With more of our community gaining access to the vaccine, the reopening of public schools and more businesses considering how to return to a "new normal," our co-op is evaluating what self-serve programs will look like for our stores.

From the World Health Organization:
"COVID-19 is a respiratory illness and the primary transmission route is through person-to-person contact and through direct contact with respiratory droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

There is no evidence to date of viruses that cause respiratory illnesses being transmitted via food or food packaging.
Coronaviruses cannot multiply in food; they need an animal or human host to multiply.
The virus that causes COVID-19 can be killed at temperatures similar to that of other known viruses and bacteria found in food."

Hot Bar Returns to Lawrence Store, Kansas City TBD

While most Lawrence grocery stores opted to permanently remove their self serve bars and focus on alternative prepared food ventures, many of our grocery peers in the surrounding counties have been offering self serve foods for several months now.

We have determined that we will open in phases starting with a Monday through Friday partial Hot Bar + Burrito Bar. Based on interest, we will determine how and when we can bring back additional dishes, Salad Bar and Soup. Lunch/Dinner service runs 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Maintaining a clean, orderly and socially distanced Hot Bar line is important.

We ask shoppers to follow the directions on the aisle signs.
Gloves and hand sanitizer are available for use.
Bring-Your-Own-Containers are discouraged.
Shoppers who do not wish to return to self-serve foods can select a prepackaged alternative from our Fresh To Go cold case.

For our KCK location, we will continue to offer a variety of packaged and made-to-order sandwiches, as well as hot and cold meal solutions, like salads and roasted whole chickens We will introduce additional programs like Salad Bar and Soup once offices in downtown are fully occupied.

Sorry! Our cafes at both locations remain closed. As we do not have the capacity to operate with hosts and servers, we are not equipped to monitor distancing and capacity as full service restaurants do. In addition, with limited break spaces available, our staff continues to need that space to distance for breaks. Thank you for your understanding.

Bulk Bins Coming Back to Lawrence Store in Phases

Effective last week, and as the packaged items within sell out, we will begin transitioning raw bulk ingredients back to scoopable bins. Raw includes flours, grains and other items that are intended to be cooked. Herbs, spices and teas will be Phase 2 - date TBD.

Maintaining a clean, orderly and socially distanced bulk aisle is important. BYO Containers are discouraged. Gloves are available for use. Customers that are uncomfortable returning to bulk bins do have access to branded prepackaged options.

Thank you, owners and shoppers!

It has been a challenging year for our world and for our co-op. We know that it is our job to carefully balance the safety of our shoppers and the sales of our store. Thank you for your support of our community-owned grocery store.

Questions? Contact us at ownerservices@themerc.coop.