These grocers are giving healthcare workers front-of-the-line access

Following the likes of Costco and Longo’s, Loblaw is now giving priority access to healthcare workers at most of its grocery stores and Shoppers Drug Mart locations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Costco announced it was giving front-of-the-line access to healthcare workers and first responders starting April 9, while Longo’s made a similar announcement April 15. By presenting their healthcare ID, front-line workers will get priority access to participating stores.

READ: How Canadian grocery is dealing with COVID-19

“To show our appreciation for healthcare workers and first responders, Longo’s is providing priority access for these Guests during the COVID-19 pandemic starting April 16th,” said the company on its Facebook page. “Thank you for all your hard work.”

Loblaw chair Galen Weston announced the move Monday in one of his regular updates about the company’s response to the health crisis.

The move is similar to the special access most grocers have given to seniors since the early days of the pandemic. Both Metro and Sobeys did not immediately respond to requests for comment about if they have, or plan to give, the same access to healthcare workers.

COVID-19: Grocers introduce seniors-only shopping hours

The new access for those working in healthcare came from customer feedback and suggestions, said Weston.

“We owe it to all Canadians to make things better, not harder. But that is especially true of our healthcare workers who are under incredible strain,” said Weston. “They spend long and stressful shifts supporting directly impacted individuals, and often don’t know when exactly they will be working from week to week. This uncertainty makes shopping for their own essentials very hard.”