“The Coronavirus pandemic crisis creates a higher risk for our seniors and shopping in our grocery stores elevate that risk. To minimize some of that risk and to protect the well-being of our seniors, I’m working with our local grocery stores to provide a time each week that is reserved solely for them, the seniors, to do their grocery shopping,” said Daniel Henkel, Niceville Mayor Pro Tem.
This story has been updated to reflect that Publix also is offering dedicated senior hours at all of its stores.
NICEVILLE, Fla — Niceville supermarkets Walmart, Grocery Outlet and Publix next week will begin offering dedicated hours for senior shoppers.
Beginning Tuesday, March 24, Grocery Outlet will be open only to people age 60 or older on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Walmart will open its doors every Tuesday morning one hour early, 6 a.m. to 7 a.m., to serve seniors age 60 or older, beginning March 24.
Publix has designated Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., to serve seniors age 65 or older, beginning March 24.
Daniel Henkel, Niceville Mayor Pro Tem, contacted Niceville’s grocery stores after hearing from a local senior citizen concerned about crowded shopping conditions and the threat to older people by the coronavirus. He confirmed that both Walmart and Grocery Outlet in Niceville are committed to the senior shopping hours and Publix was considering it.
This afternoon, Publix announced its senior shopping hours.
“The Coronavirus pandemic crisis creates a higher risk for our seniors and shopping in our grocery stores elevate that risk. To minimize some of that risk and to protect the well-being of our seniors, I’m working with our local grocery stores to provide a time each week that is reserved solely for them, the seniors, to do their grocery shopping,” said Henkel.
“I commend these stores for being good neighbors and helping to minimize the spread of this virus to our senior population. It is important that we work together to get through this difficult time.”
Grocery Outlet is in the Palm Plaza, 1300 John Sims Pkwy E. Walmart is at 1015 John Sims Pkwy E. Publix is at 1520 E John Sims Pkwy, in the Crossing Shopping Center.