Wegmans Food Markets reported at 8 a.m. that they were able to open all 81 of the company’s stores in the six states where they do business, all of which were affected to some degree by Hurricane Sandy. Wegmans’ stores are located in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts.

“We recognize that we provide an essential service, and not just food, but prescription and over–the-counter drugs. Most of our stores have not been affected by power outages, but several were. We have been planning for days by testing our generators, bringing in additional generators where necessary, and securing an adequate fuel supply,” says Jo Natale, Wegmans director of media relations.

Wegmans’ newest stores have pad-mounted generators that are able to keep stores operational and maintain refrigeration temperatures to keep food safe. The company also deployed its truck-mounted generators, and leased additional generators. “Many of the generators have yet to be used, but we needed to be ready not only in our stores, but in our distribution facilities and bakeshop.”

Natale added, “In terms of products, our merchants have worked closely with suppliers so that we could have a steady supply of the most in-demand products, like water, milk, eggs, bread, batteries and other essentials.”

Some deliveries to Wegmans’ stores in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, and Maryland were delayed because of road closures. “We hope to resume a full schedule of deliveries as soon as it’s safe for our drivers to move.”

In areas most seriously affected by the storm (New Jersey and Pennsylvania, in particular) for the safety of its employees, Wegmans closed stores early Monday evening, but reopened this morning.

Wegmans will now work with its stores to assess community needs to see how they can help.