Kroger to dedicate first hour of operation four days a week to seniors, high-risk customers

Kroger will start offering special hours for at-risk populations next week.

Stores in the Cincinnati-Dayton division will dedicate the first hour of operation, 7 a.m. to 8 a.m., on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, solely to seniors 60 and older and other higher-risk customers, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The grocery chain’s associates will assist anyone who needs additional help while shopping, company officials said today.

MORE: Coronavirus: Senior centers to close Monday; first death confirmed in Ohio

“Kroger wants to provide these groups with the ability to purchase the items they need when fewer shoppers are present,” said Erin Rolfes, corporate affairs manager for Kroger’s Cincinnati-Dayton division. “We request that customers respect these hours for the health of our community during this time of uncertainty.”

Rolfes said Kroger is following guidance from federal, state and local agencies, including the CDC and other health organizations.

“The health and well-being of our associates, our customers and our communities is our top priority,” she said.

MORE: Kings Island postpones opening day for more than a month

About the Author