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SpartanNash launches free coronavirus tests

CDC-based testing program offered via Family Fare, D&W drive-thru pharmacies

Russell Redman

August 3, 2020

3 Min Read
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The Family Fare supermarket in Allendale is one of five Michigan stores where SpartanNash is providing no-charge COVID-19 testing.SpartanNash

SpartanNash today began offering free COVID-19 testing at five of its corporate-owned supermarkets in western Michigan.

The self-administered coronavirus tests are available by appointment via the drive-thru pharmacies at Family Fare stores in Allendale, Byron Center, Wyoming and Holland and at the D&W Fresh Market store (Apple Orchard Avenue) in Grand Rapids.

Pharmacists guide customers through the self-administered nasal swab, and results are provided within three to five days, SpartanNash said. The company noted that it has partnered with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on the coronavirus testing program, which is administered according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

“Our pharmacies continue to adapt to best respond to our customers’ needs during these uncertain times,” Lori Raya, executive vice president and chief merchandising and marketing officer at SpartanNash, said in a statement. “We are proud to offer this additional service to our customers and communities free of charge, because we know how important testing is to our collective efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.”

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SpartanNash recently augmented COVID-19 safeguards in its pharmacies, including plexiglass shields at the Rx counter and added protections when administering vaccines.

COVID-19 testing is available for symptomatic and asymptomatic people, in accordance with state and local plans for public health monitoring, SpartanNash said. Customers and employees interested in getting tested first complete a short survey and then schedule their appointment date and time. Family Fare and D&W customers can schedule a test at shopfamilyfare.com/covid-19-testing or shopdwfreshmarket.com/covid-19-testing.

Related:Giant, SpartanNash boost COVID-19 safety for pharmacy immunizations

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our company has maintained two top priorities: the well-being and safety of our family of associates, customers and communities and supporting health officials and government leaders to contain the virus,” commented Tom Swanson, executive vice president and general manager of corporate retail for SpartanNash. “By offering free COVID-19 testing, we are reinforcing our commitment to keeping our associates’ and customers’ health at the forefront of all our efforts.”

In June, SpartanNash bolstered coronavirus protection practices at all of its company-owned pharmacies so pharmacists could administer CDC-recommended vaccines more safely. Patients requesting vaccinations now must complete a COVID-19 screening questionnaire and immunization screening form. The pharmacist then administers a contact-free temperature reading, and both the pharmacist and the customer must wear a medical-grade face mask, which will be provided by SpartanNash. Pharmacists also must wear gloves and a face shield, and the vaccination area is cleaned in between each customer’s immunization.

Related:SpartanNash doubles down on Double Up Food Bucks

Other measures taken at all pharmacies since the coronavirus outbreak include free same-day prescription delivery plus reserved pharmacy hours for older adults, pregnant women and immunocompromised customers.

SpartanNash has 88 company-owned pharmacies at Family Fare, D&W, Martin’s Super Markets, VG’s Grocery, Family Fresh Market, Forest Hills Foods and Econofoods stores in Michigan, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The grocery wholesaler and retailer operates 155 supermarkets overall.

For our most up-to-date coverage, visit the coronavirus homepage.

About the Author

Russell Redman

Senior Editor
Supermarket News

Russell Redman has served as senior editor at Supermarket News since April 2018, his second tour with the publication. In his current role, he handles daily news coverage for the SN website and contributes news and features for the print magazine, as well as participates in special projects, podcasts and webinars and attends industry events. Russ joined SN from Racher Press Inc.’s Chain Drug Review and Mass Market Retailers magazines, where he served as desk/online editor for more than nine years, covering the food/drug/mass retail sector. 

Russell Redman’s more than 30 years of experience in journalism span a range of editorial manager, editor, reporter/writer and digital roles at a variety of publications and websites covering a breadth of industries, including retailing, pharmacy/health care, IT, digital home, financial technology, financial services, real estate/commercial property, pro audio/video and film. He started his career in 1989 as a local news reporter and editor, covering community news and politics in Long Island, N.Y. His background also includes an earlier stint at Supermarket News as center store editor and then financial editor in the mid-1990s. Russ holds a B.A. in journalism (minor in political science) from Hofstra University, where he also earned a certificate in digital/social media marketing in November 2016.

Russell Redman’s experience:

Supermarket News - Informa
Senior Editor 
April 2018 - present

Chain Drug Review/Mass Market Retailers - Racher Press
Desk/Online Editor 
Sept. 2008 - March 2018

CRN magazine - CMP Media
Managing Editor
May 2000 - June 2007

Bank Systems & Technology - Miller Freeman
Executive Editor/Managing Editor
Dec. 1996 - May 2000

Supermarket News - Fairchild Publications
Financial Editor/Associate Editor
April 1995 - Dec. 1996 

Shopping Centers Today Magazine - ICSC 
Desk Editor/Assistant Editor
Dec. 1992 - April 1995

Testa Communications
Assistant Editor/Contributing Editor (Music & Sound Retailer, Post, Producer, Sound & Communications and DJ Times magazines)
Jan. 1991 - Dec. 1992 

American Banker/Bond Buyer
Copy Editor
Oct. 1990 - Jan. 1991 

This Week newspaper - Chanry Communications
Reporter/Editor
May 1989 - July 1990

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