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Grocery stores begin implementing designated hours for high-risk shoppers amid COVID-19 outbreak

By Mary Stringini
Updated  March 19, 2020 2:53pm PDT
Coronavirus
FOX 11

Are grocery stores fully stocked during the pandemic?

We were told not to panic-buy that the food supply chain is intact. But is it? We've been out in the grocery stores looking for essential items. Toilet paper, milk, eggs, water...Today we went to some of the big grocery stores to find out.

LOS ANGELES - Several grocery stores in Southern California are setting aside time to allow their most vulnerable customers to shop because they may be at the greatest risk for novel coronavirus.

Panic shopping has left store shelves empty and has made it difficult for at-risk groups, including older adults and people with underlying health conditions, to get supplies.

The number of stores that are dedicating time or opening earlier for those at-risk groups to shop continues to grow. 

Essential items flying off the shelves at grocery stores

Panic shopping has left store shelves empty, despite the fact that both local and national government officials have reminded the public that there is no shortage of food or supplies.

Dollar General

Dollar General has designated the first hour at its more than 16,000 stores in 44 states as open daily to senior shoppers.

Gelson’s Market

Beginning Wednesday, March 18, only shoppers over the age of 65 will be able to visit Gelson's between 7-8 a.m. All other shoppers are welcome to shop beginning at 8 a.m.

Grocery Outlet (Altadena)

Grocery Outlet in Altadena is offering senior shopping hours daily from 7-8 a.m. Those over the age of 60 can shop during that time when the store is freshly cleaned and stocked, the company said. During that time, younger residents will not be allowed to shop for seniors, if you plan on shopping for a senior, you'll have to come back during regular hours.

Mother's Market (Orange County)

Every Wednesday, starting March 18, all stores will open at 6:00 a.m., one hour earlier, to accommodate only people who fall into high-risk populations – including, but not limited to, elderly, disabled, those with compromised immune systems and chemo patients.

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Northgate Gonzalez Market

Effective immediately, all Northgate Gonzalez Markets will modify their store hours to allow those 65 years of age and older, as well as disabled and pregnant customers, the opportunity to shop between 7-8 a.m. daily. Regular shoppers can still get groceries between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily.

Ralph's

Ralph's will be offering seniors the exclusive opportunity to shop between 7 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. daily, a spokesperson confirmed to FOX 11.

Super A Foods

Super A Foods is allowing shoppers over the age of 65 exclusive shopping between 7:30-8 a.m. daily before they open to the general public.

Target

Beginning Wednesday, March 18, Target will reserve the first hour of shopping each Wednesday at stores nationwide for vulnerable guests – including elderly and those with underlying health concerns.

Whole Foods Markets

Starting on Wednesday, March 18, all Whole Foods Market stores in the U.S. and Canada will service customers who are 60 and older one hour before opening to the public up to two hours early to give employees more time restock shelves and clean. Stores will remain open for pickup during those times.

Vallarta Supermarket

Beginning Wednesday, March 18, all Vallarta Supermarket locations will be open from 7-8 a.m. for those 65 years of age and older, pregnant women and those with disabilities.

Vallarta Supermarkets to implement special hours for seniors, disabled

Vallarta Supermarkets became the latest chain to announce that it will open its 50 California stores an hour early to accommodate seniors 65 and older, pregnant women and those with disabilities as a way to assist customers amid the coronavirus outbreak.

If you know of a grocery store that should be added to this list, please email kttvdigital@foxtv.com.

RELATED: CoronavirusNOW.com, FOX launches national hub for COVID-19 news and updates.