Over the last week, Musgrave’s network of over 200 SuperValu, Centra and MACE stores across Northern Ireland and Musgrave MarketPlace branches in Belfast, Lurgan and Derry~Londonderry have experienced unprecedented surges in demand due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

As warehouse staff, delivery drivers and retail staff across Northern Ireland go above and beyond to keep shelves stocked with fresh food and essentials, a range of new social distancing measures are being implemented to safeguard customers and staff in SuperValu, Centra and MACE stores and Musgrave MarketPlace branches.

Michael McCormack, Managing Director of Musgrave in Northern Ireland explains: “Our customers will begin to notice a number of changes that we are introducing as part of our social distancing and preventative measures. We want to ensure that everyone is familiar with these changes and would ask that people have patience, as we all become accustomed to this new way of shopping – everything we are doing is for the health of our staff and customers.

 “When entering stores, customers will see reminders about social distancing at the entrance, along with hand sanitisers and we will have staff to manage the number of people going in-store. There will be limitations on the number of customers allowed in store at any one time, depending on the store size. We would ask people to bear with us and respect the directions given in-store.

“Once in-store, we would ask everyone to respect each other’s space and avoid contact with other customers by observing a social distance of two metres. At checkouts, customers may notice tape on the floor, or signs showing them how far to stay apart from each other in the queue. Where possible, we are asking customers to use contactless payments or mobile phone payments for larger purchases; and to observe any directions given in-store over the tannoy, or as directed by signage.”

Protective screens are being rolled out across the network this week.  Stores are also working hard to provide additional support to elderly and less able customers, who are being prioritised, as Michael explains:

“Many of our stores have tailored solutions in place that best suit their customers, whether it’s dedicated staff to help these groups with their shopping in-store, dedicated times allocated to them, or the ability to phone in their order in advance and simply collect it or have it delivered. We would ask people with any concerns to call ahead for guidance or check the store’s social media channels. We would remind the wider public to buy only what they need to make sure that others do not have to go without.”

Musgrave has also been working closely with the NI Executive as well as the retail and food industry bodies to ensure its stores can continue to meet the demand and ensure that families across Northern Ireland can put food on the table every day.

 Michael McCormack said: “I would like to publicly thank our team of retailers, staff in stores, drivers, warehouse staff and suppliers for what can only be described as their herculean efforts to ensure our shelves are replenished every day. At this time of crisis, our teams are going above and beyond and doing a fantastic job.”

SuperValu and Centra join forces with Action Cancer to deliver Health Action Schools Programme and increase awareness of healthy lifestyle choices.

Teachers can nominate schools taking part in the Health Action Programme to have a chance of winning £5,000 worth of sports equipment.

Leading convenience retailers SuperValu and Centra are calling for help to encourage local schools to avail of Action Cancer’s Health Action Programme and are offering a prize fund of £5,000 of sports equipment.  To be in with a chance of winning, teachers just need to nominate their school via entry forms available here https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/2020HealthActionAwards.

The judging panel, which features Cool FM DJ Pete Snodden, will meet in July with finalists then invited to an exciting awards ceremony in September at the home of Ulster Rugby, Kingspan Stadium.

The Health Action Programme is all about encouraging young people to make healthier lifestyle choices.   In operation since 2003 and having worked with nearly 500,000 pupils so far across Northern Ireland, the programme is open to primary and secondary schools and is delivered by a team of health promotion experts.

You can express your interest by visiting https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/2020HealthActionAwards, emailing schools@actioncancer.org or calling 028 9080 3370.

All nursery/primary/secondary schools who have had a Health Action Programme delivered since the start of September 2019 through to the end of June 2020 are eligible to apply.

Desi Derby Marketing Director of SuperValu and Centra NI said: “Encouraging a healthy lifestyle message among the younger generation is important and something we at SuperValu and Centra passionately support. We believe the work Action Cancer are doing in schools can reduce the risks of cancer in later life, so our focus is in raising as much money as possible across our store network and head office to enable Action Cancer to continue providing this fantastic service”.

Gareth Kirk, CEO of Action Cancer, said: “The schools Health Action Programme is an excellent initiative, empowering local children to make the right choices when it comes to their health and lifestyles. Last year, our team engaged with 14,000 children through the delivery of 530 sessions in schools across Northern Ireland.  We are delighted that SuperValu and Centra are offering this great prize and would encourage all schools to get involved.”

SuperValu and Centra have been partnering with Action Cancer since 2001 and last year reached a landmark fundraising achievement, raising £3 million – one of the largest amounts ever by a company for an individual charity in Northern Ireland.