An update from PCC: Actions we’re taking to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19)
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Updates: Indoor Dining and PCC Staff Mask Policy
March 31, 2022
In alignment with current health guidance, starting today, masks are optional for all PCC staff. In addition, indoor dining re-opens today across the co-op.
Updated Store and Cooking Class Policies
March 11, 2022
In alignment with updated health guidance, starting on Saturday, March 12, masks are no longer required and optional for shoppers while inside the co-op’s 16 locations.
As of Monday, March 15, students at PCC’s in-person cooking classes will no longer need to provide proof of vaccination and masks are optional.
PCC is temporarily extending the mask requirement for staff (including class instructors) based on multiple factors. An internal survey gathering staff feedback was an important criterion guiding the final decision. The co-op will evaluate this decision within a couple of weeks once we can better see the impact of the public going mask-less.
PCC Closes Indoor Dining Areas and Requires Masks for In-Person Cooking Classes
January 11, 2022
Out of an abundance of caution for the co-op community, PCC is making the following updates:
- Dining Areas Closed: All seating areas in PCC stores will be closed until further notice.
- Masks Required for In-Person Classes: All attendees for in-person PCC Cooking Classes will be required to wear masks through the duration of the class. Food and drink will not be provided, and food will be packed to-go for students to enjoy at home.
These changes go into effect immediately.
PCC Masks Required for Entry to all PCC Locations
August 23, 2021
Based on the statewide indoor mask mandate that went into effect today, Monday, August 23, 2021, masks are required for everyone while inside the co-op’s 15 locations. All PCC staff are required to wear masks.
PCC Masks Requested for Entry to all PCC Locations
July 28, 2021
Based on the directive of the King County and Snohomish Health Departments, starting today, Wednesday, July 28, PCC requests that everyone entering the co-op’s 15 locations wear masks. All PCC staff are required to wear masks.
PCC Store Updates
July 1, 2021
From the beginning of the pandemic, PCC Community Markets has worked to keep our staff and shoppers safe. As the State reopens, we want to thank our members and shoppers for adapting to the changes in our stores. We are especially grateful to our staff, who worked hard to keep food on countless local tables.
A year and a half later, PCC Community Markets continues to prioritize the health and safety of co-op staff and shoppers. Today, our stores will be operating with less restrictions because the State has found it safe to do so. Below are important updates that will be in effect as of July 1 in all 15 PCC locations:
- Masks: We will no longer require masks in our stores, though PCC does recommend that unvaccinated shoppers continue wearing masks for their safety. Our fully vaccinated staff have attested to their vaccination status and are not required to wear a mask. Unvaccinated staff will be required to continue to wear a mask. Securing access to vaccines for staff was PCC’s top priority and once they were available, we made every effort to get appointments and accommodate schedules. As a result, the majority of our staff are vaccinated. Staff who prefer to wear a mask are still welcome to do so and we will continue to supply them with paper masks.
- PCC Clean Teams: We take pride in store cleanliness. Our clean teams will continue to sanitize high-touch areas three times per day. Hand sanitizer will still be available for all staff and shoppers.
- Indoor Dining: We are pleased to announce the reopening of our indoor dining spaces. Our Ballard restaurant remains closed at this time, but we hope you’ll come enjoy a meal and the view from our roof deck. We will bring back product demos and wine tastings in the near future.
- Capacity Limits: Our stores will be operating without capacity limits. Most stores never came close to exceeding their occupancy limits even at their most restrictive levels. We recommend shopping at slower times of the day or shopping our stores through Instacart if you prefer to avoid crowds.
Thank you for your support of the co-op. Whether you are catching up with a friend on our Ballard rooftop deck or getting ready for a family barbeque at the beach in Burien, we hope to see you soon.
PCC Hazard Pay Update
June 24, 2021
PCC is extending hazard pay of an additional $4 per hour to all hourly store staff through June 26, 2021. Effective Sunday, June 27, 2021, the co-op will transition payment of hazard pay only to staff in store locations where is it mandated by municipal ordinance.
PCC Extends $4 Hazard Pay Through June 20, 2021
June 12, 2021
PCC is extending hazard pay to all hourly store staff through June 20, 2021. The co-op is providing this additional pay of $4 per hour to all of its nearly 1,500 union represented staff members at the co-op’s 15 locations.
PCC Extends $4 Hazard Pay Across Co-op
June 5, 2021
PCC is extending hazard pay to all hourly store staff through June 12, 2021. The co-op is providing this additional pay of $4 per hour to all of its nearly 1,500 union represented staff members at the co-op’s 15 locations.
Masks Requested for Entry to all PCC Locations
May 22, 2021
Based on the recommendation of the Department of Health, PCC requests that everyone entering the co-op’s 15 locations continue to wear masks. All PCC staff are still required to wear masks.
PCC Updates Mask Policy Aligned with CDC Guidelines
May 14, 2021
Starting today, following the guidance of the CDC, shoppers are not required to wear masks for entry into PCC’s 15 locations. The co-op supports CDC guidelines that masks must be worn indoors by those not fully vaccinated. All PCC staff are still required to wear masks.
PCC Discontinues Reserved Shopping Hours, Maintains Mask Mandate
April 9, 2021
Based on recent co-op shopping patterns, PCC will no longer provide reserved hours. All of PCC’s 15 locations will open every day at 6 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. for all shoppers.
PCC will continue to prioritize the health and safety of its staff and shoppers and requires a mask for everyone who enters the stores.
PCC Continues Efforts to Prioritize Staff Vaccinations
March 24, 2021
As of March 17, 2021, all grocery workers in Washington were eligible to sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine. PCC continues working with partners to secure priority appoints for all staff interested in getting a vaccine.
PCC will not mandate staff getting the vaccine; however, the co-op endorses staff getting the COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves, their families, and our communities from future illness. As a token of appreciation, PCC will provide all staff who are vaccinated with a $25 PCC gift card.
Reusable Bags Allowed at all PCC Locations
March 5, 2021
Starting Monday, March 8, PCC shoppers can use their own reusable shopping bags whether they choose to bag their own order or have assistance from PCC staff. When you bring your own bag, PCC will make a donation to initiatives that build strong local and organic food systems.
Shoppers who require PCC bags will be charged 10 cents per paper bag.
PCC to Provide $4 Hazard Pay to Hourly Store Staff Across Co-op
February 10, 2021
PCC announced today that all hourly store staff will receive a temporary $4 per hour wage increase in hazard pay. The co-op is providing this additional pay to all of its nearly 1,500 union represented staff members at the co-op’s 15 locations. Hazard pay will be paid retroactively from Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021. You can read more here.
PCC Working to Provide Appreciation Pay Across Co-op
February 4, 2021
PCC shared today that it has submitted a proposal to the United Foods and Commercial Workers Local 21 that would institute a four dollar per hour temporary appreciation pay for all union-represented staff in the Puget Sound area – not just those in locations with regional hazard pay ordinances, in exchange for certain non-economic concessions. At the time of this release, the co-op and the union had not been able to reach a final decision.
PCC Response to the Hazard Pay Ordinance
January 29, 2021
You can learn more about PCCs response to the Hazard Pay Ordinance in its letter to Seattle Mayor Durkan: click here.
COVID Safety Precautions Remain in Place
January 13, 2021
As we enter the New Year, PCC would like to remind its members and shoppers that the co-op continues take precautions to help stop the spread of COVID-19. In accordance with King County, the Snohomish Health District and the Washington State Department of Health guidelines, PCC is working to provide its community with a safe shopping experience.
- Masks: Masks are required to enter all stores. PCC provides masks for all staff.
- PCC Clean Team: At the start of the pandemic, the co-op created clean teams in each store who sanitize all high-touch areas three times per day. In addition, there is hand sanitizer available for all staff, members and shoppers.
- Capacity: Each store is limiting capacity to 25%. The co-op appreciates your patience should you need to wait briefly before shopping and the stores are also available to shop online through Instacart.
- Reserved Hours: The co-op is reserving 6 to 8 a.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays for those who are age 60 or older, pregnant or otherwise at high risk.
- Socially distanced: PCC encourages members and shoppers to practice social distancing using dots on the floor and additional signage throughout the stores. Inside seating remains closed, but where available, outside tables and chairs are in a layout allowing for 6ft of distance in between and there will be frequent monitoring and sanitizing of tables by staff, at least hourly. PCC asks that members and shoppers please keep tables and chairs at a proper social distance, have no more than 5 at a table and that they bus and sanitize it with provided materials when leaving.
- Self-Serve: In each of the areas below, PCC is following all necessary precautions including providing hand sanitizer, sanitizing and changing serving utensils and having staff monitor the areas to maintain proper food temperature (part of routine service; not COVID-specific) and customer usage. The co-op worked with the local health departments for review of plans and procedures and made adjustments to meet their requirements when needed.
- Bulk Items: Stores are rolling out bulk products so members and shoppers can purchase the specific amounts of a selection of flours and sugars as well as popular spices and teas.
- Deli Salad Bars: PCC store delis have opened abbreviated make your own salad bars with a selection of popular items. Co-op locations with cold bars are offering a mix of pre-packaged items as well as a smaller salad bar with greens, veggies and dressings.
- Grain Bars: Members and shoppers will be able to access PCC Grain Bars where available.
- Hot Bar and Soups: Members and shoppers will be able to access Hot Bars and Soup for lunch and dinner where available. Hot breakfast sandwiches and burritos are available daily at all locations.
In addition, the co-op is taking the following steps to keep staff safe during working hours:
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- Conducting wellness checks on each employee at the start of each shift;
- Plexiglass dividers are installed at check stands to give additional protection to cashiers;
- Adjusting staff lounges and expanding use of other areas, like classrooms, to create more space for staff breaks and lunches;
- Instituting daily huddles at each store to ensure that staff have an opportunity to receive updates in a timely manner and a forum to ask questions of store management;
- Ensuring all vendors wear masks and socially distance in receiving; and
- Gloves are available for all staff and the co-op is encouraging frequent handwashing during each shift.
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PCC will continue to prioritize the health and safety of its staff, members and shoppers.
New Year, New Reserved Hours
December 29, 2020
Starting on Monday, January 4, 2021, PCC is adjusting its reserved shopping hours for the most vulnerable members of the co-op’s community based on member and shopper feedback. The co-op is reserving 6 to 8 a.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays for those who are age 60 or older, pregnant or otherwise at high risk.
In addition, the co-op is updating its store hours for all locations beginning on Monday, January 4, 2021. All PCC stores will open at 6 a.m. and close at 11 p.m.
PCC Stores Rolling Out Availability of Bulk, Salad Bars and Grain Bars
December 23, 2020
In accordance with King County, the Snohomish Health District and the Washington State Department of Health guidelines, PCC stores are working to safely provide members and shoppers with the following:
- Bulk Items: Stores are rolling out the opening of select bulk so members and shoppers can purchase the specific amounts of a selection of flours and sugars as well as popular spices and teas.
- Deli Salad Bars: PCC store delis have opened abbreviated make your own salad bars with a selection of popular items. Co-op locations with cold bars are offering a mix of pre-packaged items as well as a smaller salad bar with greens, veggies and dressings.
- Grain Bars: Members and shoppers will be able to access PCC Grain Bars where available.
In each of these areas, PCC is following all necessary precautions including providing hand sanitizer, sanitizing and changing serving utensils and having staff monitor the areas to maintain proper food temperature and customer usage. The co-op continues to prioritize the health and safety of its staff, members and shoppers.
PCC to Limit Stores to 25% Capacity
November 15, 2020
In accordance with today’s announcement from Washington state Governor, Jay Inslee, all PCC locations will limit store capacity to 25% as of Tuesday, November 17. The co-op appreciates your patience should you need to wait briefly before shopping and the stores are also available to shop online through Instacart. As a reminder, masks are required to enter all PCC stores.
To make things easier with the upcoming Holiday, members and shoppers can learn more about reserving their turkey, beef rib roast or ham here. And now through Saturday, November 28, members can get 15% off PCC Organic Turkey (now $2.97/lb.) as well as select vegan items from Field Roast and Tofurkey.
PCC will maintain its current setup for outdoor seating: tables and chairs in a layout that allows for 6ft of distance in between and there will be frequent monitoring and sanitizing of tables by staff, at least hourly. PCC asks that members and shoppers please keep tables and chairs at a proper social distance, have no more than 5 at a table and that they bus and sanitize it with provided materials when leaving.
PCC Requires Masks for Entrance
September 6, 2020
As of today, Sunday, September 6, 2020, masks are required to enter all PCC stores. Those members or shoppers who can’t wear a mask or choose not to, can use Instacart to shop the store. Members can connect their account to Instacart to earn toward their dividend here.
PCC Introduces New Reserved Hours and Stores Accepting Bottle Returns Again
August 7, 2020
PCC is adjusting its reserved shopping hours for the most vulnerable members of the co-op’s community as of Sunday, August 9, 2020. The co-op is reserving 7 to 8 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays for those who are age 60 or older, pregnant or otherwise at high risk.
In addition, starting today, Friday, August 7, 2020, PCC is once again accepting bottle returns in all of its locations. This includes glass and plastic bottle returns that the co-op sells in its stores.
In Accordance with Health Guidelines, Limited Self-Serve Hot Bars and Outdoor Seating Re-Open at King County PCC Stores
July 6, 2020
In accordance with the King County Health Department, PCC locations within the county (except Kirkland, which does not have this program) will re-open limited self-serve hot bar and soups for members and shoppers. In addition, limited outdoor seating will be available within all King County locations. As a reminder, masks are required in all PCC locations and we ask members and shoppers to follow social distancing measures and stay home if they are not feeling well.
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- Limited Self-Serve Hot Bar and Soups: PCC is providing limited self-serve items and there will also be pre-packaged items mirroring those options for lunch/dinner (note: for breakfast the only pre-packaged items will be breakfast burritos and biscuit sandwiches). For the safety of members and shoppers, PCC will be replacing serving utensils every hour and monitoring for temperature and cleanliness on a regular schedule. In addition, there will be social distance dots in the self-serve area (this is specific to the updated self-serve guidelines) as well as signs to enter and exit to control foot traffic. PCC asks that members and shoppers use the provided hand sanitizer before and after dishing their food.
- Outdoor Seating: PCC is setting tables and chairs in a layout that allows for 6ft of distance in between and there will be frequent monitoring and sanitizing of tables by PCC staff, at least hourly. PCC asks that members and shoppers please keep tables and chairs at a proper social distance, have no more than 5 at a table and that they bus and sanitize it with provided materials when leaving.
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Appreciation Pay Update
July 2, 2020
When the COVID-19 pandemic took hold of the Puget Sound region, PCC made the decision to implement a temporary appreciation pay increase of $2.00/hour for all hourly in-store staff for hours worked, including overtime and pension with an effective date of March 15, 2020. With grocery shopping traffic returning to pre-pandemic levels, the co-op will end this increase on July 4, 2020, after 16 weeks of appreciation payments.
In the first half of 2020 alone, PCC has invested nearly $2 million in COVID-related expenses – for context, the co-op’s 2019 net income was $2.1 million. The COVID expenditures include staff benefits and appreciation pay compensation and operational changes in stores to ensure the health and safety of staff, members and shoppers. These changes included installing plexiglass at check stands, providing staff with personal protective equipment, instituting new cleaning protocols and implementing dedicated cleaning crews.
It is with extreme gratitude that PCC thanks its staff for their tireless efforts to present a safe and welcoming shopping experience during the height of the COVID pandemic. PCC, along with its members and shoppers, sincerely thanks its staff across the Puget Sound for being there for the community through the challenges of the past few months.
Appreciation Pay Extended for 16th Week
June 26, 2020
PCC is extending the temporary appreciation pay increase of $2.00/hour for all hourly in-store employees through July 4, 2020. This increase has been paid since March 15, 2020 and is for hours worked including overtime and pension.
Masks Required in PCC Stores
June 25, 2020
Starting on Friday, June 26, in accordance with the statewide mandate, it will be required that all members and shoppers wear face coverings when in PCC stores. All store staff are already required to wear masks at this time.
PCC Extends Appreciation Pay
June 19, 2020
PCC is extending the temporary appreciation pay increase of $2.00/hour for the 15th week. This increase for all hourly in-store employees runs through June 27, 2020 and is for hours worked including overtime and pension.
Reusable Bags Allowed & Staff to Wear Paper Masks
June 12, 2020
Starting Monday, June 15, PCC members and shoppers can use their own reusable shopping bags when they bag their own order. They will need to keep the bags in their cart when bagging their groceries. If they choose to have our staff assist in bagging, we will need to use our paper bags at 5 cents per bag.
In addition, in accordance with Labor and Industries and the WA State Department of Safety and Health, PCC store staff will now wear paper masks.
Appreciation Pay Extended for 14th Week
June 11, 2020
PCC is extending the temporary appreciation pay increase of $2.00/hour for all hourly in-store employees through June 20, 2020. This increase has been paid since March 15, 2020 and is for hours worked including overtime and pension.
PCC Provides Appreciation Pay for 13 Weeks
June 5, 2020
We are extending our temporary pay increase in appreciation of our staff through June 13, 2020. This increase of $2.00/hour for all hourly in-store employees has been paid since March 15, 2020 and is for hours worked including overtime and pension.
PCC Extends Appreciation Pay Through June 6, 2020
May 29, 2020
In appreciation of our staff, we are extending our temporary pay increase of $2.00/hour for all hourly in-store employees through June 6, 2020. This increase has been paid since March 15, 2020 and is for hours worked including overtime and pension. This will be the 12th week of appreciation pay and we will continue to evaluate the increase on a weekly basis.
PCC to Limit Stores to 30% Capacity
May 27, 2020
In our continued focus on the safety of our community, and as we prepare for Phase 2 of the re-opening of our counties, we will keep our stores at 30% capacity. We appreciate your patience should you need to wait briefly before shopping. As a reminder, in accordance with local and federal guidance, we strongly encourage our members and shoppers to wear masks and also ask that you please shop unaccompanied when possible.
PCC Delivers 11 Weeks Appreciation Pay with Extension Through May 30, 2020
May 21, 2020
In continued appreciation of our staff, we are extending our temporary pay increase of $2.00/hour for all hourly in-store employees for an additional week, through May 30, 2020. This increase has been paid since March 15, 2020 and is for hours worked including overtime and pension. We will continue to evaluate this on a weekly basis going forward.
PCC Extends Appreciation Through May 23, 2020 and Provides Thermometers for Daily Wellness Checks
May 15, 2020
In ongoing appreciation of our staff, we are extending our temporary pay increase of $2.00/hour for all hourly in-store employees for an additional week, through May 23, 2020. This increase has been paid since March 15, 2020 and is for hours worked including overtime and pension.
We are also taking an additional step to keep our store staff safe with the addition of infrared thermometers for their daily wellness checks starting on Tuesday, May 19, 2020. Staff may voluntarily take their own temperature but are not required to; the thermometers are being provided as an additional resource.
Appreciation Pay Extended Through May 16, 2020
May 8, 2020
In ongoing appreciation of our staff, we are extending our temporary pay increase of $2.00/hour for all hourly in-store employees for an additional week, through May 16, 2020. This increase has been paid since March 15, 2020 and is for hours worked including overtime and pension.
PCC Extends Appreciation Pay
May 1, 2020
Today Governor Inslee extended the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order through the end of the month and presented a four-phase plan to gradually reopen the economy.
To acknowledge our store staff during this transition, we will extend appreciation pay of $2.00/hour for one more week for all hourly in-store employees, through May 9, 2020. As previously announced, this temporary pay increase is for hours worked including overtime and pension. This temporary increase has been paid for seven weeks, since March 15, 2020.
PCC Raises $29,781 for Food Bank Fund & Supports FareStart Youth Meal Program
April 29, 2020
Thank you to our community. Together we raised $29,781 for PCC’s Food Bank Fund. As our region suffers from the COVID-19 pandemic, your generosity is helping get nutritious local produce onto tables of families in our communities.
PCC’s initial donation of $80,000 to Seattle’s Neighborhood Farmers Markets (NFM) helped establish a CSA-type model that allowed local farms to get their fresh produce to local food banks. This additional funding will also be used in its entirety to purchase produce from affected NFM farms and delivered to local food banks.
While only a month in, we have seen great success and with your added support will continue to swiftly link farms and local food banks. With the closure of local farmers’ markets, one farmer was stuck with 100-pounds of mushrooms. Working together with NFM, we helped match the farmer with a food bank in need: Rainier Valley Food Bank. With this connection, the farmer was able to meet payroll and fresh produce was provided to local families.
To help address the ongoing challenges facing our local farms, food banks and food insecurity in our region, we are also donating $50,000 to the PCC Food Bank Program that will be used to purchase apples from local orchards for our partners at FareStart to include in their meal program for homeless or low-income youth.
PCC Extends Wage Increase & Mandates Masks for Store Staff
April 25, 2020
To acknowledge our staff’s ongoing efforts during the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” mandate, PCC is extending its appreciation pay to May 2, 2020. As previously announced, this temporary pay increase of $2.00 per hour took effect March 15, 2020 for all hourly in-store employees and is for hours worked including overtime and pension.
With each step our co-op has taken to address COVID-19, we’ve followed the guidance of the CDC and other public health agencies. Currently, the CDC “recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies).”
While not mandated by these agencies, starting Wednesday, April 29, 2020, it will be required that all PCC store staff wear a mask while working in our stores. Staff are welcome to wear masks provided by PCC or one of their own. We strongly encourage our members and shoppers to also wear masks.
PCC Extends Wage Increase for Store Staff
April 17, 2020
In acknowledgement of our staff’s tremendous efforts during the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” mandate enacted by Washington’s governor, PCC is extending its appreciation pay to April 25, 2020. As previously announced, this temporary pay increase of $2.00 per hour took effect March 15, 2020 for all hourly in-store employees. This wage will be used for all wage-related purposes, including overtime and pension.
All PCC Store Staff Provided Masks
April 15, 2020
To help promote a safe environment in our stores, PCC provided masks to all store staff. We are encouraging everyone in our stores — staff, members and shoppers — to follow CDC guidance regarding wearing masks (whether homemade or commercial) in public.
PCC Extends Wage Increase for Store Staff
April 7, 2020
In acknowledgement of our staff’s tremendous efforts during the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” mandate enacted by Washington’s governor, PCC is extending its appreciation pay to April 18, 2020. As previously announced, this temporary pay increase of $2.00 per hour took effect March 15, 2020 for all hourly in-store employees. This wage will be used for all wage-related purposes, including overtime and pension. We will evaluate this on a weekly basis going forward.
Additional steps we’re taking to keep our store staff safe during working hours include:
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- Conducting wellness checks on each employee at the start of each shift;
- Installing plexiglass and dividers at check stands to give additional protection to cashiers;
- Encouraging members and shoppers to practice social distancing using dots on the floor in stores, pins for staff, and additional signage throughout the store;
- Adjusting staff lounges and expanding use of other areas, like classrooms, to create more space for staff breaks and lunches;
- Instituting daily huddles at each store to ensure that staff have an opportunity to receive updates in a timely manner and a forum to ask questions of store management;
- Asking all staff to wear gloves and encouraging frequent handwashing during each shift; and
- Empowering store directors to limit the number of people in store should the need be identified, which we are monitoring regularly through half-hour transaction data.
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May and June Cooking Classes Cancelled
April 7, 2020
Our top priority is ensuring the health and safety of our staff, members, shoppers and students. In the interest of our community, and based on recommendations from the Washington State Department of Health regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we have decided to cancel all cooking classes scheduled for May and June.
If you have signed up for a class between May 1 and June 30, we have cancelled your seat(s) and will issue a full refund to the original form of payment. We hope to reschedule some of the affected classes.
If you have any questions, please contact us at classes@pccmarkets.com and we will follow up in a timely manner.
Bulk Department Closed at Bothell and Edmonds locations
April 1, 2020
The bulk department has been closed at Bothell PCC and Edmonds PCC per direction from the Snohomish County Health District. We are working to prepack bulk items to be made available for purchase.
Plexiglass Installed at Registers; Hot and Cold Bar Offerings Available
March 27, 2020
We installed plexiglass at store registers to create a layer of protection between staff and shoppers.
In the deli, we are now offering prepacked hot and cold bar favorites at self-serve stations. Additionally, we have soup available at the full-service deli counter at Ballard, Bothell, Columbia City and Edmonds locations. Other hot bar items are available at full-service counters at Ballard, Bothell, Edmonds, Fremont and West Seattle PCC.
PCC Helps Connect Local Farms & Partner Food Banks
March 26, 2020
Our emergency food system is facing a shortage of fresh produce, while our local farmers have lost the majority — if not all — of their outlets. To help address this challenge, PCC will donate $80,000 from our shopper-funded Food Bank Fund to Seattle’s Neighborhood Farmers Markets (NFM) to help establish a CSA-type model that connects local farms and food banks.
The money in this fund was raised for the express purpose of feeding the community and 100 percent of it will be used to purchase produce from affected NFM farms and delivered to local food banks. You can support this cause through April 24 by donating here.
Temporary Ban on Reusable Bags and Containers
March 24, 2020
In the interest of our community’s health and safety, we are no longer accepting reusable grocery or produce bags at checkout. We also are not allowing reusable containers in the bulk department at this time. Thank you for your cooperation and support.
PCC Community Markets Supports Workers on the Frontlines: Provides Temporary Wage Increase to Store Team Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
March 22, 2020
As the first region in the nation impacted by novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Seattle saw its grocery store employees immediately thrust onto the frontlines in support of their communities. Recognizing this, and in acknowledgement of the tireless work accomplished by its staff, PCC Community Markets (PCC), the nation’s largest community-owned food market, today announced that all hourly store staff will receive a temporary pay increase of $2.00 per hour.
Signage that Encourages Social Distancing; New Return Policy
March 21, 2020
We installed signage throughout each store reminding shoppers to keep a safe distance between themselves and others. These signs were placed in areas where shoppers are more likely to stand or congregate for an extended period of time, such as at the checkout registers and in the deli department.
We also updated our return policy: Items purchased at PCC may be returned within 30 days for a refund or exchange. Please save your receipt, which may be required. Some rules or exceptions may apply. Perishable and bulk items will not be accepted with the exception of quality concerns.
New Store Hours
March 19, 2020
All PCC stores will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. We will have a reserved shopping hour from 7 to 8 a.m. every day for those most at risk.
In order to remain available to the most vulnerable members of our community, we are reserving the first hour of business at each PCC store for those who are age 60 or older, pregnant or otherwise at high risk for infection. If you do not fall into any of these categories, we invite you to shop with us starting at 8 a.m. each day.
These new store hours will be in effect until further notice. Thank you for your cooperation as we continue to make our stores safe and accessible to everyone.
Self-serve Stations Closed
March 18, 2020
In the interest of the health and safety of our members and shoppers, we have closed the self-serve stations, including hot bar, cold bar, soup, antipasti and bakery, at all of our stores.
We are packaging items for the cold bar and antipasti station for easy takeaway and we have cold soup in pints and quarts. We also will continue to have burritos, sandwiches, roasted chickens and other items available for grab and go.
Our pizzeria remains open; staff will be on hand to serve pizza to shoppers.
Members-only Offer Helps Support Local Food Banks
March 17, 2020
As part of our membership program we sometimes surprise members with exclusive offers. Long before COVID-19 took hold of our region, we had planned to email members an offer for a free item from Coro by Salumi. We recognize that’s not the right thing to do at this time.
Instead, in partnership with Salumi, we will donate 100 percent of these items to our local food bank partners. On behalf of our members, and with help from Salumi, PCC is donating $150,000 worth of product across our grocery rescue partners.
April Cooking Classes Cancelled
March 17, 2020
Our top priority is ensuring the health and safety of our staff, members, shoppers and students. In the interest of our community, and based on recommendations from the Washington State Department of Health regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we have decided to cancel all April cooking classes.
If you have signed up for a class between April 1 and April 30, we have cancelled your seat(s) and will issue a full refund to the original form of payment. We hope to reschedule some of the affected classes.
If you have any questions, please contact us at classes@pccmarkets.com and we will follow up in a timely manner.
Temporary store hours; seating removed; restaurant at Ballard PCC closed
March 17, 2020
We are constantly looking for the best ways to provide a safe environment to our members, shoppers and staff. As we continue to assess the situation surrounding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we are making additional changes to support our community.
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- Reduced Store Hours: Beginning Tuesday, March 17, all stores will open at their regular time and close at 10 p.m. This will allow more time for our staff to thoroughly clean and reset each store before start of business the next day.
- Removal of Chairs in Public Areas: We have removed chairs from our deli seating areas and closed the classrooms in stores that have them to help practice social distancing.
- Ballard Restaurant Closed: While stores like PCC are exempt from the new directive from the Washington state government to close bars and restaurants, we are taking the proactive step to close the restaurant at Ballard PCC.
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March Cooking Classes Cancelled
March 11, 2020
Our top priority is ensuring the health and safety of our staff, members, shoppers and students. In the interest of our community, and based on recommendations from the Washington State Department of Health regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we have decided to cancel all remaining cooking classes scheduled for this month.
If you have signed up for a class between March 11 and March 31, we have cancelled your seat(s) and will issue a refund to the original form of payment. We hope to reschedule some of the affected classes.
If you have any questions, please contact us at classes@pccmarkets.com and we will follow up in a timely manner. The well-being of our students and staff remains our focus.
Actions We’re Taking to Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19)
March 10, 2020
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:
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- 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.
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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