SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) – Bigger grocery chain stores are stepping up and setting aside earlier hours for the people most vulnerable to the coronavirus – the elderly and people with compromised immune systems.

This is going to be tremendously helpful to these people so that they don’t get infected.

Now they can avoid lines and crowds and the store will be mostly stocked, since panic shoppers have left many shelves bare.

Here’s a list of stores and their hours dedicated to serving seniors and the vulnerable:

Albertsons: From 7 to 9 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, the company is reserving time for “those vulnerable shoppers who must leave home to obtain their groceries, unless otherwise locally mandated.” Find the full list of Albertsons companies stores here.

Cardenas: Seniors 65+, the disabled, and first responders can shop between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m.

Costco: The store will open its doors for members 60 years and older every Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. The special hours will begin March 24.

Dollar General: The Goodlettsville, Tennessee-based discount chain announced it is dedicating the first hour in its more than 16,000 stores in 44 states to help senior shoppers “avoid busier and more crowded shopping periods.” The retailer said said in a tweet that it wasn’t “qualifying a specific age” for the set-aside time.

Fresh Market: The grocer, which has 159 stores in 22 states, is reserving the first hour stores open, from 8 to 9 a.m. for “seniors and those most at risk” Monday through Friday. 

Mother’s Markets: The California-based company is starting “Safe Shop Wednesdays” and is opening from 6 to 7 a.m. every Wednesday for “elderly, disabled, those with compromised immune systems, chemo patients, etc.” It’s also offering free home delivery for the high-risk groups with promo code FREE4SENIORS.

Northgate Market: Seniors 65+ can shop starting at 7 a.m.

Safeway: From 7 to 9 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, the company is reserving time for “those vulnerable shoppers who must leave home to obtain their groceries, unless otherwise locally mandated.” 

Sam’s Club: Sam’s Club has announced dedicated shopping hours and a “shop from your car” service for seniors and those with disabilities or compromised immune systems. Starting Thursday, March 26, locations across the country will offer shopping hours every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. to impacted customers.

Smart & Final: Seniors 65+ and the disabled can shop early from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Stater Brothers: Seniors 65+ and the disabled can shop starting at 7:45 a.m.

Stop & Shop: The retailer, which has more than 400 stores throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey, will give shoppers 60 and older 90 minutes to shop each morning from 6 to 7:30 a.m., according to the Asbury Park Press, part of the USA TODAY Network. Stop & Shop said the dedicated time better enables social distancing and there would be a designated entrance for seniors.

Super A Foods: Seniors 65+ and the disabled can take advantage of a special shopping hour from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Target: The retailer will “reserve the first hour of shopping each Wednesday at stores nationwide for vulnerable guests,” Target said, adding it is “encouraging other guests to plan their shopping trips around this timeframe.” 

Trader Joe’s: The first hour every day, from 9-10 a.m., will be reserved for seniors, and while the company didn’t provide a specific age, it’s generally expected to serve those 65 years and older. There will also be a separate line for seniors to help them get into the store quicker and get their shopping done.

Vallarta Supermarkets: All locations will be open from 7 to 8 a.m. for shoppers 65-plus, pregnant women and those with disabilities, the grocer said in a Facebook post.

Walgreens: Walgreens is adding a senior hour on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. The company also says customers 55 and older will receive special discounts on Tuesdays.

Walmart: On Tuesday, customers 60 and older can shop one hour before the stores open for everyone else. Check your local Walmart for hours.

Whole Foods Market: All Whole Foods Market stores in the U.S. and Canada will let customers who are 60 and older shop one hour before opening to the public.

Zanotto’s Market: The stores located in San Jose and Sunnyvale will be holding a Senior Hour from 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.

This list will be updated as necessary.

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