Dear PCC members and shoppers,
 
It is often the case, in difficult times, that grocery stores are a vital resource to the communities they serve. The recent outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in our region is proving that this continues to be true.
 
You have come to us in recent days to stock your pantry, replenish cleaning supplies, and prepare alongside others in the community. As a grocery store, our co-op is in the unique position of offering essential services for our communities while also doing all we can to minimize risk to our staff, members, and shoppers.
 
In light of the situation our region finds itself in, I want to share the things our co-op is doing to best serve you, care for our staff, and be a responsible member of our community:

• While PCC has had no reported COVID-19 infections in our co-op, we have asked any staff exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness or fever to stay home and notify their physician. We have also given our staff who have underlying medical conditions the option to stay home to minimize any potential exposure. Our co-op has a generous sick and vacation policy, and we are working with employees on a case-by-case basis to ensure they have the support they need.
   
• Members and shoppers have requested hand sanitizer and sanitized wipes to cleanse cart and handbasket handles. With the increased demand nationwide for these items, we are having difficulty procuring them for our stores. While we work to find a supplier, we are tasking staff with frequently cleaning these high-touch areas.
   
• Our co-op prides itself on its cleanliness and food safety standards, and has full-time health and safety, and food safety managers on staff. With their support, and following guidance from the CDC and other agencies, we have implemented even more rigorous cleaning practices throughout all of our stores. This includes frequently sanitizing high-touch locations like payment machines, scales, bathroom areas and, as mentioned above, carts and handbaskets. We are also changing out hot and cold bar utensils on an hourly basis.
   
• We have heavily invested in training our store's management teams on food safety, with the majority of store and department leaders having completed advanced food safety training, including all supervisors in our deli departments.
   
• We have stopped accepting personal cups at our espresso bars and have ceased self-serve sampling. Additionally, any staff handling ready-to-eat foods are already required to wear gloves or use tongs.
   
• We are working closely with our suppliers to ensure we have the essentials that you are seeking, like pantry staples, cleaning supplies, and health and body care items.
   
• We are making changes to our PCC Cooking Classes program to minimize risk; this includes having only our trained instructors handle ready-to-eat foods, encouraging frequent hand washing during classes, and incorporating classrooms in the heightened cleaning protocol. Additionally, we are amending our cancellation policy for classes during the month of March.

Throughout all of this, we are making additional efforts to demonstrate our gratitude to our staff who continue to work each day with commitment, compassion, and kindness to ensure our stores are stocked, clean, and ready to serve you.

I also want to take a moment to acknowledge the loss that our community is grappling with, particularly in Kirkland, home of our second oldest PCC location. Our hearts go out to the immediate and extended families of those most greatly impacted by the virus.

We anticipate that guidance from federal, state and local agencies may change rapidly over the coming days and weeks. We will continue to monitor closely and be nimble in adjusting our operations to prioritize the health and safety of you and our staff.
 
I know you have many choices when it comes to where to purchase groceries. Thank you for choosing our co-op and for being an integral part of our community.
 
Sincerely,

Cate Hardy
PCC Community Markets CEO