Our plans, like everyone else’s, have changed.
We had plans for Earth Month, plans for weekly tastings, promotions for the Holidays, plans for zero-waste shopping, and plans for sales and coupons. We had plans for events, classes and activities, art shows, a community supper with one of our local schools, and even more. But now we are an essential business and we are doing all we can to connect you with the food and products you need.
Our community and the services we provide are why we are here. It is why we choose to work and live here. At your co-op we pride ourselves in saying “YES”- doing what we can to get you your favorite products, local food, and serving the whole community. The reality is that every day what we can do changes. We know that all this change is hard- it’s hard for us too.
This is not something that comes natural to us, these limitations, we want to say yes to every question and request. But for so many reasons, we are not able to offer all the usual promotions or the normal customer experience. But, we very much appreciate all of the support and appreciation for what we CAN do for you. Thank you for all of your comments and feedback. It certainly makes our work here feel valued- we are working hard to keep everyone safe.
We will get through this together. We will return to being your community hub where you shop without these restrictions, where you meet with your friends for lunch in our cafe, take advantage of our planned promotions and sales, attend classes and events and language groups, where you make 3 trips to the Co-op in one day, and on and on. We will return.
Meanwhile, we are here with you, for you, through this.
What can you do to help?
We ask that your shopping trips are for the week, making one visit to the co-op and that you maintain a safe distance from staff and other shoppers, that you avoid touching things you aren’t considering buying, and, if you’re feeling unwell, that you please use our online ordering service “Shop for Me” and/or have someone else do your shopping.
We are still open 10 am – 7 pm, Monday – Saturday, with a reserved hour between 9 and 10 am for seniors and at risk individuals. Due to the Governor’s order, we are limiting the number of shoppers at any given time. We have staff at the entry who will let you know when you can enter. While you are shopping in-store, be mindful that others are waiting to come in, please do not linger. Many times there is little wait, here is a graph of recent customer count (per hour) throughout the week.
Don’t want to wait in line? Plan ahead- plan your shop and order online and let us do the shopping for you! See the “Shop for Me” webpage for more details.
Want to help your community while shopping or appreciate our hard-working staff? We are rounding up for the Greater Bay Area Ministerium Food Cupboard this month. In lieu of taking tips- please donate to the Food Cupboard as a form of appreciation! So many folks are in need right now. Round up when you order your groceries through ‘Shop for Me’.
Want to help out the Downtown Belfast you know and love? The Co-op is offering a selection of gift cards from a number of downtown businesses – you may purchase one today to show your support for these businesses that can’t be open. Ask to add one to your online order or purchase one from a cashier. See the list of current participating businesses here.