The rain, the price of grapes, the Breaking News of the hour. They’re just fleeting conversations at the grocery till, but they matter. For some – the widowed regular, the homesick sophomore – a familiar, friendly grocery clerk might offer the only meaningful social contact of the day.

Now, in the crush of a month, these grocery and pharmacy workers are at the frontline of a battle they did not sign up to fight. Stressed-out customers are coming at them about empty shelves, unclear bagging policies, or other customers who won’t keep their distance.

Here’s to respect, kindness, and coming together as a community through these anxious times. And deepest thanks to the grocery, pharmacy, and other essential workers who must venture out of their homes to serve us.

Vancouver Planning Department. East Hotel at 445 Gore Avenue. 1972

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Marina Grocery at 7007 Main. Vancouver Planning Department. 1979

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Vancouver Planning Department. Maclean Drive. Between 1960-80

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Vancouver Planning Department. A& B Grocery and Produce at 1902 Victoria Drive. 1960-80

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Vancouver Planning Department. Little Cottage Confectionery and Grocery at 901 East 11th Avenue. 1960-80

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Paul Yee. Chinese businesses on Gore Avenue. 2002

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Paul Yee. Chinese Produce Store on Victoria near East 41st Avenue. 2002

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Vancouver Planning Committee. View of the 2000 block 41st Ave W. 1960s

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