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title: "IGA Alert: This Week's COVID-19 Policy Updates"
description: Policy and signage updates, a webinar to help you take SNAP online, and resources for preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the Retailing Marketplace.
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Policy updates, new signage, a webinar for SNAP online, & Retailing Marketplace resources for preventing the spread of COVID-19

| View in browser THIS WEEK'S COVID-19 RESOURCES  Masks Available—Order Deadline Today   If your wholesaler does not have a resource for surgical masks and you are in need, IGA Licensed Distribution Center UNFI is making an allotment of 3-ply surgical masks available to ALL IGA stores regardless of your normal distribution channels.    Place your order by end of day today, Wednesday, April 15th to receive by the first week of May. See details and download the order form here. Webinar: SNAP Online Update for Independent Grocers   Join NGA for an update on the SNAP Online program and hear from a retailer and provider who successfully launched the pilot. Register for the April 15th webinar here. Reusable Bag Signage   Many stores have been asking customers to leave their reusable shopping bags at home during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent cross-contamination. We have created a sign that you can download and print to post in your store that communicates the request and reasoning behind it. Staff Well-being Signage   Let your employees know you're here for them during this unprecedented time. Download this sign, customize it with your store's logo and your signature, and post it in your employee break room or send it home with employees. Shopper Appreciation Signage   There's never been a better time to let your Hometown Proud service shine. Show your shoppers you appreciate them choosing their local IGA with these tips. Download the sign and share with your employees for best customer service practices.       POLICY UPDATES  Retailer Requirements to Provide Online Purchasing to SNAP Households   NGA has shared guidance released on Monday by the USDA that explains the requirements retailers must meet to participate in SNAP Online.  FDA Best Practices for Managing Employees with COVID-19    If an employee is confirmed to have the COVID-19 virus, employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). See the best practices released by the FDA here.  Tax Relief for Essential Workers   NGA is urging Congress to recognize independent grocery employees by providing tax relief for their commitment to serving their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you would like to support this initiative, fill out the form in this link.       IGA RETAILING MARKETPLACE Marketplace Updated to Include COVID-19 Solutions   We have gathered a group of vendors and service providers who are aiding independent grocers during the COVID-19 pandemic. See below for businesses who can help you manage various parts of your operation, including cleaning services, anti-microbial products, and even reduced energy expenses. Are you hiring? Let Red Oval Partner AR Marketing create an online application for employment to reduce the number of people coming in and out of your stores.  Protect your personnel and customers from the spread of COVID-19 with antimicrobial technology in Artisan Power's batteries and accessories. Disinfect anything with Baker Cleaning Solutions' Victory patented electrostatic charge technology, which allows you to apply an even coating on all surfaces. CLEAN has gathered cleaning and safety products with strong supply chains and good pricing that can help retail operations during COVID-19, getting products to you quickly during the pandemic. Order IGA-designed virus prevention signage for employees and shoppers through Red Oval Partner DG Graphics. Even the energy market has been impacted by COVID-19, with prices in a free fall. Diversegy is providing busy IGA retailers with a dedicated energy advisor to help them take advantage of these pricing lows and save on operational expenses.  Keep your cashiers safe with check-out lane barriers designed by Red Oval Partner Innomark. Their design minimizes the micro droplet exchange between a shopper and your personnel. Steritech is offering disinfectant services to help grocery stores and foodservice operators maintain food safety and mitigate risk from COVID-19.       Visit www.IGAALERT.com regularly for live updates on COVID-19 and how it impacts independent retailers. In need of additional resources that aren't yet on IGA ALERT? Contact Ashley Page at apage@igainc.com.        Follow us on Social Media. IGA Inc., 8745 West Higgins Road, STE 350, Chicago, IL 60631, United States Unsubscribe Manage preferences |
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