The Daily Co-Op, located on 523 Prince Ave., in Athens, Georgia is still open amid the coronavirus pandemic. Although the store is only operating through curbside service and delivery, their values have not changed during this time of uncertainty: self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity.

The Daily Co-Op’s adjusted hours are Sunday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. During operating hours, curbside service is available with their full inventory. With limited inventory, customers can order from the Co-Op through Cosmic Delivery during their operating hours. Both curbside and delivery methods can be ordered through On the Daily Co-Op website, you can order food for curbside pickup or delivery. 

Kara Brown, the general manager of the Daily Co-Op, said they are reserving phone orders for those with limited or no internet access. 

Brown, 40, moved to Athens a year and eight months ago to become the general manager of the co-op. As the pandemic continues to unfold, Brown said she will lead the co-op in a creative and adaptable direction. 

“We are lucky enough to be an essential business that can stay open,” said Brown over email. “We want to be able to offer safety & security to our staff, while also staying in business and continuing to build our customer base.”

In an April newsletter, Brown said within the month of March, they went from their busiest to getting progressively busier when the public health crisis began. As the business had to make necessary adjustments, per the April newsletter, their sales have dropped significantly. 

“We are also selling different kinds of items than before: people shop differently than when they are in the store and have time to browse,” said Brown. “So we are having to adapt our purchasing and inventory.”

Amid their changes, the Daily Co-Op is still providing a 10% discount for healthcare and service industry workers. Every Wednesday, they are still offering a general 10% discount of their wellness section. EBT recipients still receive their food for the full discount, per the April Newsletter. 

Brown said that local produce and local products available at the store have barely been affected.

“Crises like this really show how important and resilient local food systems are,” said Brown.

Landon Bubb, a Buvez staffer, posted on Instagram on April 2, that he “ordered contactless groceries for 10% off from @dailycoop for being out of work in the service industry” and was “grateful for Kara and the team at daily for doing everything they can to protect the staff and nourish the community.” 

Will Hodges, the president of the Daily Co-Op Board, said via the community can help by supporting local businesses as much as possible. Hodges said the Board’s job is to look forward and with all the uncertainty, there is no playbook for what is currently going on. 

“As for the co-op, I think it will be stronger when all this is over because our members and shoppers will see what an important part of their lives the Daily is,” said Hodges. 

Lillie Beck is a junior majoring in journalism in the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia.