×

Now known as essential, grocery worker says she’s just doing her job

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Kathleen Dant organizes shopping carts at Neiman’s Family Market in Alpena recently.

ALPENA — For years, grocery store employees were perhaps overlooked for their importance to society and taken for granted for their role in helping ensure food and other products are readily available.

They are not overlooked anymore, as they have become critical pieces in the supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kathleen Dant is the produce manager at Neiman’s Family Market in Alpena and spends much of her time at work making sure there is ample supply of products and customers are cared for.

Dant is 31 years old and has worked at the store since she was in high school. She is married to Trey Dant, and they have two sons at home during Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order meant to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Dant said she loves her job because it is very active and it has allowed her to make many friends.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Kathleen Dant organizes produce at Neiman’s Family Market in Alpena recently.

“You really get to know the regular customers, and we become a part of their lives and they become a part of ours,” she said. “It is really unique that we are able to become a part of somebody’s life that you probably never would have met outside the store.”

She is a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and enjoys camping, going to water parks, and doing things with her family. She said she also coaches soccer and is a Boy Scouts den leader.

Grocery store employees have received acclaim, respect, and thanks on social media for their importance since the pandemic began. Dant said it feels nice to be noticed and appreciated, but it isn’t going to change who she is or how she conducts her business.

“It’s kind of surreal, but, at the end of the day, it doesn’t change your job any,” she said. “But I have noticed how people see us, and that is a little different. I haven’t really thought that much about how people see me. I just come to work and do my job. I think that is what we all do.”

Dant said she is friends with many of the other employees and, under normal circumstances, they like to hang out and do things together. She said they are unable to do so now, and that is hard, but plans are being made for when they are able to socialize together again.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz In an office at Neiman’s Family Market recently, Kathleen Dant looks at a sign warning employees to be aware of whether they have symptoms of COVID-19.

For now, she said, they stay in touch via the internet while at home, and help each other through the coronavirus ordeal.

“We were a very close-knit company before all of this and are like family,” she said. “We each know we have someone who is feeling the same exact way as you are and can relate. It allows us to vent to each other or get ideas on how they are coping with all this.”

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.com.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today