Dos and Don’ts While Social Distancing: At the Grocery Store

Self-distancing applies to everyone, and that includes fellow shoppers as well as store employees. Give your neighbors space while they select their items, and when asking a store employee for help, make sure to stand 6 to 10 feet from them. As essential employees, they interact with many more people during their day, and it will show you're making an effort to help keep them healthy. A safe American is an American that honors a safe distance.

Cabin fever might be setting in, but trips to the store should be done only when necessary and for essential items. Don't head out to aimlessly walk down aisles as a way to change your environment. If you need to shop, make a list of the items you need, stick to it, and make your trip as short as possible. If you're looking for ways to get out of the house, remember that we are welcome to take walks and drives. Get out of the house, but don't use stores as your destination unless you have a reason. A smart American knows the difference between essential shopping and window shopping.

Many Americans have gotten in the habit of stopping at the grocery store several times a week. Whether it's to grab that one ingredient to complete that evening's meal, or just to have enough to get through the weekend, most Americans don't even have a second thought about running in to the store for a few things. However, when Social Distancing, it's important to make one trip to grocery store a week. Think about the meals you want to make during the week, check your cupboards for items you already have in stock, and then make a list of items you need. For more ease, organize the list in order of the aisles your items can be found in so you can be in and out quickly. A wise American will plan ahead!

In an effort to keep shelves stocked for you and your neighbors, don't be surprised if you see a limit on how much of one item you can purchase per visit. It's not only important that stores have enough of the essentials for all shoppers, it's important to stop opportunists from exploiting people during this time, like this jerk store, who bought up 17,000 bottles of hand sanitizer with the intention to sell them at a high price. Sounds pretty un-American to me.

Tensions can be high amid Social Distancing, but that shouldn't stop you from being aware of your surroundings and having patience. There may be long lines. The item you intended to purchase may be out of stock. This is no fault of the employees. Remember they are doing their best to keep things moving and to keep their shelves full. Be polite. And remember, "Please" and "Thank you" can go a long way. A successful Self Distancing American remembers their manners.

For some Americans, shopping alone might not be an option, but during this time of Social Distancing, it's more important than ever to keep the number of people within a store to a minimum. Conscientious Americans know that numbers add up.

If you have an independent grocer, food co-op, butcher, baker, or candlestick maker in your neighborhood, it's important to remember to shop with them as much as possible. After all, we want to make sure they can bounce back when we're in the clear, and helping our neighbors is the American way.

If you are feeling under the weather, it's best to stay home. If you need groceries and other supplies, ask a neighbor to fetch them for you, or, if that's not an option, many store will deliver to your door when you shop online. It's better to be safe than sorry, and an American that keeps in mind the health of other Americans is a true American.