As Columbia County residents continue to grapple with disruptions due to COVID-19, some local grocers have adjusted their shopping hours, in part to accommodate the most vulnerable among us.
Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie, both owned by Southeastern Grocers of Jacksonville, are now open from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m., seven days per week.
In addition, senior citizens 60 and older, as well as other high-risk customers, have a special invitation to shop from 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. Monday - Friday.
The special hours went into effect Friday.
The grocer is asking all customers to respect the time given to the elderly and other high-risk shoppers to allow them the comfort of purchasing necessary products in a safe environment.
“We’ll show special attention to seniors, but other customers will be allowed in,” said Elvis Gillis, store manager of the Lake City Winn-Dixie.
He noted that while the store has modified hours, employees are cleaning and sanitizing the store until 10 p.m. nightly.
Publix, which is now open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. seven days a week, will open an hour early for shoppers 65 and older.
Walmart will serve customers from 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and has set aside 6 a.m. - 7 a.m. on Tuesdays as its time for shoppers 60 and older.
As of Monday, shopping hours at Aldi are from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. The store does not have senior shopping hours.
Dollar General also has new hours, from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. Seniors 60 and older have a special invitation to shop from 7 a.m.-8 a.m.
Save A Lot is open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and doesn’t have senior hours.