Emilee Unterkoefler
Whether you’re feeling under the weather, practicing social distancing, or simply don’t have time to shop, here’s the deets on 10 of our favorite grocery and meal delivery services.
Each is unique and provides some perks you might appreciate, so take a gander.
The Local Supermarket
Many supermarkets offer grocery delivery (or pickup) services. If you’re in luck, you might have one of these in your hometown. You can simply call or check online to find out.
Pickup differs from delivery because, although an employee still gathers and bags your items, you pick them up at the store, rather than someone delivering them to your door.
Many choose these services to save time. The downside is you have to trust someone else to choose your items.
It’s also essential to understand that these types of services are often suspended or paused during periods of high demand (like right now).
The following are some of the major supermarkets and shopping centers that offer delivery or pickup services, or both:
- Safeway
- Hannaford
- Trader Joe’s
- Stop and Shop
- Target
- Costco
- Kroger
Availability can vary widely based on your region, the store’s policies, and plans put in place during a crisis. But you should definitely check and see if your local stores offer these services.
Walmart Grocery
Walmart Grocery (formerly Walmart to Go) is a pickup and delivery service providing a vast assortment of food and products. This service (like others) will save you time as employees do the shopping for you.
You simply place an order online, choose a timeslot, and then your order is loaded into your car at pickup time. Some locations also offer delivery right to your doorstep.
AmazonFresh
AmazonFresh is a free add-on service to Amazon Prime membership accounts. You can order fresh, tasty groceries and everyday essentials online and they’ll be delivered the very next day.
Shipping costs vary depending on where you live. However, if you spend over $50 you can get free shipping (again, depending on your zip code). You can check online to see if this service is available in your location.
Prime Pantry
Prime Pantry is similar to AmazonFresh, except it’s all nonperishables and household products. Whether you need to stock up on pasta or your kid’s favorite cereal, Prime Pantry is the way to go.
Amazon Prime members also get free delivery on pantry orders over $35. And if you already belong to AmazonFresh, you automatically get free shipping on your Prime Pantry orders.
Whole Foods on Amazon
You can also head to Amazon to fill your cart with fresh, peak-season produce and pantry essentials from Whole Foods, and have them delivered within two hours.
This service is available to Amazon Prime members only and exclusively to those in select zip codes. However, it’s excellent if you usually buy high-quality organic foods and natural products.
Instacart
Instacart is an online service that works with multiple local supermarkets and stores to deliver groceries right to your doorstep. It’s not available in all areas, but you can instantly check and see.
To use it, just go to the website, search for the products you love, and then add them to your list. After you place your order, an employee shops for you, and your groceries are (usually) delivered the same day.
Schwan’s Home Delivery
Schwan’s Home Delivery is an excellent service that delivers frozen foods. You can order online and have it delivered by a representative. If you aren’t home, your order is placed in a freezer bag.
Otherwise, you can have it shipped via UPS, and it will arrive in an insulated cooler packed with dry ice.
Schwan’s has delicious stuff, including:
- Meat and seafood
- Fruits and vegetables
- Side dishes
- Snacks and appetizers
- Pizza
- Ice cream and desserts
As someone who grew up eating plenty of food from Schwan’s, I highly recommend you give it a try.
Butcher Box
Butcher Box is a monthly subscription service that delivers grass-fed meats right to your door. You just pick one of the curated boxes, and then customize it with your choice of chicken, beef, or pork.
The frozen meat is packed in an insulated box and shipped to your home, free of charge. They also offer tips, tricks, and delicious recipes you can try. So, if you need to bulk up on your family’s favorite meats, give this company a try.
Wild Alaskan Company
Wild Alaskan Company is a monthly seafood membership that offers wild-caught fish from sustainably-managed fisheries in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.
You simply pick your plan, and then you’ll receive individually wrapped portions of fish. It’s delivered in eco-friendly, insulated coolers so your fish remains frozen, even over long distances.
If you love seafood or are on a fish-focused diet, we highly recommend this service.
Meal Kits
Meal kits are another solid choice for those who want to cut down on the time they have to spend planning meals, grocery shopping, and preparing and cooking food.
All meal services differ, but the general idea is they bring recipes and fresh ingredients to your door, and all you have to do is cook them.
Some of the most popular companies include:
Meal kits are pricier than just ordering groceries, but you get the benefit of completely organized meals and preparation instructions.
So, whether you’re stuck indoors for a while or simply don’t have time to mess with shopping or cooking, give one of these grocery or food delivery services a try.
