Roesser and other grocery store employees have been deemed essential workers during the pandemic.
(The below exchange details Roessers personal experience and perspective.
His answers have been edited and condensed for clarity.)
Getty / Cunaplus_M.Faba; Designed by Morgan Johnson
SELF: What was an average workday like for you before the pandemic?
My work was usually related to business at least 6 to 18 months out.
Now the pandemic is always at the forefront.
It influences everything we do, day in and day out.
How has work changed since COVID-19 reached Philadelphia?
Talk to me about how youre feeling.
Physically I feel fine.
I cry every day.
How did the cooperative prepare for COVID-19?
Before it was required by the state, we required all employees and customers to wearmasksinside the stores.
Our hours have also been slightly reduced to allow us to deep clean and restock each day.
We have closed down our self-serve bulk bins, as well as the hot and cold self-serve food stations.
What are you doing to make your staff feel secure?
To give our employees even more peace of mind, we have increased everyones hourly wage during this time.
Weve implemented just about every reasonable safety precaution you could think of including hourlyhandwashingbreaks and amped up disinfecting routines.
We have an ample supply of reusable cloth masks and gloves from a mix of vendors.
Were trying our best to rotate staff to give them more time off.
We closed on Easter Sundaysomething weve never done.
Well close on Memorial Day.
What is the stores policy if a staff member gets sick with COVID-19?
A staff member will be sent home right away if they come into work and dont feel well.
The store will also be closed for cleaning and sanitation.
Are shoppers acting differently?
Our customers, most of whom are member-owners of our cooperative, have been amazing.
Theyve taken all of the new rules and restrictions in stride and have continued to support the co-op.
Our shoppers have been patient with us as weve continued to update our services and policies.
Weve been getting positive feedback from customers on our progressive protocols, delivery, and curbside pickup.
People have been commenting and showing their appreciation and support through social media.
Do you see a lot of stockpiling?
Stockpiling took place over a roughly two-week period in late March.
Since then, no, not really.
Weve put customer limits on certain items, including four rolls of toilet paper.
What items have been selling out in the last few weeks?
For example, at the start of the stay-at-home orders, toilet paper and tuna sales skyrocketed.
Perhaps not surprisingly, comfort foods like ice cream have been popular.
How is the store meeting the demands of increased shopping?
Foods that are from far away, especially bananas and avocados, are sourced through fair-trade partners.
Our membership numbers have surged.
What are your biggest frustrations working for a grocer during the pandemic?
Human interaction is dangerous, and our entire business model pre-COVID was based on human interaction.
Its all counter to our culture.
But we receive continuous and heartfelt messages from our members and customers.
I love what I do.
What are your concerns about your health?
Im doing whatever I can to stay healthy for myself and my family.
I take a stab at rest mentally and physically as much as possible.
I have been making sure to spend two days a week away from the stores.
Whats keeping you positive throughout all of this?
My colleagues have been a nonstop source of inspiration.
The esprit de corps I witness every day is profound.
