplies too, and there’s help on the way.”
Gilliam pointed out that while there is no shortage of supplies, they are seeing some issues in terms of the labor force with some employees having to stay home with their kids, for example. He says that “not hoarding” helps with that, too.
Their second and third guidelines are to practice social distancing with your fellow shoppers and with store employees. They’re asking that we do our best to maintain 6 feet between one another, including while standing in line at the checker.
“And if you have small amounts, use those self-checkouts whenever available. If you need a cleaning there, just request one. And that will help alleviate some of the interpersonal contact and get you in and out of store as quickly as possible.”
Gilliam also says that bagging your own groceries will mitigate the number of touches your bags and merchandise receive.
Number 4 is the special shopping hours many stores have set aside for seniors and folks who may have compromised immune systems. At Safeway, those hours are Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 7-and-9:00 am. QFC is working on a similar policy and will announce it sometime in the next few days. At Saars in Port Angeles, they say seniors should come in before 8:00 am.
Gilliam also wanted to remind our listeners that many grocery stores are hiring right now for all kinds of positions.
“There’s a lot of hiring going on. People who are looking for work, to go to grocery store websites, and there’s always an employment section. But the major grocery stores literally have thousands of openings. There are…there’s a bit of real stress with schools closed and working families with children, and having to make choices between coming to work or being with their children. So, there are openings.”