City Organizations Band Together To Bring Food, Services To All Residents: Where To Find Resources During Shelter In Place

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Local service and food organizations are ramping up their efforts to make sure all residents in Chicago have access to essential resources in preparation for the state's shelter in place. 

At the Office of Emergency Management and Communications headquarters, Mayor Lightfoot joined local service organizations Salvation Army, the Greater Chicago Food Depository, United Way and the Illinois Retail Merchants Association to announce the city's plan to offer increased food supply, financial assistance and resources for residents most affected by the coronavirus closures and the order to stay home until April 7. 

Lightfoot stressed the importance of helping out neighbors, checking in on loved ones and making sure everyone in Chicago has access to important resources to get them through this difficult time. She also reminded the public to be thankful to the city's first responders, grocery workers and volunteers working to make sure everyone has access to what they need.

She also reminded people what can and can't be done under the state order. Learn more about what this order means for you. 

Walking or biking, getting exercise outside and going to essential businesses is still permittable — in fact, Lightfoot said getting outside is good for the soul during this time. While the city is separated, it's important to stay connected, she said.

"We still need to be bonded together as a community and one of the most important things to do are well-being check-ins on our neighbors [who] need a little bit of support," Lightfoot said. "That friendly voice on the other side of the phone is critical."

"There is no need and to shop outside of our shopping patterns," Carr said. "Doing so is putting a strain on [retail employees and truck drivers]. Think about the impact you are having on them and your neighbors."

He said several retailers have also created dedicated shopping hours for seniors to shop for groceries without crowds of other people. Retailers include:

  • Whole Foods: Customers age 60 and older can shop daily an hour before stores open to the general public. So, if a store opens at 9 a.m., for example, seniors have access at 8 a.m.

When: Policy is already in effect.

  • Target: The first hour of shopping each Wednesday is reserved for the elderly and other vulnerable populations, such as those with compromised immune systems.

When: Policy is already in effect.

  • Jewel-Osco: Senior shoppers are being given priority on from 7-9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

When: Policy is already in effect.

  • Mariano’s: The grocer has set aside two hours daily — 6 to 8 a.m. — for seniors and those with underlying health conditions.

When: Policy is already in effect.

  • Walmart: Customers ages 60 and older can shop every Tuesday an hour before stores open. Walmart pharmacies and vision centers will also be open during this time.

When: Starting Tuesday, March 24 through April 28.

  • Tony’s Fresh Market: Senior priority shopping hours are in effect 7-9 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

When: Beginning Tuesday, March 24.

More information about what retailers are doing, and which ones are open, can be found on the IRMA website. 

Nearly 600 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Illinois so far, but Pritzker’s administration is bracing for as many as 3,400 by next week. So far, five people in Illinois have died from the virus.