New Mexico State Dept asks seniors to call 1-800-432-2080 if you are unable to access groceries

Help Getting to the Grocery Store

The state is offering help to New Mexico seniors. The Aging and Long Term Services Department says if you’re a senior or a disabled adult who cannot access groceries to call the number 1-800-432-2080 due to the coronavirus.

Leave a message with your name, telephone number, and the city/town you reside in. Aging and Long Term Services will be in contact with you within 2 hours of your call if not sooner. This comes as many New Mexicans have been raiding stores for toilet paper, hand sanitizer and more.

Services

In Albuquerque, the Department of Senior Affairs is also helping out seniors. The department is transitioning its senior centers into food distribution sites where there will be a pickup and go option.

They also have a home delivery program. Home-bound seniors who are interested should call 505-764-6400.

New Mexico’s largest electricity provider PNM and New Mexico Gas Company announced on Monday, March 16 that they will be suspending electric service and gas disconnections due to the impact of the coronavirus.

Stores

The United Family of stores, which includes Albertsons Market, beginning Thursday, March 19, 2020, every store will have a dedicated shopping time from 7:00 a.m. until 9 a.m. on Mondays and Thursday for shoppers older than 60 and guests who have compromised immune systems.

Locations throughout New Mexico are reserving the first hour of every day for seniors and those most vulnerable to COVID-19.

The bulk retailer said in a statement Saturday that it will open its doors for members 60 years and older ever Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. The special hours will begin March 24.

Dollar General stores will dedicate the first hour of every shopping day to senior shoppers beginning Tuesday, March 17. Please call individual stores for details.

(Roswell and Portales) – Stores will be opening early, from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. every day, except for Sundays at Roswell locations, for seniors ages 60 years and older.

(Artesia) – Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays store will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. for seniors.

Various locations throughout New Mexico will be offering early hours for seniors. It will vary by store but many, including Albuquerque’s Candelaria location and Santa Fe market will open early on Sundays to serve seniors. You are asked to call your local store for details.

(Carlsbad) – Stores will be opening early every day from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. for seniors.

Smith’s Food & Drug Stores throughout New Mexico will be allowing senior citizens special hours to shop. Starting on May 3, Smith’s will be dedicating its opening hours from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to shoppers 60 years of age or older until further notice as they are the most vulnerable to coronavirus.

Target announced Tuesday that stores across the country will take measures to ensure elderly customers and those with underlying health conditions have access to stocked shelves amid a wave of panic-buying caused by the coronavirus.

Starting Wednesday, the first hour of shopping every Wednesday will be reserved for the elderly or shoppers who have underlying health conditions. Target stores will also be closing early, at 9 p.m. local time, so employees can clean and restock the stores.

Beginning March 24 through April 28, Walmart stores will host an hour-long senior shopping event every Tuesday for customers aged 60 and older. This will start one hour before the store opens. Our pharmacies and Vision Centers will also be open during this time.

Starting Wednesday, March 18, all Whole Foods Market stores in the U.S. and Canada will let customers who are 60 and older shop one hour before opening to the public every day.