Meng Calls for Grocery Delivery Services to Offer Special “Senior+” Delivery Slots
April 22, 2020
QUEENS, NY – With many grocery stores offering special senior citizen shopping hours due to the coronavirus crisis, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) today called for these supermarkets – along with online retailers – to provide seniors and vulnerable populations with designated delivery slots as well.
"I commend the grocery stores that have provided these special shopping hours for seniors and at-risk customers," said Meng. "Seniors and other vulnerable individuals have used them as a lifeline during this pandemic. For many though, going outside is a risk too great to take; either they are physically unable to leave their homes, or the outside exposure can further endanger their lives. That is why I urge supermarkets to take their special shopping hours a step further by offering designated delivery times. Prioritizing deliveries for seniors and those living with disabilities would be the right thing to do, and it would help ensure that these vulnerable populations stay safe. I have heard from constituents that if they are lucky enough, they can secure a delivery time slot. But often times, it is for a date too far in the future. And for many seniors, the slots are simply all taken. While grocery deliveries are certainly convenient for us all, they are a necessity for the elderly and the immunocompromised. I urge grocery delivery services to begin implementing these delivery slots immediately."