BOISE, IDAHO — Albertsons Cos. announced on March 18 plans to dedicate shopping hours for senior citizens and other at-risk populations, such as pregnant women or those with compromised immune systems.

According to the company, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. will be available only for vulnerable shoppers who must leave home to obtain groceries, unless there is local mandate against that. The mandate applies to Albertsons stores and all its banner stores.

“We are sensitive to the fact that everyone wants to make sure they have the items they need, and we also know that everyone wants their neighbors to stay safe and healthy, too,” said Vivek Sankaran, president and chief executive officer of Albertsons. “We are asking our customers to respect these special hours for those who are most at risk in our communities. We thank our customers in advance for their compassion and understanding toward their neighbors and friends, and in helping us maintain this temporary operations guideline.”