Quick Guide to Grocery Delivery Services for Seniors

There are many reasons why you might not want—or even be able to—go to the grocery store. Whether you’re unable to drive, you have a condition that makes grocery shopping difficult, or you simply don’t have the energy, you might be looking for help getting your groceries. 

Whatever the reason, grocery delivery services exist to help people just like you. Grocery delivery services let you shop from your computer or phone. You can pick out the items you want and have them delivered straight to your door. For items sold in bulk or by the pound, you select the amount you want ahead of time. Some services even let you specify how ripe your produce should be! If an item isn’t available, you can choose to either let the shopper get a substitute or simply leave the item out of the order.

Since there are so many different grocery delivery services, you might have trouble picking one out. Different programs are good for different reasons Below, we explore the details of some of the more popular programs so you can find one that best suits your needs.

Key takeaways:

• Grocery delivery is ideal for those who have difficulty getting to the store or going through the aisles.

• Different delivery programs offer different options, like 1-hour delivery time, in-home delivery, and annual memberships for unlimited deliveries.

• Many people also choose to order groceries and pick them up either in the store or curbside to save themselves some time.

• Paying for your grocery order is done via the website or app.

Benefits of grocery delivery services for seniors

Grocery delivery services aren’t only used by seniors—and there are several reasons someone would choose to have their groceries delivered. To start, grocery delivery services are convenient. Having your groceries delivered saves you a trip to the store, including the driving and shopping time. Considering the average person spends about 41 minutes shopping at the store, that means you’ll save about an hour for each trip, including driving, parking, and loading time. This includes saving you the time it takes to get to the store and the time it takes to shop and check out. 

Time savings are a nice benefit for everyone. Many older adults, who are at a higher risk for having or developing health conditions, see safety as the most important benefit. Getting sick with an illness like Covid or the flu is a bigger deal for older adults. When you get your groceries delivered, you’re able to limit your contact with contagious diseases. Additionally, some seniors have mobility challenges that make navigating a grocery store challenging. You can save energy and prevent falls by staying home, where you can control your environment. 

Popular grocery delivery services for seniors

There are a variety of different grocery delivery services. Which one you should use depends on the features you want most. Below is a breakdown of some of the most popular services, their prices, and what they offer. 

Instacart

Instacart can be used by either visiting the website or using the app. You start by entering your zip code. You then select a local grocery store you want to shop at. Once you’ve chosen your store, you can add available products to your cart. Unlike many other grocery delivery services, Instacart shoppers go directly to the store you choose. If they can’t find something you want, they will contact you directly about a replacement.

Instacart charges $7.99 for groceries you want delivered within one hour, or $5.99 for deliveries scheduled for two or more hours from order placement. You can also spend $99 for a yearly membership. In addition to your delivery fee, there is a 5% service fee on all orders, and you can also tip your shopper.

Walmart Grocery

Walmart Grocery is a grocery delivery system offered by Walmart stores. You can order anything that might be found at your local Walmart. This means your options vary between stores. Some Walmart stores offer everything a traditional grocery store would, like a bakery, meat department, and fresh produce. Others offer only a few aisles worth of food and very few fresh food options. If you’re interested in Walmart Grocery, check online to see which local stores are included and what they carry. Delivery costs vary, but they start at $7.95. The Delivery Unlimited program, which gives you unlimited free delivery for $12.95 a month or $98 a year. Walmart also offers an InHome service that allows your delivery person to enter your home and put groceries in your fridge if you’re not at home.

Amazon Fresh

Amazon Fresh has a grocery delivery service that delivers goods from its warehouses, Whole Foods stores, and some other local grocery stores. Its main advantage is speed—you can arrange for your order to be delivered in a specific time period. You can also select whether someone needs to be home to receive the delivery. Perishable items are packed in special containers with cooling agents to ensure they don’t arrive spoiled.

Amazon Fresh can be combined with an existing Amazon Prime membership, and it’s probably best for those who are already Prime Members. Prices for items vary, and while some are much cheaper than other local options—but others are more expensive. Amazon Fresh is in certain cities, so it may not even be an option if you live far from a major city.

Shipt

Like Instacart, Shipt works with individual shoppers, who shop at local grocery stores. Just like with Instacart, you can use the service by going to the website or using the app, entering your zip code, and picking a store. Shoppers will give you updates as they shop in the store and ask about substitutes or special requests. Shipt’s delivery fees are $7 for orders under $35 dollars. A premium membership costs $10.99 a month or $99 a year. If you receive SNAP benefits, you can get a monthly membership for $4.99 per month.

Shipt’s biggest disadvantage is that it’s not available everywhere—at least yet . If you enter your zip code and no services pop up, you can give them your email to be notified when Shipt becomes available in your area.

Order groceries online and pick up

If you just hate going into the store or you want to use grocery services but your local store doesn’t offer delivery, grocery pickup is a good option! You could also order groceries for pick up and have a friend, family members, or a TaskRabbit bring your groceries to you. Many grocery stores offer curbside pickup—you can check your local store’s website or give them a call for assistance. 

How to sign up for grocery delivery services

Getting your groceries delivered doesn’t have to be complicated. Most services only have a few simple steps.

Setting up an account

You will need to set up an account with the service you choose to use. Amazon Fresh can be accessed within your existing Amazon account. Walmart Grocery requires you to set up an account on the Walmart site. With Instacart and Shipt, you can create an account on their site, or sign in with your Google or Facebook accounts. Shipt also lets you use your Apple account. You’ll be asked to enter your name, address, and payment method.

Placing an order

To place an order, you can use the delivery service’s website or app. If you’re using Instacart or Shipt, you have to select the store you want to shop at. With Instacart and Shipt, you can also specify details like how ripe your produce should be. 

Setting up payment

The simplest way to pay for grocery deliveries is to enter your credit card details at checkout. That said, all of these services listed offer alternate payment methods. Walmart Grocery lets you pay with Walmart gift cards and Paypal. Instacart’s payment methods include both Google and Apple Pay and EBT cards (if your state allows this as an option). Shipt will take Target Circle Mastercards as a form of payment. Amazon Fresh accepts direct debits from your checking account and EBT cards in participating states.

Tips for using grocery delivery services effectively

While grocery shopping online may seem different from shopping in person, many of the best practices are the same. Here’s how to make them work for you.

First, make a shopping list. Just like with shopping in person, it’s far easier to select items when you know exactly what you want. Luckily, however, if you find out you forgot something after your order has been placed, all the above services will let you add or change items if it’s within a certain period of time.

Next, decide when you want your groceries delivered. Most services let you schedule your delivery. Some will deliver them regardless of whether you’re there or not. You can usually pay an extra fee at the time you order to get your groceries delivered in an hour.

Finally, make sure to stay by your computer or keep your phone handy so you can communicate with the delivery person if needed. Remember, they may contact you if something you ordered is not available.

Other food delivery services to save you time and hassle

Food delivery options have expanded greatly—in part due to the Covid-19 pandemic. From meal kits that require meal prep to meal delivery services that deliver fully-prepared meals, your options are boundless. Most meal delivery solutions also provide options for people with dietary needs. 

Meal prep kit delivery services include:

• HelloFresh

• Home Chef

• Green Chef

• Purple Carrot

• EveryPlate

• Blue Apron
  

No-prep, restaurant and meal delivery options include:

• Factor

• UberEats

• DoorDash

• CookUnity

• Tempo

• Eat Clean
  

Grocery and other meal delivery services are valuable if you have health issues that make grocery shopping or preparing food difficult. They’re also good if you're looking for ways to eat more nutritious food or just want to save yourself a trip to the store!