keep up with the extra volume, which
caused shortages and out-of-stocks
everywhere,” Hast said.
“We are still experiencing shortages
on several items — mostly paper,
cleaning and sanitizing products —
and our buyers have been working
hard to find other suppliers,” he said.
The COVID-19 pandemic also has
prompted the local County Market
stores to adopt new protocols at their
locations for the safety of the employees
and customers.
“We are spending a lot of time
cleaning and sanitizing the store,” Hast
said. “All associates are required to
wear a protective mask and have their
temperature checked twice daily.
“We installed the Plexiglas sneeze
guards at all of the checkout lanes and
service counters, and we are practicing
social distancing,” he added.
Not only has the pandemic affected
Hast’s livelihood, but also his personal
life and how he interacts with family
members.
“We have done a lot more FaceTime
and Zoom with the family,” he said.
Hast, however, said he isn’t letting
the pandemic get him down.
“I just try to keep busy, stay positive,
and I don’t spend too much time
watching the news channels,” he said.
In addition, Hast said he maintains
a daily mindset of “we will get through
this.”
Although it’s been an unprecedented
time for the grocery store industry,
Hast said what he will remember most
about this time is the effect the pandemic
has had on everyday life.
“I’ll remember not to take things
for granted,” he said.
“Everyone was exhausted trying to keep the shelves
stocked and the store clean,” Hast said. “We hired
temp workers, and many of our associates worked
overtime and postponed vacations to help take care
of the extra business.”
ILLIANA LIFESTYLES OUR COMMUNITY — SUMMER 2020 2016 37