Trader Joe’s workers staffed busy stores as shoppers bought staples before being asked to shelter in place. Now, many of those workers are still coming in to stock fruit, vegetables and Joe-Joe’s, and we couldn’t be more grateful for them. This bonus is so well-deserved!
See why Trader Joe’s is the best company to work for in America.
Why Is Trader Joe’s Giving Out Bonuses?
Instead of keeping the extra profit from the recent surge in grocery shopping, Trader Joe’s wants to recognize the employees who made it all possible. Each store’s bonus pool will be divided equally among employees based on their hours worked during the sales period.
We love this!
What Else Is Trader Joe’s Doing for Workers?
In an effort to help prevent the spread of illness, Trader Joe’s has made additional paid sick time available to all workers. They’re asking employees who have symptoms or do not feel well to stay home until they have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours. The store has also increased the frequency of store cleanings to protect the health of employees and shoppers.
Psst… Here’s what Trader Joe’s employees want you to know.
What Is Trader Joe’s Doing for Customers?
The store is limiting the number of customers allowed in the store to around 25 people at a time. They are also asking customers to only fill one cart per shopping trip and limit their purchases to a maximum of two of any item so there are enough groceries to go around.
You don’t have to overbuy to have enough. Here’s the best way to stock your pantry, according to a kitchen expert.
Recipes to Make with Your Pantry Staples
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Buffalo Chicken Sliders
I got the idea for these buffalo chicken sliders from my mom and dad, who'd made a similar version for a family get-together. It's a versatile recipe, and I sometimes use several different styles of buffalo sauce and let guests mix and match their favorites. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio
One Pot Mac and Cheese
Who likes cleaning up after making mac and cheese? Not this girl. This one-pot mac and cheese is a family favorite, and my 3-year-old is thrilled to see it coming to the dinner table. We love to add sliced smoked sausage to this creamy mac recipe! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Shrimp Pasta Alfredo
My son loves any recipe with Alfredo sauce. When he cooked as a bachelor, shrimp pasta was one of his first recipes. Now his children ask for it. Gail Lucas, Olive Branch, Mississippi
Easy Marinated Grilled Flank Steak
“Friends shared this three-ingredient marinade years ago, and it’s been a favorite since. Serve this steak with salad and grilled potatoes for a quick meal.” Beverly Dietz - Surprise, Arizona
Chicken with Rosemary Butter Sauce
This elegant rosemary chicken requires minimal effort but will win you major compliments. You'll love the mellow sauce! —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware
Breaded Pork Chops
These traditional pork chops have a wonderful home-cooked flavor like the ones Mom used to make. The breading makes them crispy outside and tender and juicy inside. Why not treat your family to some breaded pork chops tonight? —Deborah Amrine, Grand Haven, Michigan
Tasty Onion Chicken
The secret to this French onion chicken is the yummy, crunchy coating that keeps the meat juicy and tender. Round out your meal with green beans and buttermilk biscuits. —Jennifer Hoeft, Thorndale, Texas
Fast Baked Fish
We always have a good supply of fresh fish, so I make fish recipes often. This recipe is my favorite because it is moist, tender and flavorful. —Judie Anglen, Riverton, Wyoming
Taco Pizza Squares
Everyone will come running the minute you take this fun twist on pizza out of the oven. I top convenient refrigerated pizza dough with leftover taco meat, tomatoes and cheese, bringing a full-flavored fiesta to the table in under half an hour. —Sarah Vovos, Middleton, Wisconsin.
Fruited Pot Roast
This is a wonderful variation of classic pot roast. My family really enjoys it. The fruit is a nice change from the usual vegetables that normally accompany this dish.—Linda South, Pineville, North Carolina
Crispy Dill Tilapia
Every week I try to serve a new healthy fish. With its fresh dill and delicious panko bread crumb herb crust, this dish with mild tilapia is a winner. —Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama
Nutty Cheese Tortellini
I like to plant Italian flat-leaf parsley in a long terra-cotta planter so I always have some on hand. It adds bright, fresh flavor to this pasta dish. —Barbara Penatzer, Vestal, New York
Orange Pomegranate Salmon
A colorful, festive salmon dish makes an impressive addition to your holiday table—and it’s as delicious as it is beautiful. What no one will guess? How easy it is to cook. I serve this with roasted baby potatoes and asparagus for a show-stopping holiday meal. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Artichoke Chicken Pesto Pizza
Make pizza night an upscale affair with this fun twist on the traditional pie. A prebaked crust and prepared pesto keep things quick and easy. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Peppered Pork with Mushroom Sauce
Using preseasoned pork tenderloin gives us flavorful, quick and satisfying meals without a big mess or leftovers. I have used all flavors of pork tenderloin for this recipe. Making the sauce doesn't take much extra time and results are well worth it. —Jolene Roszel, Helena, Montana
Sausage and Sauerkraut
I created this tasty quick-and-easy sauerkraut and sausage dish so I can throw it together in no time on those extra-busy nights. — Mary Lyon, Spotsylvania, Virginia
Sausage Hash
We always have plenty of pork sausage around, so when I need a quick supper, I use this handy recipe. The colorful vegetables give the hash a bold look to match its flavor. —Virginia Krites, Cridersville, Ohio
Black Bean and Beef Tostadas
Just a handful of ingredients add up to one of our family’s favorites. Also easy to double for company! —Susan Brown, Kansas City, Kansas
Herbed Pork Chops
Herbs are a fast and flavorful way to dress up pork. Plus, they make the chops look so pretty on a platter. I prepare these year-round as a way to capture the taste of summer. —Dianne Esposite, New Middletown, Ohio
Ravioli Lasagna
When you taste this casserole, you'll think it came from a complicated, from-scratch recipe. Really, though, it starts with frozen ravioli and has only three other ingredients. —Patricia Smith, Asheboro, North Carolina
Grilled Maple Pork Chops
Pork chops on the grill are hard to beat. The marinade is simple, and so good. —Nicholas King, Duluth, Minnesota
Tangy Beef Turnovers
My mom's recipe for these flavorful pockets called for dough made from scratch, but I streamlined it by using crescent rolls. My children love them plain or dipped in ketchup. —Claudia Bodeker, Ash Flat, Arkansas
Chicken Cordon Bleu in Pastry
Baking chicken breasts in a flaky dough makes them turn out moist and delicious every time. This fancy dish is nice to serve family as well as guests.
Cranberry Maple Chicken
Cranberries and a hint of maple syrup make a sweet sauce for these easy chicken breast halves. They’re a quick but lovely main course for weeknights and other occasions. –Kim Pettipas of Oromocto, New Brunswick
Buttery Parmesan Chicken
A rich, cheesy breading locks in this chicken's natural juices, making it moist and tempting every time. Because it can be made in advance, I rely on it often during the week and when entertaining. —Kathie Landmann, Lexington Park, Maryland
Garlic Herbed Grilled Tuna Steaks
Grilled tuna steak recipes aren't limited to restaurants. After enjoying yellowfin tuna in southwest Florida, I came up with this recipe so I could enjoy the flavor of my favorite fish at home. —Jan Huntington, Painesville, Ohio
Apricot-Orange Salsa Chicken
This easy entree is just five ingredients away! Sweet oranges and apricots blend perfectly with zippy salsa in this dish from LaDonna Reed of Ponca City, Oklahoma. Keep the heat to your liking with mild, medium or hot salsa.
Cheeseburger and Fries Casserole
Kids love this casserole because it combines two of their favorite fast foods. And I like the fact that I can whip it up with just four ingredients. —Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana
Beef in Mushroom Gravy
Reports Margery Bryan of Royal City, Washington, "This is one of the best and easiest meals I've ever made. It has only four ingredients, and they all go into the pot at once. The meat is nicely seasoned and makes its own gravy-it tastes wonderful when you serve it over mashed potatoes."
Skillet Mac & Cheese
This super creamy mac 'n' cheese is so simple it seems almost too easy! Kids really go for the rich cheese flavor, but I've never met an adult who didn't love it too. —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas
Fiesta Ravioli
I adapted this recipe to suit our taste for spicy food. The ravioli taste like mini enchiladas. I serve them with a Mexican-inspired salad and pineapple sherbet for dessert. —Debbie Purdue, Freeland, Michigan
BBQ Meat Loaf Minis
Kids can have fun helping to prepare these mini meat loaves in muffin cups. For extra spice, we sometimes add 2 teaspoons chili powder and 1 cup of salsa. —Linda Call, Falun, Kansas
Saucy Grilled Pork Chops
My mamaw in Kentucky used this "dip," as she called it, on many grilled meats including chicken and steak. —Misty Schneider, Bayport, Minnesota
Pressure-Cooked Mesquite Ribs
When we're missing the grill during winter, these tangy ribs give us that same smoky barbecue taste we love. They're so simple, and fall-off-the-bone delicious, too! —Sue Evans, Marquette, Michigan
Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
I try to make foods that are not only kid friendly, but are also easy to reheat since my husband works long hours and often eats later than our children. If you like, use reduced-fat cheese and ground turkey for a lighter version. —Melissa Stevens, Elk River, Minnesota
Pork Chops with Dijon Sauce
Here's a main course that tastes rich but isn't high in saturated fat. It's easy for weeknights, but the creamy sauce makes it special enough for weekends. —Bonnie Brown-Watson, Houston, Texas
Quick Tater Tots Bake
I like to make this dish when time before supper is short. If we have unexpected company, I just double the ingredients and use a 13x9-in. pan. I call it my Please Stay Casserole! —Jean Ferguson, Elverta, California
Easy Slow-Cooked Swiss Steak
I let my slow cooker simmer up this fuss-free and flavorful Swiss steak. Perfect for busy spring days…the longer it cooks, the better it tastes! —Sarah Burks, Wathena, Kansas
Sunday's Best Chicken
I am the busy mom of four and a nursing student, so weeknight dinners are often rushed. Sunday dinners are very important to our family and everyone loves when I make this old-fashioned chicken recipe. It's the best chicken recipe there is!—Amy Jenkins, Mesa, Arizona
Maple Pork Ribs
These tender ribs are draped in a luscious maple-mustard sauce. This is one of our favorite recipes! —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas
Grilled Peppered Steaks
I once wanted a peppered steak for supper, so I tossed some spices together and came up with this recipe. My family thoroughly enjoyed it.—Stephanie Moon, Boise, Idaho.
Salmon with Honey Pecan Sauce
I love the explosion of sweet and buttery flavors in every bit of this salmon dinner. —Alice Stanko, Warren, Michigan
Basil-Butter Steaks with Roasted Potatoes
A few ingredients and 30 minutes are all you’ll need for this incredibly satisfying meal. A simple basil butter gives these steaks a very special taste. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Aloha Pizza
This Aloha pizza came together on accident. I had to take something to a gathering, but had no time to shop. I raided the fridge for inspiration and discovered this happy combo. —Wendy Huffman, Bloomington, Illinois
Green Chile Posole
This recipe combines parts of my nanny's and my mother's recipes that were taught to me when I was young. An optional sprinkling of queso fresco on top is delightful. —Jaime Love, Las Vegas, Nevada
Maple Mustard Chicken
My husband loves this chicken dish. It calls for only five ingredients, and we try to have them all on hand for a delicious and cozy dinner anytime. —Jennifer Seidel, Midland, Michigan
Curry Shrimp Linguine
Curry, cilantro and coconut milk make this dish an exciting change of pace. It's also good with Thai rice noodles or spaghetti. —Jana Rippee, Casa Grande, Arizona
Mediterranean Tilapia
I recently became a fan of tilapia. The mild taste makes it easy to top with our favorite ingredients. And it’s low in calories and fat. What’s not to love? —Robin Brenneman, Hilliard, Ohio
Chicken & Vegetable Curry Couscous
For my busy family, a semi-homemade one-pot meal is the best way to get dinner done in a hurry. Use your favorite blend of frozen veggies and serve with toasted pita bread for smiles all around. —Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, Manitoba
Heart's Desire Pizza
Sweethearts of all ages will have a delightful time sprinkling these fun personal heart pizzas with whatever tasty toppings they love most. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Ham & Spinach Casserole
This is down-home cooking at its best! Ham and veggies join forces with a creamy sauce and pretty topping to create a hearty meal-in-one. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sausage Florentine Shepherd’s Pie
In this Italian take on traditional shepherd’s pie, sausage takes the place of ground beef (or lamb), and spinach replaces the green veggies. Zesty tomatoes, Italian cheese blend and garlicky mashed potatoes make this dish incredibly long on flavor, even though the ingredient list is short. —Leah Lyon, Ada, Oklahoma
Saucy Raspberry Chicken
I first had this as a teenage babysitter, when the children’s mom prepared it for us to eat while she was out. The kids loved it, and so did I! Now I make it for my own kids.
Pressure-Cooker Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken
I live in Georgia but I appreciate the tangy, sweet and slightly spicy taste of Carolina vinegar chicken. —Ramona Parris, Acworth, Georgia
Sweet and Spicy Chipotle Chicken
My husband and I have created many wonderful memories by sharing this meal with our friends. In the winter, we bake it indoors; in the summer, it works well on the grill, too! Either way the chicken pretty much cooks itself, leaving you plenty of time to visit with friends and family. —Ashlie Delshad, West Lafayett, Indiana
Asian Salmon Tacos
This Asian/Mexican fusion dish is ready in minutes—perfect for on-the-run-meals! If the salmon begins to stick, add 2-3 tablespoons of water and continue cooking through. —Marisa Raponi, Vaughan, Ontario
Hawaiian Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps
We love this easy slow-cooker recipe on Sunday afternoons. It's equally comforting and light for lunch or dinner. We serve ours with sweet potato oven fries and roasted green beans. —Arlene Rakoczy, Gilbert, Arizona
Slammin' Lamb
This meat is easy, flavorful and best when marinated overnight. You can even mix it up and freeze it until you want to throw it in the crock! Make sure you have lots of pita bread on hand to soak up the juices. —Ruth Hartunian-Alumbaugh, Willimantic, Connecticut
Salsa Steak Garlic Toasts
These open-faced steak sandwiches play up the popular combo of steak and garlic bread. The salsa, sour cream and garnish elevate it into quick, satisfying meal. Substitute chopped green onions or chives for the cilantro if desired. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Tuscan Grapes and Sausages
This recipe is one of my go-tos when entertaining. It's simple, elegant and you can entertain your guests instead of spending the entire time in the kitchen. It is always a crowd pleaser and everyone always asks for the recipe. The whole pieces of garlic in this dish become so sweet, a lovely complement to the sweet grapes and spicy sausage. I serve this over rustic hand-mashed red potatoes. —Melissa Zienter, Las Vegas, Nevada
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Lauren Naru