Coronavirus In RI: Stores Change Hours For Seniors

As Rhode Island officials continue to urge residents to stay home and avoid crowds as much as possible to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, grocery stores around the state are changing their hours to allow the elderly to shop without large crowds and to give employees more time to stock shelves.

Stores across Rhode Island, from locally run stores to big-name chains, are opening their doors early in the morning for seniors, who are the most at risk of serious complications relating to COVID-19. The stores and hours for seniors are listed below.

• Clements' Marketplace (Portsmouth): 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
• Dave's Market
  • Large locations: 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
  • Small locations: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
• Dollar General: 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
• Jerry's Market (West Warwick): 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
• Richmond Farms Fresh Market (Richmond): 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.
• Save-A-Lot: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
• Shaw's: 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
• Stop and Shop: 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
• Target: 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
• Whole Foods: 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

In a statement, Stop and Shop said the designated hours will be held every day, and encouraged seniors to not all come right away to avoid crowding. While some products remain in short supply, employees are restocking shelves throughout the day so there is enough fo everyone who needs to shop.

"We hope you will join us in our efforts to care for the older members of our community and those who are most vulnerable at this time," the company said. "We are also thankful to be able to continue to serve all members of our communities, and we appreciate your support in making this initiative a success."

Richmond Farms Fresh Market said that just 15 customers will be allowed in the store at a time during the senior window, which is open to anyone 65 or older, who can be accompanied by a helper if they need it. The store's owner took to Facebook to thank the community for their support during this time.

"Thank you for the support from our amazing customers and this wonderful community that we now call home," he wrote.