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Local supermarkets acclimate to coronavirus protocol with dedicated hours for seniors and the immunocompromised.
Back during the pre-coronavirus days in the Hudson Valley, grocery shopping was an experience. With a wealth of family-run, artisan-stocked supermarkets dotted from Albany to Westchester, Hudson Valleyites had their pick of farm-fresh produce and gourmet treats at every corner.
Then COVID-19 arrived in New York, and grocery shopping – and everything else, for that matter – hasn’t been the same. Just as restaurants across the Valley have been forced to adapt to New York State regulations surrounding the virus, supermarkets (which, as essential services, are exempt from Governor Cuomo’s work-from-home mandate) have also had to make changes to address the needs of consumers, like starting shopping hours for seniors and the immunocompromised.
Here’s what you need to know before heading out to the grocery store for all at-home essentials.
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Adams Fairacre Farms
Kingston, Newburgh, Poughkeepsie, Wappinger
Senior shopping: 7-8 a.m. daily
Store hours: Mon-Sat 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sun 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
An icon in the Hudson Valley, Adams continues to operate as a valuable resource for locals during the COVID-19 crisis. At each of its four locations, Adams offers a daily senior shopping hour from 7-8 a.m. for anyone ages 60 and up or at high risk. All seating areas are now closed, and Adams Cafés offer takeout only. The hot and salad bar stations are staff-served with packaged options, as is the coffee station.
As far as hygiene practices go, Adams frequently disinfects high-traffic surfaces like door handles, countertops, keypads, restroom surfaces, and baskets. It also power-washes shopping carts and continually updates employees on best practices regarding virus prevention.
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DeCicco & Sons
Ardsley, Armonk, Brewster, Harrison, Larchmont, Millwood, Pelham, Somers
Senior shopping: 8-9 a.m. daily
Store hours: Mon-Sat 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sun 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
With the first hour of each day dedicated to seniors and immunocompromised customers only, DeCicco & Sons puts the safety of its customers first. In addition to frequently cleaning and sanitizing all stores, DeCicco & Sons has every location sanitized by a licensed commercial company.
In regard to the shopping experience, locations have responded to the demand for meat by increasing the range of quality meats they offer. All labels are reflective of the change, and DeCicco & Sons continues to offer preferred brands like Springer Farms and Bell and Evans as it receives supplies. Certain limitations exist on in-demand paper goods and cleaning products to ensure that resources extend as far as possible.
For anyone who prefers to shop from the comfort of home, Decicco & Sons runs an online store with delivery through Instacart.
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Hawthorne Valley Farm Store
Ghent
Senior shopping: 8-9 a.m. daily
Store hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Columbia County favorite Hawthorne Valley Farm Store keeps up with COVID-19 demands by altering hours to cater to seniors and at-risk individuals and extending its closing time to clean and sanitize the store. To further reduce risk, Hawthorne Valley limits the number of customers allowed in the store to 6-10 at a time, with a staff member stationed at the door to help with customer flow.
On the to-go front, the Ghent farm store recently rolled out curbside pickup and delivery services to minimize in-store traffic. Orders must be received by 2 p.m. for delivery the following morning, and curbside pickup can be fulfilled the same day if submitted before 12 p.m.
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High Falls Food Co-Op
High Falls
Curbside pickup only
A comparatively small operation in Ulster County, High Falls Food Cooperative adapts to the demand for local, organic ingredients by offering curbside pickup. All customers interested can email the store with a list of items they’d like and a phone number so the staff can confirm what’s in stock and process the transaction over the phone. Due to high demand, orders may take 24-48 hours to be fulfilled. The co-op remains well-stocked, which means it’s a must for vegan ingredients and fresh, local supplies.
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Mother Earth’s Storehouse
Kingston, Poughkeepsie, Saugerties
Senior shopping: Mon-Fri 8-9 a.m.
Hours vary by store
Mother Earth’s Storehouse embraces its reputation for healthy, nutritious ingredients in the face of the coronavirus. At each of its three locations in the Hudson Valley, the supermarket remains well-stocked with organic produce, spices of every variety, and prepared foods to-go. Groceries can be ordered for curbside pickup, with delivery options available for anyone within a limited radius.
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Nature’s Pantry
Fishkill, New Windsor
Senior shopping: 8:30- 9 a.m. daily
Store hours: Mon-Sat 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sun 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
For the first half hour every morning, Nature’s Pantry dedicates the floor to senior and immunocompromised shoppers. Throughout the day, both locations regularly sanitize all shopping carts, door handles, credit card terminals, and grab-and-go surfaces. As always, the alternative grocery centers remain a resource for prepared vegan soups and wraps, along with an extensive selection of supplements and vitamins. Self-serve items at the hot bar, salad bar, draft kombucha, and drip coffee stations are on pause until further notice.
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Otto’s Market
Germantown
Curbside pickup only
Store hours: Mon-Sat 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Otto’s takes a temporary break from its artisan shopping experience to offer curbside pickup exclusively. Anyone who’d like to pick up supplies from the Columbia County grocer can fill out a form on the store’s website. The market will call when the order is being prepared, and any orders placed after 2 p.m. will be packed the following day.
For anyone who’s looking to support local makers during the COVID-19 quarantine, Otto’s is the place to shop. Alongside its fresh-baked scones and muffins, the market stocks Bread Alone and Catskill Bakery bread. In the pantry section, it keeps shelves Hudson Valley-centric with Sfoglini pasta, Hudson Valley Fresh dairy, and JB Peel coffee. At the end of every order form, shoppers have the chance to donate $5 to support Otto’s employees and/or the Germantown Food Pantry. Every little bit counts!
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Sunflower Market
Rhinebeck, Woodstock
Senior shopping: Mon-Fri 9-10 a.m.
Store hours: Mon-Fri 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
After adjusting its hours for additional cleaning and shelf-stocking, Sunflower Market keeps the Hudson Valley supplied with local brands and artisan products. While the supermarket is still deciding whether to implement a delivery or pickup service, it continues to open its doors for shoppers in search of everything from fresh produce to gut-friendly kombucha. Its deli, juice, and salad bars are closed for the time being, but local treats from makers like ImmuneSchein and More Good remain available.
The Woodstock location offers curbside pickup and delivery.
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Taste NY at Todd Hill
Lagrangeville
Store hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Fri 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sat 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sun 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
For one-stop shopping with a focus on New York brands, Taste NY remains the place to visit. The mini-market stocks kitchen essentials like bread, eggs, and milk, but it also carries hyperlocal bites like Jacuterie bacon, The Gluten Free Bakery bread, and Harney & Sons tea. Because inventory arrives in small batches and rotates regularly, every visit brings new discoveries. P.S. Taste NY stocks New York beer and cider, too.