Update: April 6, 2020:
Grocery stores are adding a new policy to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. As of April 6, Walmarts across the country will only allow 5 customers per 1,000 square feet. To enforce this, all store entrances will be closed except for one, and an employee will let guests enter one at a time.
Other big stores like Costco and Target are also implementing these new measures. Costco will only allow 2 people per membership card to enter and Target will limit the number of guests in-store when needed, according to a press release.
The original article continues below:
If you've been in the grocery stores the last two weeks you've probably noticed all the empty shelves and shoppers racing around with buggies filled with canned food, toilet paper, and other non-perishables. Because of panic shopping, people with compromised immune systems and senior shoppers have not been able to get the supplies they need. To help the community, grocery store chains are introducing senior shopping hours to help seniors, the immune-compromised, and pregnant women shop during special hours in a less-crowded environment.
This week President Trump urged American citizens should not gather in groups of more than 10. Restaurants and bars in certain states have been shut down, with the COVID-19 pandemic infecting more citizens every day. Scientists and government officials agree social distancing is the best way to slow down the coronavirus pandemic.
Grocery Stores that Offer Senior Shopping Hours
This list has been updated on March 23, 2020 to provide the latest news
Trader Joes - Every day between 9 and 10 a.m., Crew members will maintain an additional line outside the front door for senior shoppers. This will ensure that these costumers "will have an expedited entrance to the store to help make their experience a more positive one."
Walmart - Starting March 24, "Walmart stores will host an hour-long senior shopping event every Tuesday for customers aged 60 and older. This will start one hour before the store opens. Our Pharmacies and Vision Centers will also be open during this time."
Costco - The warehouse store will open its doors for members 60 years and older every Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Albertsons - From 7 to 9 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, the company is reserving shopping time for "those vulnerable shoppers who must leave home to obtain their groceries, unless otherwise locally mandated." The full list of Albertson company stores can be found here.
Safeway - From 7 to 9 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday the store is hosting senior hours.
Vons - From 7 to 9 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday the store is hosting special shopping hours for vulnerable guests.
Whole Foods Market - All Whole Foods Market stores in the U.S. and Canada will let customers who are 60 and older shop one hour before opening to the public.
Target - The retailer will "reserve the first hour of shopping each Wednesday at stores nationwide for vulnerable guests," Target said, adding it is "encouraging other guests to plan their shopping trips around this time frame."
Dollar General - The Tennessee-based discount chain is reserving the first hour of every day to help seniors and at-risk shoppers to shop in a less-crowded environment.
Fresh Market - The grocer is reserving the first hour stores open, from 8 to 9 a.m., for "seniors and those most at risk" Monday through Friday.
Food Town - The Texas-based retailer will open from 7 to 8 a.m. to allow those 65 and older to shop in a less-crowded environment. Access to the store during the hour will require a government-issued state ID or Texas driver's license.
Fareway Meat & Grocery - Stores will open to shoppers 65 and older, expecting mothers and those with "increased susceptibility to a serious illness" from 8 to 9 a.m. Monday through Saturday.
Mother's Markets - The California-based grocery store will be open from 6 to 7 a.m. every Wednesday for "elderly, disabled, those with compromised immune systems, chemo patients, etc." It's also offering free home delivery for the high-risk groups with promo code FREE4SENIORS.
Northgate González Market - The Southern California Latino market has opened its stores from 7-8 a.m. for its senior shoppers.
Stop & Shop - The Eastern grocery store will be open from 6-7:30 a.m. for senior shoppers.
Publix - The Florida-based grocery chain is designating Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 7 to 8 a.m. as senior shopping hours.
