Given that a proportion of the 350 mass shootings in 2022 have involved supermarkets, the Food Industry Association Foundation (FIA) is cooperating with the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to evaluate countermeasures. The Foundation will also provide a guide for members to provide emotional assistance to supermarket workers that have been impacted.  David Fikes, Executive Director of the Foundation noted, “Retailers want the shopping environment to feel safe, secure and inviting so they have to consider the pros and cons to every approach, striking a balance between safety and the adverse effects of raising alarms and increasing anxiety.”

Supermarkets are working more closely with local police by hiring off-duty officers and have improved security and lighting in parking lots.  Fikes noted that supermarkets in many communities are gathering places and are integral to the life of a neighborhood.