Hawaii grocery stores plan special opening hours for seniors

HONOLULU — A group of Hawaii grocery stores plans to reserve specific hours for seniors and other customers most of suffering the worst effects of the coronavirus, officials said.

All Foodland, Foodland Farms and Sack N Save stores statewide will serve only seniors during their first hour of business on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Wednesday.

Target Corporation said it will reserve the first hour of shopping each Wednesday for vulnerable customers, including seniors and people with underlying health concerns. Target will close no later than 9 p.m. daily.

For most people, the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms. The vast majority of those who are infected recover. But for the elderly and people with existing conditions, it can cause more severe illness.

“We know that many of our seniors are concerned about their health and safety during this current crisis, and we want to provide them an opportunity to shop with us in a less-crowded environment,” Jenai S. Wall, Foodland Supermarket Ltd. Chairman and CEO, said in a statement Wednesday.

Honolulu-based Foodland’s special hours for customers at least 60 years are expected to run through March 31. Foodland’s “Senior Thursday” 5% discount will also be applicable during the special hours.

Caregivers or assisting family members will be allowed to accompany the older customers.

The state’s 32 Foodland, Foodland Farms and Sack N Save stores will remain open during normal business hours, beginning at 5 a.m. or 6 a.m. depending on location.

The decision to provide shopping hours exclusively for seniors came after numerous requests, Foodland spokeswoman Sheryl Toda said.