Following a concept first announced by Stop & Shop, many other large retail and grocery chains are making similar changes that allow older adults to purchase essential goods during special hours in order to avoid crowds.

WCVB News published a list of the stores from which they have received statements or press releases announcing special hours for older adults and other populations. Some stores mentioned in the article are only announcing purchase limits.

MHAC encourages Age-Friendly Communities to share this list in their networks so older residents are aware. Those that mention older adults in their new policies are noted below:

Market Basket: Beginning Thursday, March 19, stores open only to those 60 and over from 5:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. All customers are invited to shop Monday to Saturday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Roche Bros.: Effective Friday, March 20, ALL locations will dedicate first hour of business, 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., to customers 60+ as well as the disabled population.

Shaw’s/Star Market: Stores will open earlyTuesdays and Thursdays, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., for senior citizens and other at-risk members of the community.

Stop & Shop: All locations open 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. daily for customers age 60 and older only. Most stores will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. for all shoppers.

Target: Reducing store hours and closing stores by 9 p.m. daily. First hour of shopping each Wednesday is reserved for “elderly and those with underlying health concerns.”

Whole Foods: All stores in the U.S. and Canada will service customers who are 60 and older one hour before opening to the general public, under the new adjusted hours posted on the store’s web page.

MHAC applauds these and other stores that adopt age-friendly policies during these challenging times.