Special Hours for Seniors Only at Local Grocery Stores [EDITED WITH MORE STORES]

By on March 18, 2020 10:45 pm in 11201, Coronavirus, Health, Seniors, Shopping

Of course, the best thing for everyone would be to stay inside as much as possible. But for people over 60 and others more vulnerable to COVID-19 who must shop for themselves, the following local grocery stores will provide special hours for those folks only at:

Key Food, 169 Atlantic Avenue (Brooklyn Heights):
7:00 am-9:00 am (unable to confirm, please call ahead)

Stop and Shop, 625 Atlantic Avenue (Atlantic Center):
6:00 am-7:30 am

Whole Foods, 214 3rd Street (Gowanus):
7:00 am-8:00 am

Target, 139 Flatbush Avenue (Atlantic Center):
Every Wednesday, 8:00 am-9:00 am

EDIT:

All Trader Joe’s:  9:00 am-10:00 am

All Walgreen’s:  Tuesdays 8:00 am-9:00 am (with discounts for 55 and over all day Tuesday)

Also, Trader Joe’s staff “will maintain an additional line outside the front door for our senior customers. This will ensure that those customers in need will have an expedited entrance to the store to help make their experience a more positive one.”

Why senior hours? Stop & Shop explains in this press release that:

  • These hours are to help our more vulnerable customers shop in a less crowded environment, if they prefer.
  • We plan to make these hours available EVERY day during this period, so it’s not necessary for everyone to come on the first day. This could result in large crowds, the very situation we are looking to prevent as it will make it more difficult for customers to practice social distancing.
  • While we recognize we may be experiencing product shortages in some areas, our stores receive deliveries throughout the day so our shelves will be replenished for shoppers at all hours. We are making our best efforts to have products available across high-demand categories throughout the day.
  • Stop & Shop has implemented added cleaning and sanitation efforts, which will continue throughout the day at all stores.
  • Finally, when you shop for your family, be sure to keep other families in mind. Shop responsibly and buy just what you need.

Let’s all drop a note for our elderly and vulnerable neighbors and ask if they need anything. We’re all in this together.

Share this Story:
  • TeddyNYC

    I think for some seniors those hours are a little too early.

  • Joey

    Than they better set the alarm clock.

  • Teresa

    Early-morning hours may be inconvenient, but I suspect vulnerable people are better off because the stores have likely been cleaned thoroughly overnight.

  • Jorale-man

    But doesn’t being around other seniors (or anyone) also risk their chance of getting sick? This is a nice gesture but it seems they’d be better off ordering from a grocery delivery service.

  • Reggie

    I’m a senior and a night owl but my paternal grandfather was up at 4:00 every morning, whether he wanted to be or not.

  • Greg

    Anecdotal data point everyone:

    – I stopped by Whole Foods Fort Greene this morning the moment they opened (9 AM). It was absolutely packed. Not a comfortable experience. Don’t recommend.
    – At 10 AM I noticed the Trader Joe’s line was running entirely down the block all the way to and around Clinton St. Everyone nicely spaced out. But still didn’t look appealing.
    – Key Food at Atlantic had a moderate crowd and an organized cashier line about 6 people deep. Not ideal but much more manageable, albeit still no way to keep a real distance.

  • El

    I was going to try Key Food on Montague Wednesday, but as soon as I tried to walk in, there were 5-6 people standing in the area where the carts are. Perhaps checkout line, not sure? Felt too crowded for me, so I didn’t even bother. I think at some point stores will need to figure out some kind of time slot system – would eliminate a lot of anxiety for both store employees and shoppers, I feel.

    Has anyone used a grocery delivery service they liked?

  • Knight

    The Local Key Food on Montague St was confused about letting seniors in at 8AM, one hour early. While waiting outside, an employee was SPITTING all over the sidewalk! I approached management with the concern , and their attitude was one of, and I quote, “well, were the ones on the front line, and we want to be home just as much as you.” So much for flattening the curve Key Food. Needles to say, I won’t be going there again.

  • knight

    * we’re

  • 6HMYBnF’,cmuf@

    Walgreens special senior in store hours every Tuesday 8am-9pm.

  • Andrew Porter

    You know, you can go into your post and change it, for up to a week. Click on the “edit” at the bottom, which only you can see.

  • Andrew Porter

    The BHA issued a vast list of stores; it’s also on their website. Go to thebha.org