18 Supermarket Chains Are Offering Special Shopping Hours for Seniors to Keep Them Safe

Amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, many businesses are making an effort to help us to practice safe social-distancing. Since those over 60 are considered an at-risk population for the virus, shopping in a crowded stores isn’t ideal. And luckily for us, many supermarket chains and retailers are heeding the warning.

Whether you’re a regular at Trader Joes or you have bulk supplies to stock up on at Costco, so many businesses are offering the opportunity for seniors to shop unbothered — but you have to get there within a certain window of time. 

Below, you’ll find a list of businesses that are offering exclusive shopping hours to seniors and other at-risk populations so you can get all your necessities without having to worry about big crowds and possible exposure. And if your local supermarket or grocery store isn’t on this list, be sure to give them a call or check your local announcements, as many stores are offering senior-specific hours right now!

1. Trader Joe’s is reserving the first opening hour of the day for seniors.
2. Walgreens is giving the first hour of shopping on Tuesdays from 8 to 9 a.m. to customers that are older than 55. Caregivers and immediate families of seniors will also receive special discounts on Tuesdays.
3. Target will give the first hour of each Wednesday to the elderly as well as shoppers with conditions that make them vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus.
4. Whole Foods is giving seniors the first hour of every day at  locations across the country.
5. The Giant Food grocery chain is offering 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. every day for seniors and those with compromised immune systems.
6. Harris Teeter is giving Monday and Thursday mornings from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. for shoppers 60 and over.
7. Dollar General has designated the first hour to seniors at all their stores across the country.
8. Big Lots is giving the first opening hour to seniors at their stores around the country.
9. Walmart is allowing their customers ages 60 and over to shop every Tuesday an hour before stores open. Walmart pharmacies and vision centers will also be open during this window.
10. Costco will have special hours for members who are 60 and older from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Costco pharmacy will also be open during this time.
11. BJ’s Wholesale Clubs will have designated a shopping hour every day from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. for our members 60 and over. 
12. Sam’s Club locations nationwide will offer designated shopping hours every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. for seniors, those with disabilities, and those with compromised immune systems. This includes pharmacy and optical centers.
13. Albertsons chains (including Acme and Safeway) will be dedicating every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. to seniors as well as at-risk populations, such as pregnant women or those with compromised immune systems.
14. Fareway Meat & Grocery will give special shopping hours between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. Monday through Saturday to those 65 and older, or those with increased susceptibility to serious illness and expecting mothers.
15. Kroger Supermarket will dedicate the first shopping hour from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to senior shoppers, expectant mothers, first responders, and those with compromised immune systems.
16. Publix Supermarket is offering special hours for customers age 65 and older on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
17. Smith’s Food and Drug Stores will dedicate the first hour on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 7 a.m.-8 a.m to senior shoppers.
18. Winn-Dixie stores and pharmacies will dedicate the hours of 8 a.m. to 9 a.mm, Monday to Friday, to seniors and those most at risk of COVID-19.