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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – As April drew to a close pandemic grocery shopping patterns continued to emerge as the new normal for shoppers. People are spending more money on food at the supermarket. Shopping trips have switched from weekends to weekdays. People are still overbuying nonperishable foods like processed cheese and canned soup and newer niche companies are losing market share to traditional big brands like Nestle, Kraft Heinz and Procter & Gamble. Shoppers are buying more items to minimize trips as they prepare more meals at home and online shopping continues to grow.
Nicole Collida, a senior vice president of brand effectiveness for Nielsen, a global provider of market research, said there are three main areas that food suppliers and food retailers are trying to figure out. How do they solve the immediate situation, such as supply and demand? How do they respond quickly to shoppers needs and still plan for the future? And how do they come up with long term strategies for the future based on these unprecedented times?
As always, with American ingenuity, grocery chains and supply chains are coming up with unique and interesting approaches to keep the food supply flowing and store shelves stocked, while keeping workers and shoppers safe. When did we ever think we should see the local supermarket cashier, stock person or warehouse personal designated as essential workers? But that is exactly what they are. Countries can only function when their population is fed and through this entire crisis the US population has been well fed.
Trader Joe’s long known for smaller stores and tighter inventory strained to meet surging demand. Like most grocers, Trader Joe’s quickly ran out of toilet paper but found a source from a hotel chain with limited guests and an overload of toilet paper. Unwrapped, without a UPS barcode, the individual rolls had to be rung up manually but Trader Joe’s did provide customers with much requested toilet paper. They also saw sales change. Frozen and shelf-stable items were selling quickly while fresh produce sales slumped. Rather than lose their supply chains, Trader Joe’s donates 100% of products that go unsold, but are safe to eat, to more than 700 nonprofit partners who deliver food to those in need. Since March Trader Joe’s has donated more than $51 million in food.
Kroger has put in place similar programs. To support farmers stuck with too much food as a result of restaurant and food services closures, Kroger has purchased more than 1 million pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables to donate to Feeding America food banks. Over 200,000 gallons of milk will also be bought and donated through its Dairy Rescue Program, as well.
Natural Grocers has extended its $2 per-hour hero pay through May 31 for all its hourly employees who work in stores, bulk repack production, and warehouses. The raise became effective March 23 and $1 will remain as a permanent increase. All workers are required to wear masks, have their temperature taken, and be checked for Covid-19 symptoms prior to reporting for their shifts. Kroger is also offering free testing for front line workers to ensure that both they and the shoppers they assist are safe in the stores.
ShopRite has introduced a thank you campaign to recognize grocery associates, health care workers, and first responders. For every note posted by a customer through June 30, Wakefern Food, the cooperative that operates ShopRite and several other grocers, will donate $1, up to $500,000, to local food banks.
Due to the response to the temporary shutdowns of beef, pork and poultry processing plants across the country Albertsons, Ralph’s, Costco, Cub’s, Hy-Vee, Giant Eagle, and other chains are limiting meat sales at each shopping trip. Retailers say they are not experiencing any serious shortages right now. The limitations have been put in place to ensure an adequate supply for all shoppers and to discourage hoarding that happened in March for toilet paper, hand sanitizer, pasta and soup. Retailers have learned from current customer practices and are anticipating problems before they happen.
Stores are asking customers to shop responsibly and purchase what they need, assuring them that they will replenish the stores regularly. Close to 76% of grocery shoppers have changed how they eat and shop due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Both shoppers and stores are adjusting to this new normal. What is interesting is that the system is working because of the efforts of the grocers and store employees. Their efforts are reflected in the courtesy and friendliness extended by the shoppers. It has brought people together with a new respect and concern. As one recent mask-wearing shopper said to a cashier, “I’m smiling even though you can’t see it. Thank you.”
© NRH Nutrition Consultants, Inc.
Jo-Ann Heslin, MA, RD, CDN is a registered dietitian and the author of 30 books.
Available as eBooks from iTunes and Kindle/Amazon:
Diabetes Counter – the most up-to-date information on managing diabetes
Calorie Counter – a weight loss guide that won’t let you down
Protein Counter – put the latest protein recommendations to work for you
Healthy Wholefoods Counter – planet-friendly eating made easy
Complete Food Counter – food counts and nutrition information at your fingertips
Fat and Cholesterol Counter – newest approach to heart-healthy eating
Available in print from Gallery Books:
Most Complete Food Counter, 3rd Ed.
For more information on Jo-Ann and her books, go to: www.TheNutritionExperts.com or on twitter: @JoAnnHeslinRD.