SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Grocery stores and food banks are trying to make it easier for seniors to get what they need during the coronavirus pandemic.
The 65 years and older population are at higher risk to more severe coronavirus symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Even without a stay at home orders from the state, it might be intimidating to head to the grocery store, but a lot of grocers have been trying to make that task a little easier.
Here is what you need to know about getting your groceries during this moment of uncertainty.
Restaurant meal delivery service
California launched a program that was created to deliver three free meals to seniors during the pandemic.
According to the website, someone would have to meet the following criteria in order to qualify for the delivery service:
- Those who are 65 or older, or between 60 to 64 who are considered by the CDC as someone who is a high-risk for severe coronavirus symptoms.
- Those who are receiving benefits from other state/federal nutrition programs.
- Those who have an underlying condition.
- For more information on those who qualify, click here.
Click here if you want to sign up. You would then be able to find where you could receive your free meals once you enter your location.
Food banks
Sacramento County
Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services are giving out food through a drive-thru. Workers personally place the food in the trunk of your car; this way, you won't have to leave your vehicle.
You can also have someone go for you, if you can't get there yourself.
For a list of locations, click here.
San Joaquin County
Emergency Food Bank
Emergency Food Bank gives away bags filled with food from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Stanislaus County
Modesto Love Center
Modesto Love Center is offering a senior monthly program that lets people call in an order until July 1. Normally, you would have to sign up in person.
The Modesto Love Center is located at 617 Winmoore Way Suite F.
Yolo County
Yolo County Food Bank is delivering food weekly to low-income seniors. The food bank is giving away a food box, a bag of fresh produce, dairy products and other essential items, according to their website.
Click here to sign up for the delivery program.
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Senior hours
Save Mart
Save Mart will set aside every Tuesday and Thursday from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. for higher risk populations to shop.
The hour would allow seniors and other vulnerable populations, like pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems, to do their shopping.
Food Maxx
Food Maxx is part of the Save Mart Company, and they'll also be setting aside every Tuesday and Thursday from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. for higher risk populations to shop.
Smart & Final
The store is opening 30 minutes early from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. to accommodate shoppers who have disabilities, who are pregnant, and who are 65 and older.
To participate, you need your ID.
Walmart
Walmart store hours will adjust to 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with stores opening at 7 a.m. continuing their regular hours.
Since March 24, Walmart hosts an hour-long senior shopping event every Tuesday for customers who are 60 and older. The shopping event starts one hour before the stores open.
Target
Target stores will open at their regular times, but they will now reserve the first hour of shopping each Wednesday for vulnerable guests, which include seniors and those with underlying health concerns.
Nugget Market
Nugget Market will dedicate store opening to 8 a.m. as designated shopping hours for people 65 and older and guests who are at-risk due to health concerns.
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