Grocery stores in Bradenton dedicate special hour for seniors because of COVID-19
Two Florida supermarket chains, and one local grocery powerhouse, announced this week they are modifying their hours to serve those most at risk of COVID-19.
Publix and Winn Dixie’s parent company, Southeast Grocers, announced those plans on Thursday.
First out of the gate, however, with special shopping hours for those with special needs was Detwiler’s Farm Market, which announced its changes on Wednesday.
The new Detwiler hours for those 65 and older and those with disabilities are 7-8 a.m. Monday through Saturday.
“We kindly ask that customers respect this measure and plan their shopping trips after 8 a.m. to allow those that are at-risk the ability to purchase the items they need. We continue to pray for peace and everyone’s safety,” the Detwiler family announced in a tweet.
Publix supermarkets have designated special shopping hours for older customers.
Starting March 24, shoppers ages 65 or older will be able to shop at all Publix grocery stores on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7- to 8 a.m. The stores’ pharmacies will also open at 7 a.m. for seniors. The company said it referred to CDC research that indicates seniors are more susceptible to developing COVID-19 from the novel coronavirus.
Winn Dixie announced that it has dedicated special shopping hour to seniors and high-risk customers from 8 – 9 a.m. Monday through Friday in all stores. The company asked all customers to respect this time given to seniors and other high-risk community members to allow them the comfort of purchasing necessary products in a safe environment.
Winn Dixie said it is also opening all pharmacy locations at 8 a.m. on weekdays to provide prescription refills, influenza and pneumonia vaccines and customer counseling.
Winn-Dixie also announced that it is also hiring, noting that the pandemic has forced many other businesses to begin layoffs.
This story was originally published March 19, 2020 at 1:02 PM.
