It follows suit that many grocery stores are now offering special hours for health care workers and first responders. Many are already offering special hours for seniors as well as convenient curbside grocery pickup, so it’s nice to see this trend extend to those working the front-lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s what we know so far, I’ll be sure to keep this list updated as other grocery stores jump-in and offer this service as well.

BJ’s Wholesale

On Sundays, from 8 am – 9 am all health care workers and first responders can shop WITHOUT a membership.

They’re calling it the “appreciation hour” and they’ll have the store to themselves, which is great.

Costco

Costco is giving ALL health care workers and first responders the ability to move to the front of ANY line to enter the warehouse.

This priority access is temporary and requires you to show your credentials at the door.

See Also: First Responder Discounts: All 22 Popular Stores That Offer Them

Giant Eagle

Health care workers can shop at Giant Eagle 1-hour before the store opens on Thursday and Friday.

The same goes for first responders like firefighters, police, and EMTs.

Meijer

The folks at Meijer have set aside Mondays and Wednesdays from 7 am – 8am for store employees, healthcare workers, and first responders to shop.

Be sure to bring a valid ID so you can get in and quickly do your shopping.

Publix

Publix grocery stores have reserved TWO separate time slots for healthcare workers and first responders and they are as follows:

Thursdays – From 8 pm – 9 pm.

Fridays – From 7 am – 8 am.

Sam’s Club

Sam’s Club has unveiled “Hero Hours” which are every Sunday from 8 am – 10 am.

First responders and healthcare workers will have the warehouse to themselves.

See Also: The 14 Cheapest Grocery Stores That’ll Save You Money

Save Mart

This includes not only Save Mart, but also FoodMaxx and Lucky.

These grocery stores are now opening 1 hour early and staying open one hour later for first responders.

They ask you to show your credentials when you enter.

Walgreens

The folks at Walgreens have designated Saturday, April 25th, as “Frontline Heroes Discount Day”.

The discount on that day is 30% OFF all Walgreens branded items and 25% OFF all regularly-priced national brands.

According to their statement, “The discount applies to all physicians, nurses, paramedics, police officers, fire fighters, and other health care and frontline professionals.”

Walmart

While not a huge deal, it’s worth noting that Walmart has introduced “pickup hour” which reserves the first curbside pickup hour of each day for first responders, those 60 or older, and all shoppers designated as high risk for COVID-19.

The “pickup hour” at Walmart is daily from 7 am – 8am. 

Ask the Reader: Do you know of any other stores offering discount or special shopping hours for nurses, doctors, and first responders?

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Paulo O.