* This is a living document that will be updated on a regular basis until it is no longer needed. For the most up-to-date information and resources, please visit the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) coronavirus update page.
March 20
Now hiring! Grocers Looking For Workers To Meet Demand Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
If you need a job or to supplement your income, there are plenty of opportunities right now in the food industry.
The coronavirus pandemic has caused an unprecedented demand for food and supplies and grocery stores are hiring to meet that demand.
Below are links to opportunities at various member companies:
March 19
Gov. Wolf Closes All Non-Life-Sustaining Businesses To Slow COVID-19 Spread
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has ordered that all non-life-sustaining businesses in the Commonwealth to close physical locations as of 8 p.m. today to slow the spread of (Coronavirus) COVID-19.
Enforcement actions against businesses that do not close physical locations will begin at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, March 21.
Grocery stores and gas stations/convenience stores can remain open.
COVID-19: Low Interest Loans/ SBA For Small Businesses and Non-Profits
Governor Tom Wolf today announced the availability of low-interest loans for small businesses and eligible non-profits in all 67 counties in Pennsylvania through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
“We are incredibly grateful that the SBA recognized the urgency of this situation and granted our request so quickly,” said Gov. Wolf. “I encourage our businesses and non-profits to look at the SBA resources available to them and take advantage of this opportunity for financial assistance during this time of uncertainty.
“Thank you also to members of our congressional delegation, including Representatives Glenn Thompson, Chrissy Houlahan, and John Joyce for their assistance in expediting our request.”
SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact.
The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.
SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.
Businesses may obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), or by e-mailing [email protected].
Loan applications can also be downloaded at www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Completed applications should be returned to the local DLOC or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
The deadline to return economic injury disaster loan applications is Dec. 21, 2020.