Agent Shopping Service: LRAFB Commissary offers other venues amid outbreak

  • Published
  • By SSgt Jeremy McGuffin
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

In recognition of the challenges associated with mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and maintaining social distancing, Little Rock AFB is deploying a volunteer-based Agent Shopping Program at the Commissary to assist authorized patrons, beginning April 22, 2020.

This service will be available here at Little Rock AFB from 7-11 a.m., Wednesday through Friday, and will be offered through authorities delegated to installation commanders while DOD is in Health Protection Condition Charlie or Delta.

“We’re excited to have the opportunity to work with DeCA, to make this courtesy service available for Team Little Rock,” said Col. Derrick Floyd, 19th Mission Support Group commander. “Single parents, spouses of deployed members and parents who have suddenly become home school teachers that may be unable to leave children at home may greatly benefit from the service.”

This courtesy program will give priority consideration during the COVID-19 pandemic to the following:

  • Members unable to shop for themselves (illness/injury, limited mobility, etc)
  • Single parents, parents who’s spouse is deployed or working and spouse is unable to leave children home while shopping

These customers will be able to email in their orders and the volunteer group will assign each customer to a volunteer shopper. That volunteer will shop and fulfill the order, calling the customer if substitutions or clarification is needed, and then arrange for pickup of purchases.

Additional instructions regarding this program:

                                Note: Orders should not be considered confirmed, until contacted by a volunteer

  • Customer’s name, address and phone number will be REQUIRED for all orders
  • Volunteer will shop and fill order (may call if substitutions or clarification needed)
  • Only credit card payments accepted (DeCA employee will complete payment process)
  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children purchases are not authorized while using this service
  • Cigarette purchases are not authorized while using this service
  • Volunteer will take groceries out to car for pickup (government ID REQUIRED for grocery release)

    Note: Volunteers will not accept tips for this courtesy support

“We know Airmen and their families are adjusting to the new normal in combatting the spread of COVID-19,” Floyd said. “Innovation and creative solutions to challenges are often born in crisis, this situation isn’t any different. I’m glad we are able to offer a service that may take a little stress and strain from Airmen and their families.”