This Coronavirus has seriously disrupted the world. Quarantine is becoming the ultimate frustration, and seems like it’s never going to end! Getting the necessities for you and your family might seem impossible at times. When you don’t want to leave your home to hit the grocery store, there are other options out there for you! Here are some tips for online grocery and food shopping during quarantine.
Also check out Tips for Household Essentials Online Shopping During Quarantine
Amazon Fresh
Need fresh foods like fruits, veggies, meat, seafood, milk & dairy? Check your zip code with Amazon Fresh to see if they are delivering in your area! Prime Members normally score free 2-hour deliver in select areas. Amazon recently increased their capacity for delivery & pickup, making this more possible, even in these times.
SHOPPING TIPS:
- Check your zip code, just in case. You may not need Amazon Fresh now, but could soon – so find out if your area qualifies for delivery and keep that information in your back pocket.
- Delivery windows change throughout the day. Keep refreshing the page to catch one for yourself.
DoorDash
Sometimes, even while in quarantine, you want a break from the kitchen! DoorDash is an online and mobile delivery service offering no-contact delivery (just request that in delivery instructions) that will bring you your favorite restaurant food to your door.
SHOPPING TIPS:
- Use this link for your first DoorDash order, and you’ll score $5 off your first 3 DoorDash orders of $15+!
- Note the delivery times (in minutes) listed under each restaurant, so you’ll know what you can get, and when.
- Watch for deals from your favorite fast food and dine-in restaurants, because you can score those bargains AND have them delivered for free from DoorDash!
Instacart
Instacart lets you shop shop the stores Acme, ALDI, BJ’s, Costco, CVS, Foodtown, H Mart, Petco, Sam’s Club, ShopRite, Target and Wegmans products, depending on your zip code. You can even select “leave at my door delivery” to avoid contact.
SHOPPING TIPS
- There are fees associated with shopping via Instacart, but it might be worth it, especially since stock is limited in-store, and going out can be risky.
- Delivery is free on $35 orders – which is a great deal, since weekly or bi-monthly groceries will generally run you more than $35 anyway!
- Watch for the sales and online coupons listed, and take advantage of them!
Local Grocery Stores
Don’t ignore your local grocery store! Just because you don’t plan to shop inside the store, doesn’t mean they won’t shop, bag, and deliver your groceries to you! Some will deliver themselves, some will also offer curbside pickup, and others will use delivery services like:
- DoorDash
- GrubHub – Get $7 off $12+ order (first time only)
- TaskRabbit
- Seamless
- Postmates
SHOPPING TIPS:
- Some of the stores that receive the highest ratings for their delivery are: HEB, Kroger, Costco, Harris Teeter, Walmart, Publix, and Safeway.
- Whole Foods and, Meijer, and Trader Joe’s deliver, using services.
- You can still use the store coupons if they are listed on the app or website!
- Visit your local or favorite stores’ websites to note their delivery or curbside pickup options.
Shipt
Shipt is an online and app-based membership grocery marketplace. Stores like CVS, Costco, Office Depot, Meijer, Target, Petco and many others use Shipt for delivery of their grocery essentials. Stores will differ, depending on your location. This is a very convenient option, but definitely more costly in the end, so review the shopping tips!
SHOPPING TIPS:
- Take advantage of the cool feature that allows you to chat with your shopper, while they are shopping! If you forget something or want to add to your order, while they are shopping, just message them.
- Get scheduled, no contact delivery – you don’t even need to request it.
- You can create one order, from multiple stores – giving you more options, and saving you more time!
- It’s $99/year for unlimited grocery deliveries. Orders that are $35 or more are delivered free, but if it’s under $35, you’ll pay a $7 delivery fee. Weight the perks of this membership, versus other options before moving forward.
Walmart Grocery
We all know and love Walmart, right? During this Coronavirus mess, Walmart is really stepping up and helping out its customers. They offer options for both pickup and delivery in their Grocery Walmart section. Unless you shop a lot, and spend a lot on groceries every month, pickup is my preference.
SHOPPING TIPS:
- Pickup is FREE.
- Rollback and sale prices still apply to pickup and delivery orders.
- Minimum $30 purchase required, with delivery fees added on, depending on the day.
- Delivery Unlimited details: $98/year (or $12.95/month) Monthly membership: $12.95/mo
- There’s an option for a FREE trial of Delivery Unlimited you can take advantage of. Find the link when you pick your pickup or delivery time.
- There’s a referral program, where you can earn a $10 credit for each new completed referral!
Restaurant Groceries
Did you know that Panera & California Pizza Kitchen have both recently launched new features? Each of them now delivers groceries like fresh fruits & veggies, dairy products, breads, and more. If you need essentials and can’t get to the grocery store, or can’t afford a delivery charge – these are great options! They are definitely convenient and appreciated right now! Read more about them and what they have to offer.
Boxed
Boxed delivers bulk groceries with no membership required. This is ideal for larger families or even businesses, because some of the products are larger, and you’re purchasing in bulk. It’s a great way to stock up and stash away essentials like groceries, bath & body and home & cleaning items.
SHOPPING TIPS:
- As always with bulk items, use your judgement on whether you’ll use them up and if you really need as much a you’re purchasing.
- Watch and compare pricing to be sure you’re getting the best deals!
- Minimum $49 orders for free shipping. There’s a delivery fee of $7 on orders under $49.
- There’s an optional membership of $49/year for free shipping on all orders.
MORE QUARANTINE RESOURCE POSTS:
- Amazon Quarantine Essentials Deals & Delivery Dates (as of 4/7)
- FREE Quarantine Activities for Kids
- Quarantine Essentials Amazon Deals
- FREE Things to Do During Social Distancing
- Stores with Special Shopping Hours for Seniors
- Coronavirus Amazon Shopping Tips
- Panera & California Pizza Kitchen Now Deliver Groceries
- Restaurants Offering FREE Delivery
