They care about good food and the local providers. 

Before selling commercial real estate starting about 17 years ago I was in the food business sector for over a decade in all facets.

Owning rentals involves volatility in cash flows, if the investors can’t figure out the best way to deal with COVID-19 while paying all their bills, then they don’t deserve to have rentals. 2 - There are options available to Investors: They can always put it on a credit card, which really already has a payment plan set up for them with their terms... an investor can quite literally just pay the minimum until they get back on their feet, not suggesting anyone just make the minimum on a CC but that is an option, just like it is an option to put food, utilities and anything else on a credit card, investments are no different. 3 - There are loans available to Investors: Applying for temporary or unsecured loans to make ends meet are available and even more so now - and before anyone says you won't qualify - there's only one person to blame for getting yourself overleveraged in some vanity fueled quest to reach x number of doors and yes... a CC is a type of loan when used - so if you have a CC... you can access to borrowed funds with a re-payment system. 4 - Why does an investor have to own their current rentals?

Are grocery stores ordered to give away food?

I have no bills really other than a phone, internet and food.

My wife and I are retired and the rentals are what puts food on the table for us.

Do you think it's practical to ask Grocery stores to give discounts on food whenever someone is having a tough time?

Then maybe he might take you seriously.You need to remember that your dad worked the 40 years to get comfortable so that he can put food on your plate and put a roof over your head and clothes on your back.  

e.g food, utilities, etc.

Just like they have to buy food, they still need to pay rent.