Avoiding a pandemic and going to the grocery store seem polar opposites right now. Even with retailers limiting the number of customers, you may want to consider some grocery store alternatives right now. I’m breaking down some different ideas for bringing home the bacon while also staying healthy without hitting the aisles.
General Tips
Right now, most of us need to transform the entire way we approach grocery shop. In general, consider these strategies:
- No longer should we be thinking of items on a daily or weekly approach, but instead when possible consider what we may need weeks and maybe even months ahead of time. Don’t wait until the last minute.
- Now more than ever, meal plan with what you already have before you build your list.
- Know your budget.
- Limit both your trips to your store and ordering deliveries and pickups. This will both help limit your exposure but also keep your finances from being difficult to track.
Grocery Store Pick Up Tips
Target, Walmart, Kroger, and Meijer all currently offer programs where you can order groceries online in advance and then pick them up. However, there are some current challenges to this system. These tips will help you navigate those more effectively:
- Begin filling your cart throughout the week. As soon as you realize you need a particular item, instead of even putting it on a list, put the item in your cart, gradually filling it up rather than shopping all at once.
- Don’t be discouraged if all of the time slots are filled when you first sign on. They’ve been filling quickly. This may mean you need to check at off hours. Each store opens up new slots at different times. You might need to set your alarm to secure a spot.
- Add a few extras to your cart. Odds are good some items will not be available. So vary your brands or toss in a couple of additional similar products. Just be sure you have a place to store anything you order.
- Pay attention to the substitution policy and options. If you don’t want another brand or product, turn off the ability to substitute. Most stores offer an approval process when substitutions come into play, but if you know won’t something else, streamline the process and flip the switch.
- Look for digital coupons. Link your rewards cards. Clip those digital coupons. Look for promotional codes. Maximize your savings when you can.
- Disinfect items when you come home. Leave non-perishables in the car for up to 72 hours. Wash produce before storing.
Grocery Delivery Tips
Instacart, Shipt, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods – you can shop most major grocery stores using online services like these. Grocery delivery has become quite popular during Coronavirus and means you could also experience delays and challenges in using them. Like mentioned above, consider rethinking how you shop.
- Again, fill your cart as you go. That way when a window for delivery opens up, you’re prepared to hit the button immediately instead of panicking to fill your cart and seeing the spot disappear.
- Check for time slots throughout the day and even in the middle of the night. Each service opens up new times at different times. It feels a little like Black Friday, but you may be able to score a time slot at an odd hour.
- Look for referral codes and discounts if you’re a first time shopper.
- Realize you may not find everything you want or need.
- Tip well. Someone is going to a store, pushing a cart, and driving your groceries to your house. This is a very big deal right now. Don’t be stingy.
Shop Local Produce Services
We had a great experience with Market Wagon a couple of weeks ago. I’ve used Green Bean Delivery in the past. There are plenty of services like these doing phenomenal work right now.
- Again, look for first time shopper promotional codes.
- Realize locally produced goods may have a higher price tag than the discount grocer or online service. However, you’re supporting a farmer in your community which is awesome.
- Ask around. Hit your social media networks to ask which services others have used and what their experience has been.
- Follow Indiana Grown on Facebook. For my fellow Hoosiers, this page has been a wealth of resources when it comes to which farms are currently selling their fresh produce and meat products.
Look Into Restaurants
Many restaurants are selling their meats and veggies uncooked to customers. In particular, our local Texas Roadhouse and Smokehouse Catering have been busy with orders. This might also be a good way to avoid going to the store. Many restaurants offer curbside service so you don’t have to get out of your car.
- Consider bringing exact change so you don’t have to use a charge card.
- Call ahead to place an order when possible.
- If you can’t order, inquire before you leave home about what’s available that day.
- And again, tip well when you can.
It’s a brand new game, friends. You may need to adopt some new shopping strategies. Be patient and be kind in all circumstances. Everyone is figuring this time out and many people are frightened. Plenty of others are becoming everyday heroes by working in hazardous situations. How you treat others is everything right now. Stay safe. Plan well. Shop smart.
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This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
