As the Wawa convenience-store chain began to consider reopening its self-service food and coffee offers two months into the pandemic, it approached the effort with the detail and precision of a military operation. It launched the Wawa Clean Force, “a dedicated and trained sanitizing SWAT team working at each store every day with one job: keeping stores clean, sanitized and safe.”
Wawa became a true student of food safety, making sure to practice all guidance from state and local health departments. The reopened coffee sections, for example, include tissue papers to cover pour handles and wrapped stirrers, as well as maintaining the option to have Wawa staff members pour and prepare beverages. As an added measure, the retailer is continuously reviewing feedback from customers to determine what’s working and what needs to be improved.
And that’s just the start. Wawa also donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to local food banks and nonprofits to relieve hunger, and the Wawa community care and store teams have provided more than $1 million in COVID-19 hunger relief, distributing food and meals to families, seniors and vulnerable individuals.
“We knew that we needed to do our part to fulfill the live of not only our associates, but particularly at this time, our customers and our communities.” —Jason Read, Director, Store Operations
Wawa representatives deliver fresh sandwiches and snacks to first responders at Mercy Catholic Medical Center in Delaware County, Pa.
Hometown Heroes - Wawa Tribute Video from Winsight, LLC on Vimeo.