Here's why H-E-B decided not to have seniors-only shopping hours during pandemic

Ruth Flavelle wears a mask and gloves as she enters an H-E-B grocery after waiting in line with more than 150 people Tuesday, March 17, 2020, in Spring, Texas. Grocery stores across the country have started to reserve special hours for older, at-risk Americans during the coronavirus pandemic. less Ruth Flavelle wears a mask and gloves as she enters an H-E-B grocery after waiting in line with more than 150 people Tuesday, March 17, 2020, in Spring, Texas. Grocery stores across the country have started to ... more Photo: David J. Phillip, AP Photo: David J. Phillip, AP Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close Here's why H-E-B decided not to have seniors-only shopping hours during pandemic 1 / 5 Back to Gallery

Grocery stores across the country have started to reserve special hours for older, at-risk Americans during the coronavirus pandemic.

The accommodation, instituted by chains like Dollar General and Stop & Shop, intends to allow seniors to stock up on supplies while avoiding the crowds flocking to supermarkets.

H-E-B will not be following suit.

"Our leadership team studied this option thoroughly and due to recommendations from health officials and the CDC we have determined this is not the best and safest option for our customers," a company spokesperson said in a statement.

"H-E-B takes care of Texas and we feel asking a group to congregate at our stores in a certain timeframe is not a safe idea."

READ MORE: Dollar General to offer seniors-only shopping time to fight spread of coronavirus

The company noted it is focused on promoting social distancing and delivering products through curbside and home delivery.

On Monday, Dollar General announced stores were "encouraged" to dedicate the first hour after opening solely to seniors, one of the groups most at risk for serious complications from COVID-19.

The move was intended to limit seniors' exposure to larger crowds during the store's busier shopping periods.

H-E-B will make an initial $3 million donation to organizations across Texas, including the San Antonio Food Bank, to provide relief for seniors, children, and low-income families during the pandemic.

Mark Dunphy is a breaking news reporter and general assignment writer. Read him on our breaking news site, MySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | mark.dunphy@express-news.net | @m_b_dunphy