Special Hours For Seniors At Burlington County Whole Foods

EVESHAM TOWNSHIP, NJ — Whole Foods Market has scheduled special hours for senior citizens at its stores nationwide, including in Burlington County, amid a heightened demand for groceries fueled by new coronavirus fears, company officials said Tuesday.

Whole Foods Market stores in the U.S. and Canada will service customers 60 years of age and older one hour before opening to the public as of Wednesday, the store announced in a statement. Whole Foods has a Burlington County store at 940 Route 73 in Marlton.

Government officials have assured the public that food is in no danger of running out amid the pandemic in attempts to dissuade hoarding of supplied. 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.

The retailer is doing the same thing in the United Kingdom, according to its advisory. "Starting on Thursday, March 19, all Whole Foods Market stores in the U.K. will service customers who are 70 and older one hour before opening to the public," officials wrote.
"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.
Like many grocery food chains forced to change their hours amid the coronavirus-fueled influx, officials said Whole Foods Market stores will close up to two hours early to give workers more time to restock shelves, sanitize stores and rest in preparation for the next day.

"During this time, stores will remain open for pickup (in stores that offer it), and we will continue to fulfill Prime delivery orders in an effort to meet unprecedented demand and ensure that people who need to remain at home can still get their groceries in a timely manner," officials wrote. "We appreciate your patience, understanding and support as we strive to support our communities however possible. The health and safety of our customers, Team Members and communities remains our top priority."