Grocery Delivery Options For Seniors

Grocery Shopping For Seniors Online

www.walmart.com
​The world doesn’t stop turning just because there is a pandemic, and it can make grocery shopping extremely stressful. Especially for seniors and those with pre-existing conditions, it is important to continue social distancing, which can be difficult if the pantry is running low. Here are some options that seniors are using to do their shopping safely.

1. Instacart   www.instacart.com

Instacart is a grocery shopping service where you can select your items and pay online for a personal shopper to retrieve your items and deliver them to your door. They are available at Walmart, HyVee,www.hyvee.com Target, Sam’s Club, and more. Because they’re not tied to any specific grocery store, they also offer options such as PetCo, which can be important if you are trying to feed a pet. Simply visit Instacart.com, input your zip code, and begin to shop. Remember that Instacart personal shoppers are essential service workers who are not often paid well, so tip generously!

1. Google Express www.express.google.com

Did you know that you can shop for your groceries on Google.com? Google Express partners with local retailers such as Walmart, Costco, and Target to offer nonperishable groceries such as snack foods, pantry essentials, and baking ingredients. Delivery options include same-day or two-day shipping, and shipping is typically free if you meet the cart minimums, which are usually between $25-$30. Visit Google.com/shopping to browse their options.
 
3. Store-specific Delivery Services
It is becoming more and more common for stores to offer grocery delivery and pickup. Hy-Vee and Safeway both allow you to shop online and either have the groceries delivered to your door or pick them up without having to go inside the store; unfortunately, this is only offered in large cities such as Omaha, Lincoln, and Sioux Falls.
Walmart’s online grocery shopping is extremely common, however, and is available at many rural locations. Simply select your grocery items online at Walmart.com and pay online with a credit card. Your cart must have a minimum of $30 in it. Some Walmarts offer delivery, but it is much more common to be able to pick up your pre-selected items in the parking lot. Best of all, Walmart offers this service for free, whereas most other grocery shopping services charge a fee.
 
4. Local Grocery Stores
Due to current safety concerns, many local groceries stores that have never offered grocery delivery are now taking delivery orders. In many local communities, grocery stores are taking credit card orders over the phone and are busy preparing orders for drop off and pick up.  Some local grocery stores deliver to more than one small town. Even if your local grocery store did not use to offer delivery, try calling them up and see what options they have now.
 
5. Local Churches
Though not “professional personal shoppers,” many local churches are currently rallying to make large shopping runs and deliver groceries to their communities. Try calling around to your local churches, whether you attend them or not, and ask if they have any grocery shopping resources. You’re likely to find someone who is willing to help.
 
As always, don’t be afraid to also reach out to friends, family, and neighbors if you are struggling with obtaining groceries in this time. Between these grocery delivery services and the communities around you, there are many ways to keep your kitchen stocked without violating social distancing measures.
By: Amy Jackson 

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