Shop Smart

Click below to listen to NCRMA’s PSA on how you can Shop Smart…

Stay home if you are sick.

Avoid shopping if you are sick or have symptoms of COVID-19, which include a fever, cough, or shortness of breath.

Order online or use curbside pickup.

Order food and other items online for home delivery or curbside pickup (if possible).
Only visit the grocery store, or other stores selling household essentials, in person when you absolutely need to. This will limit your potential exposure to others and the virus that causes COVID-19.

Protect yourself while shopping.

Go to the store with as few people as possible and plan ahead so you can get in and out as quickly as possible
Stay at least 6 feet away from others while shopping and in lines.
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering when you have to go out in public.
When you do have to visit in person, go during hours when fewer people will be there (for example, early morning or late night but be respectful of special shopping hours for elderly and other high risk customers).
If you are at higher risk for severe illness, find out if the store has special hours for people at higher risk. If they do, try to shop during those hours. People at higher risk for severe illness include adults 65 or older and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions.
Disinfect the shopping cart, use disinfecting wipes if available.
Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
If possible, use touchless payment (pay without touching money, a card, or a keypad). If you must handle money, a card, or use a keypad, use hand sanitizer right after paying.
Use self-checkout if possible

Be respectful

Only buy what you need for the week so there will be enough for everyone
Don’t shop during special hours if you aren’t at risk
Be patient. Store employees are doing all they can to keep the store clean, the shelves stocked and you safe.

Use hand sanitizer when you leave the store.

Wash your hands when you get home.

After leaving the store, use hand sanitizer. When you get home, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
At home, follow food safety guidelines. There is no evidence that food or food packaging has been linked to getting sick from COVID-19.