Shopping Made Easy For Seniors During COVID-19

As the news of the COVID-19 virus has spread across B.C., we’ve seen shoppers rushing to local grocery and drug stores to stock up, temporarily emptying shelves. But not to worry: our country has a strong supply chain, and there is no immediate risk we’ll run out of resources, according to the Retail Council of Canada.

Of course, we’re all doing our best to limit our contact with other people, to slow the spread of the virus. But we still need to shop for groceries and household essentials. Seniors face some of the biggest challenges due to mobility and driving limitations – not to mention the strength required to haul home heavy shopping bags! 

Below, we’ve compiled some resources to make shopping more accessible especially for seniors and those with disabilities.

For the latest information about the disease and how to protect yourself, visit canada.ca/coronavirus or the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.

Online Grocery and Pharmacy Ordering

Yes, it’s possible to do your grocery shopping online. Just keep in mind there may be delays due to the high level of demand right now. If you’re healthy and able-bodied, you may prefer to take advantage of special senior shopping hours instead (see the next section), leaving online shopping for those who need it most.

The following retailers offer online ordering and local delivery of groceries, health products, household items and more:

• Save-On-Foods
• Real Canadian Superstore
• SPUD
• Shoppers Drug Mart
• London Drugs
• Amazon
• No Frills
• Fresh St. Market 
• Stong’s Market 

Special Senior Shopping Hours

Many local stores are offering special hours for older shoppers, and those who need assistance, so that they can stock up early before the general public arrives:

• Shopper’s Drug Mart: The first open hour of shopping is now limited to those who need assistance or consideration, including seniors and people with disabilities. Check with your local store for hours.

• Save-On-Foods:  The first open hour, from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., is now dedicated to seniors, people with disabilities and other vulnerable shoppers.

• Whole Foods: The first open hour of shopping is now reserved for seniors (the time will vary by location, so check with your local store).

• Real Canadian Superstore and No Frills: All stores are offering special shopping hours for seniors, varying by location. Check with your local store for details. (Delivery and pickup fees have also been waived.)

• IGA: All stores are offering senior-reserved shopping on Wednesdays and Fridays, 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.

• Fresh St. Market (West Vancouver): Senior-reserved shopping is available every Wednesday and Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.

• London Drugs: Seniors and people with disabilities will be the only shoppers allowed Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

• Walmart Canada: The first open hour at all stores will be reserved for seniors, the disabled and those with vulnerable health conditions (check your local store for opening time).
• Safeway Canada: Most stores are offering senior-reserved shopping during their first open hour. Check with your local store for hours and details.
• Fresh Co.: Dedicated senior shopping runs for first open hour of the day at all stores (check the website for the hours at your nearest location).
• Meridian Farm Market: Exclusive shopping times for seniors and individuals with compromised immune systems are now in effect the first hour of business Monday through Friday (opening time varies by location).
• Costco: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., are now reserved for members who aged 60 and older, or who those have a physical disability.

Restaurants Selling Groceries and Meal Kits

With public dining spaces now shut down across the province, some local restaurants are selling essentials online for cooking at home. Read on for a few examples, and see more over at The Daily Hive:

• Joey Market (Joey Restaurants): Everything from fresh produce and sirloin steak to toilet paper, delivered via DoorDash.
• Earls Grocery (Earls Kitchen and Bar): Everything from daily home essentials and fresh ingredients to fully prepared meals.
• Local Corner Store (Local Public Eatery): Grocery essentials delivered via DoorDash, from sliced cheese and burger patties to nacho kits.
• Harvest Community Foods: Community-supported agriculture (CSA) bags priced at $35 each and sized for two. The bags contain a surprise selection of veggies, seasonal foods, grains, heirloom legumes, and more. Harvest’s sister restaurant, Burdock & Co, is also offering CSA bags, packed with kitchen staples such as broth, yogurt, granola, and wine. Pre-order online for pickup.
• Flourist: This artisan flour miller and bakery in East Vancouver is offering free local delivery and pick-up of baked goods, flour, eggs, vegetables, olive oil, and more.

Happy shopping, and stay safe out there. Remember: in times like these, it’s important to be prepared, but equally important to think about your neighbours – and leave something on the shelves for them!