© 2026 ABC News

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The last photo Reid has on his phone from before his world changed because of the pandemic is a picture of him giving an impassioned speech at a union rally during contract negotiations.

\"Jeff
Courtesy UFCW Local 400
Jeff Reid says his "last photo" was this one showing him speaking at a rally.
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As the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted some supply chains vital to grocery stores, Reid has found himself working tirelessly to keep products on the shelves as customers stock up. Reid said that, as a grocery store worker, he's worked through \"snow scares\" that usually last a couple days -- people rushing out to stockpile essentials in anticipation of a blizzard. Now, that rush has become the daily norm.

\"Just the volume of business, and just trying to get used to seeing the shelves empty ... that's really taken some getting used to,\" he said.

Reid has also found it difficult to be away from his family. His 30-year-old daughter and two grandchildren live nearby in Baltimore, but he's apprehensive about seeing them due to the fact that he comes into contact with so many people on a daily basis.

\"Right now, I haven't really been interacting with them ... but, you know, that's my family,\" Reid said. \"That's who I live for.\"

Despite the store limiting occupancy and taking social distancing measures, Reid said he and his coworkers still have a sense of fear. One of Reid's coworkers has been with the company for 40 years and has high blood pressure and a heart condition, but hasn't retired because he relies on company health insurance. That coworker is now concerned about whether he's jeopardizing his health by coming to work.

\"I had a coworker ask me today, 'OK are we essential or are we sacrificial?'\" Reid said.

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Giant Food is giving employees a temporary 10% hazard pay increase. UFCW Local 400 is fighting for further protections for grocery workers, like giving them first responder status so they have better access to PPE and testing.

Despite the challenges at work, Reid enjoys how the grocery store allows him to be part of the local community, where he knows many customers. He likes to feel appreciated by them for his hard work.

\"That's what keeps me going and it keeps me motivated -- the fact that I'm able to put a smile on somebody's face ... during all this pandemonium and chaos,\" Reid said. \"Let me be the rainbow in your day.\"

ABC News' Keturah Gray contributed to this report

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