Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, Brookshire Grocery Co. (BGC) has given more than $17.5 million to its over 15,000 employee-partners which includes a second round of gift cards delivered to all active employees. Full-time employees are receiving a $200 BGC gift card and part-time employees are receiving a $100 BGC gift card totaling $1.9 million.

Del Monte Fresh Produce launched its new ‘Can Do Done Daily’ campaign, which aims to highlight its dedicated workforce, who have been going above and beyond during these trying times. The new campaign, which features stories from Del Monte Fresh Produce employees in all sectors, from warehouse operations to merchandising and more, showcases the exemplary work Del Monte Fresh Produce’s staff has remained committed to executing throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, despite the challenges they have faced.

In recognition and gratitude of their service during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Brookshire Grocery Co. (BGC) is giving their more than 15,000 active employee-partners a gift card to help them get what they need for their family this holiday week. Full-time employees are receiving a $100 BGC gift card and part-time employees are receiving a $50 BGC gift card totaling $1.3 million given.

Following nearly two dozen positive diagnoses of COVID-19 at a Ralphs in Hollywood and several protests, grocery workers represented by the UFCW Local 770 learned Monday that Kroger, which owns Ralphs and Food 4 Less, has agreed to provide free, voluntary COVID-19 testing to all members at its flagship Hollywood store. 

As the Trump administration considers the evolution of Coronavirus Task Force and states move to reopen, the Consumer Brands Association called on federal leaders to improve interagency coordination and deliver clearer, integrated federal guidance.  Urging stronger interagency cooperation, Consumer Brands called for immediate coordination between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to address public health and worker safety questions, ensure supply chain reliability and respond to operational demands.

Smithfield Foods will resume pork processing operations in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, after being shut down since April 12. Smithfield receiving positive confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that the company is in full compliance with all CDC and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidance. 

Tyson Fresh Meats, the beef and pork subsidiary of Tyson Foods, announced it will resume limited production at its Waterloo, Iowa, facility on Thursday, May 7. Team members have been invited to tour the facility Wednesday to view the enhanced safety precautions and protective social distancing measures installed throughout the plant.

To date, three plants have experienced at least one confirmed positive COVID-19 case among their teams. At each of the affected plants, George's immediately implemented COVID-19 response plan actions, making sure that all health, safety, and sanitation measures were implemented, including deep cleaning procedures and notification of any coworkers who had possible close contact with these individuals. The approach, and the practices  adopted, follow the guidance issued by the CDC and utilize the hierarchy of controls.

Smithfield Foods expressed its support for the activation of the Defense Production Act which safeguards the country’s food supply that provides sustenance to hundreds of millions of Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also protects the livelihoods of millions of American family farmers who produce bountiful livestock supplies but rely on meat processing facilities to convert that abundance into food. Grocers and restaurants are dependent on farmers, processors and distributors to supply protein to the country. This action helps ensure the American people will not experience protein shortages.

Brookshire Grocery (BGC) is giving its nearly 14,000 retail employees an additional bonus installment that equals up to a half-week’s pay. This second discretionary bonus complements the first bonus given in March for a total of one-week’s pay, and comes after a temporary pay increase of $1 per hour through May 1, 2020. The company also provided its staff with a supply of face masks to wear while working.