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Tisdale grocery stores adapt to pandemic

TISDALE — Tisdale’s two grocery stores are adapting to the pandemic. Todd Svenson, general manager at the Beeland Co-op, said he has seen a “drastic increase” in their grocery delivery service usage.
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TISDALE — Tisdale’s two grocery stores are adapting to the pandemic.

Todd Svenson, general manager at the Beeland Co-op, said he has seen a “drastic increase” in their grocery delivery service usage.

Traditionally, the Beeland Co-op offers grocery delivery services on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for phone order, pick and delivery.

“The quantities have drastically come up today,” Svenson said on March 20. “We haven’t seen a huge increase on Monday or Wednesday, but now they’re way up.”

Previously, there was a $3 charge to use the delivery service – but that has been waived.

“At this time we’re just reevaluating if we change to a five day or not.”

“The plan is changing hour to hour almost.”

Customers who shop in the store are asked to come alone and keep a distance from others.

“Come shopping by yourself, don’t bring family and kids and that kind of stuff. Do your best to come by yourself.”

Elderly and people with a compromised immune system are being asked to utilize the delivery service, or use family or friends to do their shopping for them. 

Delivery services can be made at 306-852-8550. All phone orders must come in by 2 p.m. on specified delivery days. The orders will be delivered after 3:30 p.m.

Payment for the delivery must be done with cash, or cheque for members who have cheque writing privileges. 

The cash or cheque is left in front of the door in a mailbox, shoebox, or other safe space for the delivery person. This is to avoid any direct contact between parties.

“Our delivery person will take that, put the delivery on the step, knock on the door, return to the vehicle, ensure that somebody has come to the door to get the groceries, and then proceed to the next one,” Svenson said.

At the in-store location, checkouts have been rearranged to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, by providing more distance between staff and customers.

“Currently you will need to unload groceries onto the conveyor belt at the front of the conveyor belt, then we barricaded so you can’t go through where you normally would. You have to go around to the backside of the checkout.”

The debit and credit card reader has also been rearranged, to make it more accessible to the customer.

“We’d prefer debit and credit, and not have cash change hands.”

Svenson said the most important thing is that everybody looks out for themselves and their neighbours.

“Please think of our staff too. They’re at work so you can get your food and your fuel, and I’d like to thank them.”

Buy-Low Foods has also made changes in the face of the pandemic.

In a statement from Dan Bregg, Buy-Low-Foods’ president, the company announced that as of March 18, for the first hour each day, all Buy-Low Foods locations will be offering “preferred shopping” to their customers who wish assistance or extra consideration, including seniors and those living with disabilities.

All customers are welcome, but the company hopes that preference will be given to those with special needs for the first hour we are open.

Buy-Low Foods also used the opportunity to tell customers that they will not run out of food or essential supplies, and are confident that they will continue operating.

Bregg stated that they will not raise prices for the purpose of taking advantage of the current situation.

“We have and we will continue to limit quantities when appropriate to ensure that the needs of all of the communities we serve are met as best as possible,” Bregg said.