Bridgewater Whole Foods Sets Special Hours For Seniors

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Whole Foods Market have scheduled special hours for senior citizens, at all of its stores including in Bridgewater, amid a heightened demand for groceries fueled by new coronavirus fears, company officials said Tuesday.

Starting on Wednesday all Whole Foods Market stores, including at 319 Chimney Rock Rd. in Bridgewater in the Chimney Rock Corssing, customers 60 years of age and older one hour before opening to the public, according to a press advisory.

The China-originated respiratory ailment now called COVID-19 is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that's a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses that have caused outbreaks in the past.

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Government officials have have assured the public that food is in no danger of running out amid the pandemic in attempts to dissuade hoarding of supplies. Still, fear-driven shoppers continue to hoard supplies as food shelves are left bare, yielding enhanced challenges to senior citizens who may lack the mobility of their younger shopping counterparts — and are among the most vulnerable to contracting the ailment to boot.

As a result: "We are setting aside this time to help these customers, who national health authorities have identified as among the most vulnerable to COVID-19, feel more comfortable shopping our stores and helping to ensure they are able to get the items they need in a less crowded environment," Whole Foods officials explained in a press advisory.

"Whole Foods Market recognizes the important role we play in our communities, especially during this challenging time," the advisory reads. "As we prioritize the health and safety of our customers, Team Members and partners, we remain committed to ensuring that all customers have access to the items they need, taking action to support our Team Members and doing our part to help contain the spread of COVID-19."

To better serve the communities it serves, Whole Foods also has adjusted its store hours. Customers are directed to visit the grocer's website for more information on stores' updated hours per region.