During the global COVID-19 pandemic, front-line workers at Niagara-on-the-Lake’s grocery stores have gone above and beyond to create a safe, friendly environment for locals to shop.

Harvest Barn, and both Phil’s and Hendriks Valu-marts, have been nominated by residents as pandemic heroes.

Tony Hendriks, owner of the Valu-mart in Old Town, said it’s really all about the staff, who continue to work hard daily to help the community.

“Every day they come in, they put aside their fears and concerns and they show up to work to serve our community,” Hendriks said.

He said he’s extremely grateful to work alongside his team, who have adapted and rolled with the many punches the pandemic has thrown at them, including distancing measures, mask wearing, plexiglas, sanitizing and the risks of catching COVID-19.

“They have been so steadfast and reliable, and I can’t run the show without them,” he said.

“Having good people, great people that are dedicated, hard-working, especially in a pandemic and all these challenging situations we’ve had, we’re even more thankful for that.”

He said it’s important to acknowledge all of the food essential workers in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

“Big or small, we all are in this kind of essential core business together.”