Stores Opening Early for Seniors During COVID-19 Crisis

Older adults are among the populations most at risk from the novel coronavirus COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and global data. Eight out of ten deaths reported in the United States have been in adults 65 years and older. 

To help seniors avoid large crowds, several Chicago stores have begun offering special senior hours at the beginning of the day in which at-risk populations can shop by themselves. (This also means that people who are not seniors or at a higher risk for coronavirus should not shop during these hours.) Here is a list of those stores and their senior hours:

Jewel Osco: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 AM - 9 AM

Mariano's: Seven days a week, 6 AM - 8 AM

Dollar General: The first hour they are open everyday

Whole Foods: One hour before stores open everyday, for adults over 60. (Stores may also close up to two hours early at the end of the day to allow staff time to sanitize, restock, and rest.)

Shop and Save: All locations excluding Niles, 6 AM - 7 AM everyday

Target: The first hour of shopping every Wednesday. (Stores will also close by 9 PM everyday to allow staff time to sanitize and restock.)

Walmart: The first hour of shopping every Tuesday, for adults over 60

Tony's Fresh Market: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 AM - 9 AM

Trader Joe's: Crew members will maintain an additional line outside the front door for seniors, 9-10 a.m. daily, to expedite entry

Costco: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 - 9 AM, for members over 60

Meijer: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 - 8 AM is reserved for senior citizens and customers with chronic health conditions; Mondays and Wednesdays, 7 - 8 AM is reserved for essential service workers; 

Fresh Thyme Farmers Market: Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays, 6 - 8 AM for customers over the age of 60 and those with underlying health conditions; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6- 8 AM for essential healthcare workers and first responders

Walgreen's: Tuesdays, 7 - 8 AM

Aldi's: Tuesdays and Thursday, 8:30 - 9:30 AM, for senior citizens, expectant mothers and those with underlying health concerns

WTTW News has additional info on how seniors can stay safe and fed during the pandemic.

Additionally, Jewel Osco and Mariano's have both announced that they have immediate job openings as a result of demand for groceries. You can apply for Jewel here and Mariano's here, or stop by a store location 10 AM to 4 PM, M-F, for an onsite interview.