2,000 jobs open up at Safeway, Andronico's, Vons due to coronavirus needs

Safeway announced it has 2,000 job openings at its store due to an increased demand for groceries. Safeway announced it has 2,000 job openings at its store due to an increased demand for groceries. Photo: Blair Heagerty / SFGate Photo: Blair Heagerty / SFGate Image 1 of / 17 Caption Close 2,000 jobs open up at Safeway, Andronico's, Vons due to coronavirus needs 1 / 17 Back to Gallery

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Safeway is responding to increased demand at its stores by hiring more in-store employees and delivery drivers at 280 stores in Northern California, Western Nevada and Hawaii.

In a news release, the company said: "There are more than 2,000 immediate openings at Safeway, Andronico’s, Vons, and Pak ‘N Save retail stores."

Even though the government hasn't advised people to stock up on food beyond what's needed for any emergency, grocery stores throughout the country are packed with anxious customers due to the novel coronavirus.

The government hasn't issued an order for the public to stockpile food beyond being prepared for any emergency including an earthquake. But some are still filling their garages with canned goods, and with everything from schools to restaurants closing, people are buying more groceries since they're cooking more at home.

Supermarkets and big-box stores were packed over the weekend, with lines out the door and shelves completely emptied in some cases. (See photos in the gallery above.)

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Amy Graff is a digital editor with SFGATE. Email her: agraff@sfgate.com.