Here's Exactly When Seniors Should Shop These Popular Grocery Stores
Fact: Older adults and those with underlying health conditions are most at-risk of severe illness—and death—from contracting the novel coronavirus. For further proof, know that a startling report issued by the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity (FREOPP) found that nursing homes and assisted-living facilities are the sites of nearly 42 percent of all COVID-19 deaths.
Given these grim statistics—and all of the overwhelming data highlighting the significant health risks posed to older Americans by COVID-19—it's no surprise that the most popular grocery chains in America have made special "senior hours" a new policy so the most at-risk can roam the grocery aisles with less people present. (After all, as Eat This! has reported, person-to-person contact is still the most dangerous way that the coronavirus is spreading among us.)
To learn what the exact senior hours are at the closest grocery chain to you, read on, because we've listed them all here. And, if you're not a senior, make sure you know The Most High-Risk Times to Visit the Grocery Store.
Walmart
Every Tuesday, Walmart stores offer seniors an hour of shopping before their stores open, from 7am to 8am. (Related: The 15 Worst Mistakes I've Seen Walmart Shoppers Make.)
Albertsons
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Albertsons is hosting seniors from 7am to 9am. (Related: These are the Most High-Risk Times to Visit the Grocery Store.)
Aldi
Aldi is reserving "the first hour of business for vulnerable shoppers" on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting at 8:30am. And if you're going on a shopping trip soon, make sure you know The One Thing You'll Never See in Grocery Stores Again.
Bi-Lo
This Southern chain is open for seniors from Monday through Friday, from 7am to 8am.
Fresh Market
On all weekdays, from Monday through Friday, Fresh Market allows seniors access to the store from 8am to 9am. And for more great shopping advice you can use right now, make sure you know The #1 Grocery Shopping Mistake You're Making Before Entering the Store.
Kroger
The senior hours at Kroger are different by location, so be sure to search for your nearby store here. In Dallas, for instance, stores are opening Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 6am to 7:30am. In South Carolina, stores are opening for seniors on Wednesdays, exclusively, from opening hours to 8am.
Publix
This beloved chain doesn't have a special senior hour put in place, though the store has stated that seniors over the age of 65 should shop in the first hour of operation.
Safeway
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Safeway has reserved the 7am to 9am hours for "vulnerable shoppers."
Stop & Shop
Shoppers who are 60 years-old and over should shop this Northeastern store from 6am to 7:30am every morning.
Trader Joe's
Though it may change location by location, Trader Joe's is reserving their first hour of the day—every day—for seniors age 60 and over.
Whole Foods
All Whole Foods locations are allowing shoppers age 60 and over to shop a full hour before the store opens. Be sure to check your local Whole Foods outpost for their hours of operation, but if your location regularly opens at 9am, seniors may go at 8am. And if you're venturing to the store soon, make sure you know The Major Changes to Expect at the Checkout Station.
