Stop & Shop Offers Early-Morning Hours For People 60 And Above

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — As the nation hunkers down and attempts to ride out the coronavirus spread, people still need food and supplies. And coronavirus/COVID-19 is proving most lethal to those 60 and above or those with underlying health conditions, health experts say.

To that end, beginning Thursday, all Stop & Shop grocery stores will offer special grocery store hours for those ages 60 and older, from 6:00 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. daily. This will be in effect for all Stop & Shop stores nationwide, and it begins Thursday, March 19.

There are several Stop & Shops in the area, including in Highland Park, East Brunswick and South Brunswick.

You must be 60 and above to shop in the store at that time. Please do not come to Stop & Shop stores during that time if you are younger, said the company. Store employees will turn you away if you do, said the company.

"Beginning Thursday, people ages 60 and up can use a designated entrance, which will be marked at their local store, from 6:00 a.m.-7:30 a.m. Although we will not be requesting ID for entry, we ask that you please respect the purpose of the early opening – and do the right thing for your neighbors," said Stop & Shop in a statement.

Store associates do reserve the right to ask customers to leave if they are not a member of this 60+ age group.

"We’re making the decision to offer this every day of the week to allow for community members in this age category to shop in a less crowded environment, which better enables social distancing," said the grocery store chain. "They’ll also be shopping prior to any other customers entering."

For everyone else, the regular Stop & Shop hours are 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Stop & Shop has also added cleaning and sanitation efforts, which will continue throughout the day at all stores.