Efforts are underway to get food to those most vulnerable.

As residents rush to stock up on supplies before self-isolating for weeks, grocery stores have been struggling to keep items on the shelves and shopping carts have been bumperto-bumper in store aisles.

For vulnerable populations — such as seniors and those with chronic medical conditions — who are considered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to be at the highest risk for contracting the virus, being in crowded stores only increases their risk of exposure. Towns, faith groups and stores are stepping up efforts to ensure that these residents can get the food and other items they need.

According to a news release from the Shoreline Church in Old Lyme, area pastors and local leaders “are offering to pick up and deliver groceries, prescriptions and other essential items to area residents who are at risk of contracting coronavirus, or who are afraid to go out in public to get the things they need” at no charge for the services but with reimbursement for items provided.

To use this service or volunteer to assist with the initiative, residents in Chester, Deep River, Essex, Old Lyme, Lyme, East Lyme, South Lyme, Old Saybrook, Clinton, Westbrook, Niantic, Waterford, New London, Salem and Montville should email SLCwillhelp@ gmail.com or call (860) 3049853.

Waterford is partnering with the Interfaith Food Locker to give free groceries to residents impacted by coronavirus on Friday, March 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its office at the Youth and Family Services office, 200 Boston Post Road.

“It will be a drive-thru format, residents will just need to open their trunks and staff will place items in the car,” a news release reads. “Groceries will include fresh food and non-perishable food items. This will be the first round of our ‘Grab and Go’ free food program for those impacted by COVID-19.”

The grocery giveaway is open to all, Youth Services Program Coordinator Joseph Trelli wrote in an email. “While we have a robust social services application process, it requires a person-to-person interview. Given the circumstances, that isn’t possible right now,” he wrote. “We also feel that, based on the gravity of the situation, attempting to determine eligibility simply flies in the face of what Youth and Family Services is all about, and that’s empathy. We understand the struggle, the anxiety and uncertainty that folks are feeling right now, and it’s in everyone’s best interest that we waive the application process.”

Food donations being accepted at the Youth and Family Services office but, since the building is closed to the public, residents are encouraged to call ahead, at (860) 4445848 to arrange donations.

A food drive, set up by First Selectman Rob Brule, also is taking place at Waterford Town Hall from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 21.

Waterford’s Interfaith Food Locker has been running for more than 15 years. Every month, it serves 40 to 50 clients that need help, according to Trelli.

In Lyme, the town’s Senior Center issued a statement saying those who normal eat lunch at the center can order food to go through the Estuary Center in Old Saybrook by calling (860) 388-1611, ext. 216, before 11 a.m. on the Monday before the week. People who use the service should pick up food curbside at the senior center on Tuesdays between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. People receive five frozen meals per reservation.

Stop & Shop offers isolated shopping hours, contact-free deliveries

Stop & Shop will be offering exclusive shopping hours for customers who are 60-yearsold and older and providing “contact-free” deliveries in an effort to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

On Monday, Stop & Shop President Gordon Reid announced that beginning Thursday, only shoppers over the age of 60 will be allowed in Stop & Shop stores from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. each day.

“We’re making the decision to offer this every day of the week to allow for community members in this age category to shop in a less crowded environment, which better enables social distancing,” Reid said. “They’ll also be shopping prior to any other customers entering.”

Starting Thursday, people over age 60 will have a designated entrance and will be able to enter the store before any other shoppers. Most stores have adjusted their hours to 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. to allow associates to spend more time unloading deliveries and stocking shelves and having time to rest during these busy, high-stress shifts.

Home delivery services will remain available and can be purchased with a new “contact-free” delivery option that will prevent contact between delivery drivers and customers.

During “contact-free” deliveries, customers will be notified by text or email when the delivery driver arrives. The driver will leave the customer’s bags on their doorstep or near their entryway and return to his or her vehicle, eliminating any contact.

Stop & Shop stores will continue receiving deliveries throughout the day and restocking their shelves, as well as implementing additional cleaning and sanitation efforts.

Customers shopping during senior shopping hours will not be asked to show identification.

“We ask that you please respect the purpose of the early opening — and do the right thing for your neighbors,” Reid said.

Local Stop & Shop stores are located in Groton, East Lyme, Montville, Norwich, Waterford, Pawcatuck, Uncasville and Colchester.