So many things have changed in 2020. Our health is at risk on a minute by minute basis, many people have lost their jobs and income, and businesses have had to change their game plan several times over just to stay open.. And we don't know if any of it will ever come back, which can be pretty depressing. Some major changes that I've personally seen have been at the grocery stores. It used to be so much fun to peruse the aisles, visit with friends you run into, and get tons of free samples. No more. UGH.

The folks who own Whole Foods Market (Amazon) are implementing some pretty big changes due to coronavirus. Thanks to Eat This, Not That, we are getting a preview of what its going to be like to shop at one their 500 locations in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom for the foreseeable future. Some of these have been in place for awhile, and some are new.

  • Self serve salad bars are closed. The company is not saying they won't come back, but for now stores are offering prepackaged options only.
  • Face masks are required to enter the store. No surprise here, just not sure how long this is going to be mandated.
  • Senior hours are going to stay for awhile. If you are 60 and over, you get to shop the store a whole hour before they actually open to the public.
  • Seating areas will remain closed. Since there's no no self-serve food at the hot bar or salad bar, no seating will be available.
  • No more free samples. The demos and samples in the stores were legendary, so I really hate to hear that they won't be back. (Especially in the gourmet cheese department)
  • No more reusable cups. This was a great idea to cut down on waste, but you won't be able to bring your own cup in anymore for that latte or a smoothie.
  • Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the store. They want employees and customers to be safe!

 

 

READ MORE: How Much Food Do You Need to Shelter in Place?

 

 

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