Several agencies and volunteer organizations have ramped up initiatives to provide priority service to those most at risk during the pandemic, including seniors, the immunocompromised, persons with disabilities, and low- income families and individuals.

If you or someone you know requires priority access, assistance with deliveries of groceries and goods, and other simple errands or needs, check out and share a few of the local and national supports available below.

Need additional help finding resources? Call 211!

Local Delivery & Support Initiatives

(Toronto)

• Friendly Neighbour Hotline – University Health Network’s OpenLab is helping vulnerable seniors by developing a volunteer-run program to deliver in low-income housing. Call 1 855 581 9580, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Order online, here.
• The Good Neighbour Project – This open Facebook group lists daily posts and requests for volunteers for local food deliveries and services, sign up on a first-come-first-serve basis. 

• Asian Unification Project  – A joint project of several Asian organizations created to provide support with groceries and errands. The project aims to primarily serve Elderly Asian individuals who face several barriers including discrimination, accessibility, mobility, and language. You can apply for support here.
• The Red cross – The City has partnered with The Red Cross to provide food hamper delivery to seniors and others in need who are unable to leave their homes to access food due to COVID-19. The Red Cross will be accepting calls at 1-833-204-9952 for those who require this service and are not receiving assistance from another community food program

Priority Access Shopping Hours  

Several large retailers and grocery stores are offering early access hours for those who are vulnerable during the pandemic to shop. Many also offer curbside pick up options as well to limit physical contact.

(National)

• Shoppers Drug Mart – Designated the first hour of shopping (8-9 AM) to those who require assistance which includes seniors, individuals with underlying health conditions, and people living with disabilities.
• Walmart – Temporarily dedicated 7-8 AM daily to those who are vulnerable, seniors (65+), and those with disabilities. Excludes Quebec, find a store near you. 
• Loblaws – Open 7-8 AM for Senior Hour – Find a location near you.
• Sobeys – Many stores will be devoting the first hour of operations to those most vulnerable and those who require extra attention, particularly seniors. Contact your local store for more information on store hours.
• Longo’s – All Longo’s locations will offer a “community well being hour” from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. every morning for seniors and other at-risk members of the community.
• Freshco – Senior Shopping hour (7-8 AM) for those most at risk during the pandemic.  Store locator, here.
• No frills – Several locations (franchised) are offering a reserved shopping hour from 7-8 AM, some on select days. Check your local store for hours. 

(Newfoundland & Labrador)

• Colemans Grocery – Dedicated first shopping hour to seniors and high-risk individuals. Hours vary by location.

(Vancouver)

• Fresh St. Market, West Vancouver  – Senior & High- Risk shopping hour every Wednesday & Friday 7-8 AM.

(B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Yukon Territory)

• Save on Foods – holding a special shopping hour for the most vulnerable to shop from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. each day

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