You see it everywhere—on commercials, store signs, and all over social media: grocery workers are the unsung heroes of the COVID-19 crisis. But do they feel like heroes?

Today we continue our “on the frontlines” series by talking to essential grocery workers about their working conditions and experiences serving a vital role to the public during stay-at-home orders.

For the first segment, we hear from Paige, Holly, and Demi from Willy Street Co-op about store safety and hazard pay; the “new normal” of hand sanitizer and face masks; the shifts in customers’ shopping behavior; and helping shoppers, friends, and family members navigate the emerging social norms of the pandemic.

Then, we’re joined by Wali, a manager at HyVee, and Tom, who works at a large local grocery store, to discuss their experiences working during the crisis and what the future may hold.

Cover photo by Makenna Entrikin on Unsplash