Blog

Dear Open Harvest Community,

Thank you so much for your continued support and gratitude as we work hard to remain open and provide consistent food access for our community during this time of crisis.

I wanted to update you all on a few things as we head into the weekend:

PAYCHECK PROTECTION PLAN LOAN
I’m happy to share that late last week that Open Harvest was approved for a Small Business Administration (SBA) guaranteed Payroll Protection Program loan through Union Bank & Trust, as part of the CARES 2020 Act. This forgivable loan is designed to help businesses retain staff by covering up to 8 weeks of payroll.

While our sales continue to sufficiently support our current staffing needs and additional bonus pay, this cushion will relieve pressure that we typically experience when balancing labor costs against sales. It will be especially important as we manage the next possible phase of operating with a skeleton crew due to COVID-19 illness among staff members.

TEMPORARY STORE HOURS
New store hours are effective starting this Sunday, April 19^th. Our store will be open to the public from 12 pm – 7 pm with special shopping hours daily for high risk customers from 11 am – 12 pm.

This is a necessary measure to protect the health of our staff. We need the proper space and distancing from all cooperators as we work quickly and efficiently as possible to stock shelves, sanitize the store, and pick orders for our curbside service. It won’t be forever, we promise!

CURBSIDE PICKUP TIPS
We have officially hit our curbside pickup groove! Not only that but we have been showered with tips and pastries from grateful customers. Although we do not expect it, we are very appreciative of the generosity and I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know where this money is going.

For many years Open Harvest staff have voluntarily contributed to a Harvaid Fund, which is a pool of money that any staff member may apply for to cover costs related to emergency financial situations. The funds are managed and distributed by a staff committee. All of our tips are being deposited into this fund on a weekly basis and will be used to support staff who are financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Starting May 1^st – May 16^th all customers will be able to round-up at the register for our staff Harvaid Fund.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU
Cooperators are flexible. They are strong. They are resilient. I’m so proud of how my staff adjusts to daily change and pivots quickly to start planning for the next scenario we may face – it’s astounding to see. Your co-op is in good hands.

I know we can get through this together and I ask for the support of the entire cooperative community. Please choose to do your grocery shopping with Open Harvest; wash your hands and stay home if you are sick; Be kind and patient with each other; and most importantly, please thank our staff when you see them (or use this form).

Thank you for all the support and kindness so far – the FB messages, texts, e-mails, and words are one of the many silver linings of this crisis.

I will continue to be in touch. And meanwhile, please stay up to date on our website by reading previous safety updates or sign-up for our e-newsletter.

You can also find up-to-date information on our social media pages: Facebook and Instagram.

In cooperation,
Amy Tabor
General Manager