News Release
Several Local Grocers to Give Seniors, Disabled Priority Shopping
Mayor and City Staff Advocated on Behalf of Residents Most Vulnerable to Coronavirus
For immediate release: March 17, 2020
Effective immediately, Moreno Valley's seniors and disabled grocery shoppers will be moved to the front of the line at several local grocery stores.
Winco, at 12880 Day St., will allow seniors-only shopping from 6:30-7 a.m., before the store's regular opening time of 7 a.m.; Costco, at 12700 Day St., will prioritize disabled shoppers with no wait any time during regular hours; and Cardenas Markets will allow senior citizens, their caregivers, people with special needs, and first responders to shop one hour before all other customers, from 7-8 a.m., at all Cardenas locations.
The stores agreed to implement priority-shopping plans at the request of Moreno Valley Mayor Yxstian Gutierrez and City staff, following panic buying in recent days that has left many less-aggressive shoppers empty-handed.
"The most vulnerable among us were having the hardest time trying to buy the basics," explained Mayor Gutierrez. "Cardenas, Winco and Costco responded quickly to our request, and we're working with other grocery stores to get them to implement similar policies."
The Mayor noted that due to the Governor's directive that those 65 and older should stay home, seniors have very limited shopping opportunities to begin with.
And he reiterated the CDC's and Riverside County Public Health's directives to practice social distancing of at least six feet between people. While grocery stores are exempted from that directive, patrons are still expected to do their best to maximize distance between each other.
# # #
Upon request, this news release will be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with disabilities, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any person with a disability who requires a modification or accommodation in order to participate in this meeting should direct such requests to Guy Pegan, ADA Coordinator, at 951.413.3120 at least 72 hours before the meeting. The 72-hour notification will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.