Encinitas grocer, other local markets set aside hours for elderly, disabled

North Coast Current
March 18, 2020

Local grocery stores are reserving special time for elderly and disabled shoppers as residents hunker down during the coronavirus outbreak.

Medical. (Photo by Hush Naidoo, Unsplash) Cardiff Seaside Market is among the independent grocers and chain outlets to announce this week that they will set aside hours for these shoppers.

“We welcome you to visit our stores later in the morning to allow at-risk populations the ability to purchase the items they need,” Cardiff Seaside management said in a thank-you note to customers. “We also encourage the community to reach out to their neighbors. Now is the time to provide a helping hand to those in need as many are unable to shop for their essential needs without exposing themselves to risk.”

Regional supermarket Gelson’s also made a similar announcement as did Smart & Final and Albertsons, which owns Vons, Pavilions and Albertsons stores.

With items such as fresh produce, frozen foods, water and toilet paper selling out, stores are trying to balance access for a range of residents.

“We are sensitive to the fact that everyone wants to make sure they have the items they need, and we also know that everyone wants their neighbors to stay safe and healthy, too,” Albertsons President and CEO Vivek Sankaran said in the company’s announcement. “We are asking our customers to respect these special hours for those who are most at risk in our communities.”

Here is a list of stores offering special hours:

Cardiff Seaside Market

Reserved time: 7-8 a.m.

Shoppers: age 65 and older; disabled

2087 San Elijo Ave., Cardiff-by-the-Sea

Gelson’s

Reserved time: 7-8 a.m.

Shoppers: senior citizens

7660 El Camino Real, Carlsbad

2707 Via de la Valle Place, Del Mar

Smart & Final

Reserved time: 7:30-8 a.m.