To Your Door: Getting Groceries Delivered

By Barbara Bronson Gray, RN, MN

Every busy family dreams of finding a way to avoid having to go grocery shopping, week after week. But especially for those with ALS and their busy caregivers, getting to the store regularly can be a big challenge.

Over the last decade, the range of options for home grocery delivery has increased, covering more geographic areas and allowing people to order fresh food, pantry supplies, drugs and sundries, some even with same-day delivery.

Most accept online orders, and some provide additional services, like a “shop by history” system that allows you to quickly check off items and brands you typically choose. Many offer discounts if you order regularly, and others provide delivery free if you spend a certain amount on the order.

You can scope out whether the company stocks and delivers the products you like and find out what the turnaround time will be between ordering and receiving your groceries. If you’re ordering cold or frozen foods, learn whether they’d like you to put a cooler at your front door in case you’re away or can’t come to the door when the groceries are delivered.

Here are six options to consider:

• Amazon: Offers more than 500,000 products, including everything from beverages to   meats and even seasonal gifts and food baskets, pantry items, packaged meals, pasta, breakfast food, snacks, herbs, spices, seasonings, and wine. Those who sign up for regular delivery (such as an order every 1, 2, 3, or 4 months) can save.
   
• Netgrocer: Offers organic foods, and health and beauty products, sent by FedEx to your door.
   
• Peapod: Provides natural and organic foods, meat and seafood, produce and prepared meals. They deliver to the northeast, Chicago, Milwaukee, southeast Wisconsin, Philadelphia and southeast Pennsylvania.
   
• Schwans: Provides a wide range of prepared meals, meats, fish, vegetables, pasta and desserts, with no charge for home delivery. You can also order by phone at (888)724-9267.
   
• Vons Online: Offers same-day delivery if an order is placed by 8:30 a.m. You can try the service free of charge by using the promotional code “EASY7” at check-out. You can save time by shopping by your personal purchasing history at Vons; they’ll give you a list of what you typically buy. You can check online to see if home delivery is available in your area.
   
• WalMart: Offers a range of products, with free shipping to your door on orders of $45 or more. You can be notified by email when your order ships; it takes 3 to 5 days to receive your groceries.