"Because human beings work together. That's what we do".  Dr. John Campbell

During the COVID Pandemic, people are understandably "stocking up". Unfortunately, our most vulnerable populations, the elderly and disabled, do not have the ability to "compete" with younger, more aggressive shoppers in terms of purchasing power, access, and even physicality.

Purchasing Power: Given their limited and fixed income, they cannot afford to have a "stockpile" of daily necessities like others. They literally can only afford to purchase food week to week. Let's give them a fair chance to purchase what they need, ahead of the rest of us stockpiling what we want. 

Access: The elderly and disabled often have mobility issues, making it difficult to reach, get supplies, and move them around the store. This is exacerbated by large crowds all intent on grabbing whatever they can. Let's make their shopping experience safe and as easy as possible. 

Physicality: Our elderly relatives and our disabled friends are at a physical disadvantage and therefore are subject to intimidation from our more aggressive and less scrupulous neighbors. We have all seen how mass panic can bring out the worst in some people. 

The Solution: Designated shopping periods.
Let's encourage the major shopping chains to set aside an hour in the morning to allow the elderly and vulnerable (with a single assistant if needed) to safely get their basic necessities for food and other products ahead of the rest of us!  Purchasing limits, etc would remain unchanged. We are just giving an opportunity to get basic supplies to those who need it the most. 

Thanks for your consideration.

-The Caregivers, healthcare providers, family and friends of the Elderly and Disabled everywhere.