Special grocery shopping hours for healthcare workers

To support those heroes working in healthcare and as first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic, some grocery stores are now designating special shopping hours and more.

Posted 10:44 a.m. Apr 20, 2020 — Updated 4:38 a.m. Apr 22, 2020

Healthcare workers and first responders are at the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic and because of their long hours, they often are not able to get to the grocery store while it is still open and stocked. To support these heroes, some grocery stores are now designating special shopping hours and more.

Read on for a growing list of stores offering additional shopping times or special accommodations for those working on the front lines.

Aldi

Aldi is allowing any medical professionals, with identification, immediate access to the front of any lines that may form outside their stores.

BJ's Wholesale Club

BJ's Wholesale Club is offering multiple benefits to healthcare workers and first responders right now including:

* Shopping without a BJ's membership at all locations during their designated Appreciation Hour

* Free 4-month Inner Circle membership (you need to go to customer service in the store to sign up)

* Designated shopping hours on Sundays from 8 am - 9 am.

See the details on their Facebook page.

Carlie C's

Carlie C's stores are offering a First Responder’s hour from 8:30 pm-9:30 pm every Wednesday. This includes health care workers, police, fire, emergency medical technicians and ambulatory technicians. First Responders need to show their credentials for their after-hour’s entrance into their stores on Wednesday.

Dollar General

Dollar General is offering all medical personnel, first responders and activated National Guard a 10% discount with ID in April.

Publix

Publix is designating Thursday evenings from 8 pm to 9 pm and and Friday mornings from 7 am to 8 am for first responders and hospital staff to shop. The Publix Pharmacy will also be open during these reserved times.

Sam's Club

Sam’s Club associates, healthcare workers and first responders are able to shop early every Sunday from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Walmart

Walmart is reserving the hours of 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. every day at select pickup store locations for customers over the age of 60, as well as first responders, customers with disabilities and anyone considered high-risk by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. See the details regarding this offer HERE.

Special Shopping Hours for Employees

Many grocery stores are offering early shopping times for employees, as well. They are working with the public every day and risking their own health so we all still have access to food and other essentials. Stores including Sam's Club, Target and more are offering this benefit to employees.

Free offers for healthcare employees and first responders