SpartanNash launches free coronavirus tests

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.”

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.

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“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.

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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.

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