Here’s when health care workers can shop

Retailers across the nation are giving priority access to health care workers and first responders.

Stores are designating special shopping hours to help those serving on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. The designated hours are similar to what retailers introduced in March for seniors and shoppers with underlying health concerns.

At Costco Wholesale Club, members who are health care workers or first responders can move to the front of lines.

Some businesses including restaurants and convenience stores are offering discounts and freebies including coffee and meals.

Walgreens announced Thursday that it is designating April 25 as “Frontline Heroes Discount Day,” and will give first responders, police and medical personnel 30% off regularly-priced Walgreens brands and 20% off regularly priced national brand products.

An employment badge or identification is needed at Walgreens and other retailers and restaurants.

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Special shopping hours

BJ’s Wholesale Club: From 8 to 9 a.m. Sundays, first responders and health care workers can shop without a membership at all locations when they show their badge for the new “Appreciation Hour.” The senior shopping hour for club members 60 and over will be updated to Monday through Saturday 8 to 9 a.m. because of the change. 

Costco Wholesale Club: Costco is temporarily allowing priority access to members who are health care workers and first responders with valid ID of their role to “move to the front of any line to enter the warehouse,” the company posted on its website.

Giant Eagle: Health care workers and first responders can shop an hour before stores open to the public every Thursday and Friday.

Meijer: The grocery store chain is reserving 7 to 8 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays for essential service workers (all medical workers, first responders and law enforcement) and store employees.

Publix: Until further notice, the Florida-based grocery store chain is extending hours for first responders and hospital staff. The special hours are from 8 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays and 7 to 8 a.m. on Fridays.

Sam’s Club: Every Sunday from 8 to 10 a.m. until further notice, health care workers and first responders can shop during Sam’s Club Associate Appreciation Shopping Hours.

Save Mart: All Save Mart, FoodMaxx and Lucky stores will have special shopping hours – one hour before and one hour after posted store hours daily – for first responders, including law enforcement, fire and medical personnel with “proof of credentials.”

Southeastern Grocers: The parent company of BI-LO, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is extending hours on Mondays and Tuesdays to add a special shopping hour from 8 to 9 p.m. for health care providers and first responders.

Walmart: The retail giant is reserving an hour each day for pickup orders for first responders as well as shoppers most at risk for the coronavirus. The “pickup hour” is from 7 to 8 a.m. daily.

Freebies, discounts for health care workers, first responders

Some businesses are delivering free food and coffee to hospitals and smaller retailers. The following offers are available at participating locations until further notice unless otherwise noted.

Bojangles’: Through June 10, the chain is giving away free cups of its Legendary Iced Tea to healthcare workers, first responders and law enforcement. No purchase is necessary.

BP: First responders and health care workers get 50 cents off per gallon on their next fill up at BP and Amoco stations. To get the discount, you’ll have to verify your employment status. Learn more at www.bp.com/localheroes.

Circle K: The convenience store is giving free coffee, tea or soda to health care workers and frontline responders.

Cumberland Farms: The convenience store chain is offering a free cup of hot or iced coffee in any size to healthcare workers, first responders and military personnel “throughout this unprecedented time.” To receive a free coffee, tell a store employee your profession at checkout. 

Krispy Kreme: Every Monday through National Nurses Week (May 6-12), Krispy Kreme is giving all health care workers with a badge free dozens of its Original Glazed Doughnuts. This drive-thru offer is for anyone who works at a hospital, as well as physicians, nurses, surgeons, psychologists, dentists, optometrists, pharmacists and their staff. While supplies last.

Starbucks: The coffee giant is serving up free coffee for first responders and health care workers through May 3. The offer is for police officers, firefighters, paramedics, doctors, nurses, hospital and medical staff and medical researchers, Starbucks said. 

Walgreens: April 25 is “Frontline Hero Discount Day” at the company’s more than 9,200 stores for health care workers and first responders who present their employment badge or appropriate identification get up to 30% off eligible items.

Wawa: For a limited time, the convenience store chain is giving free coffee to health care workers and first responders. 

White Castle: Through April 30, healthcare workers and EMTs get a free Castle Combo or breakfast combo with their ID and a coupon posted at www.whitecastle.com.

More discounts: Smaller regional chains may also be treating first responders and health care workers.

Contributing: Genna Contino, Greenville News

Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko

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