Despite the effective shutdown of the foodservice sector, we have to continue feeding America. The partnerships and cooperation across our industry to achieve that goal are inspiring. Here are a few of the steps our association and our food partners have taken to keep our supply chain open.

La Brea Bakery wants to assure consumers that their bakeries are up and running at full capacity and delivering to grocery stores nationwide, giving everyone access to bread that can be eaten that day, or stored in the freezer to be enjoyed at a later date.

Southeastern Grocers, Inc. (SEG), parent company and home of BI-LO, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, announced that it has proactively implemented additional safety measures by beginning the installation of protective Plexiglas partitions in all stores. The grocer will also enforce additional social distancing protocols and adhere to stricter store occupancy regulations to further safeguard customers and associates from the spread of COVID-19 in the communities it serves.

As we collectively find ourselves in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we at M&M Systems, Carnot Refrigeration, and M&M Refrigeration wanted to inform you that we have been designated as Essential Businesses and will remain open to supply our customers in the food & agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and data management industries, among others.

MH Equipment is classified as an Essential Business, as defined by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), an agency in the Department of Homeland Security, and further state all of our facilities are open and ready to support our customers in the critical supply chain network.

Tyson Foods is committing $13 million to support critical needs in local communities where the company operates in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the company announced today. This investment includes $2 million in community grants and more than $11 million worth of products donated by the company since March 11.

Under the guidance of the U.S. Homeland Security and the Illinois Executive Order, Colborne Foodbotics and Yeaman Machine Technology are considered an essential services. We will remain open to continue to support and supply services and equipment necessary for our customers to remain operational.

The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) has partnered with the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), which launched an online portal to assist hundreds of distillers who are producing hand sanitizer to help solve the national shortage created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Government officials have repeatedly stated that the food industry is a critical infrastructure industry and that bans and travel curfews should not apply to the food industry. Further, they are working to convey and increase their messaging this important message to state and local governments.  In response to recent discussions with members, we have prepared a letter that you may share with your employees, providing legal justification for business travel as professionals in an industry that the government has deemed critical to this country.

I want to focus on the emergency relief package that is progressing toward final agreement in Washington, DC. While not a done deal until final passage by the House and Senate with the President’s signature, the basic agreement reached is essential to shoring up companies throughout our supply chain that have been hit the hardest by the shutdown of the out-of-home foodservice channel. That includes growers, shippers and distributors alike.