4 ways to order groceries online and how to safely unpack them

4 ways to order groceries online and how to safely unpack them
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In the time of social distancing, it’s well-advised to stay in. Still, there are essentials we can’t go without. If you’re older or have an underlying health condition, even going to the grocery store can feel risky during the coronavirus pandemic.

Enter online grocery orders. If you’ve never ordered groceries online before, don’t worry. It’s simple, and you can even score some deals on delivery fees right now to keep the price down. Want even more freebies? Tap or click here for the companies giving out free stuff during the coronavirus outbreak.

We’ll break down your delivery options and give you the pro tips for how to stay clean and safe when handling your groceries.

Walmart Grocery

Walmart Grocery allows you to order items online from the nearest store. Try the 15-day free trial today, then subscribe for $12.95 per month or $98 annually. If you choose to subscribe, you don’t need to meet the $30 order minimum.

If you don’t want to subscribe, don’t! But then you can’t order any deliveries unless you meet that $30 minimum. There are multiple delivery times, including same-day and next day. As you might expect, the sooner the delivery, the higher the cost.

Access Walmart Grocery on your computer by visiting grocery.walmart.com or you can download the Android app from Google Play or the Apple app from the App Store.

Target

Target has added hundreds of grocery items to its same-day delivery and curbside pick-up services. This includes 750 produce, meat, frozen, dairy and bakery items.

Fresh and frozen items are currently available at more than 400 stores across the country; that number will expand to 80% of Target locations, about 1,500 stores, by the end of the year.

You can try same-day delivery free for four weeks, then the service is $99 for a year of unlimited orders of $35 or more. Without a subscription, each same-day order is $9.99.

To shop, create your order at Target.com, select Same Day Delivery and schedule a delivery time during checkout.

Amazon Fresh

Visit Amazon Fresh homepage on Amazon.com or get the free Amazon app for Android or Apple. Sign in to your account and check out the Fresh options from the dropdown menu just under the search bar.

If your area is supported, Amazon Prime and Amazon Prime Student members can get same-day deliveries free of charge, but they must spend a minimum of $35. If your area isn’t supported, you must make a minimum order of $50.

For non-Prime members, those who have valid SNAP EBT cards in participating states can request an invitation to use Amazon Fresh. Delivery fees will depend on what is ordered. For more information, visit the Amazon Fresh SNAP page.

Instacart

Visit the Instacart website or download the free app for Apple or Android. Instacart lets you shop at your local stores that include:

  • Aldi
  • Sprouts
  • Smart & Final
  • Costco
  • CVS Pharmacy
  • Sam’s Club
  • Petco
  • BevMo!
  • Albertsons
  • Superior Grocers
  • Vons
  • SaveMart
  • Foods Co.
  • Food Maxx

Each store sets its own prices, so there is no guarantee you’ll get the most bang for your buck, but your first delivery is free. If you like the service, try the subscription for $9.99 per month or $99 per year.

With or without a subscription, the order must meet a $10 minimum. Without a subscription, you will receive a delivery fee from $3.99-$7.99. With a subscription, spend a minimum of $35 and it can be delivered same-day at no extra charge.

Safety tips for sanitary delivery

Now that you know what shopping service to use, it’s time to learn how to properly clean your deliveries. Here are the basics:

  • Wear gloves and have disinfectant at the ready, sanitizing everything as you unpack, including the exterior packaging.
  • If you don’t have disinfectant and can’t find any in stores, 70% isopropyl alcohol is a great substitute. Just moisten a paper towel with it. Tap or click here to see what sanitizing products kill the coronavirus.
  • Throw away any disposable packaging in outdoor bins.
  • Wash all produce in warm, soapy water.

For more information on how to properly handle packages, tap or click here.

Regardless of how you’re getting your products these days, it’s key to remember anything delivered to your home or brought out to your car is still being handled by others.

Always wash your hands after touching things others have touched, including door handles and fast food bags, avoid touching your face and practice social distancing.

If you’re tired of homemade meals, many restaurants are offering deals and discounts. Tap or click here for all the freebies.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Tags: Amazon Fresh, Apple, clean, coronavirus pandemic, deals, delivery options, Essentials, free stuff, gloves, Google, Instacart, safe, social distancing, Target, tips and tricks