Grocery Delivery FAQs Amidst COVID-19

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, many consumers are turning to grocery pickup and deliveryas they shelter-at-home. As of March 2020, 17% of U.S. consumers expected that they would increase grocery delivery spending. But how safe are grocery delivery orders and what steps should consumers take to better protect their grocery deliveries?

Below, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19 and grocery delivery to better inform customers.

Is grocery delivery safe?

Yes! Grocery delivery is safe.

Precautions should be taken with any item entering the home or contact with the public, but having groceries delivered is a safer option than visiting the grocery store in person.

The CDC recommends that if you must visit a grocery store to:

  • Wash your hands before and after your trip
  • Wear a face covering
  • Practice social distancing of at least 6 ft.
  • Sanitize the shopping cart before and after use
  • Use touchless payment at checkout
  • For immunocompromised customers or individuals over 65, visit the store during special hours

How can I protect myself when getting groceries delivered

For grocery deliveries, the CDC recommends you take these steps to protect yourself:

Choose no-contact grocery delivery option. Some grocery delivery companies have the option to select no-contact delivery at checkout. If it’s not available, leave a note for the delivery driver to leave the groceries outside your door. If you live in an apartment complex where leaving at your doorstep is not feasible, maintain a safe 6 ft distance upon grocery delivery.

Wash your hands before and after bringing groceries in. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. If you are unable to wash your hands, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Hand washing after COVID-19 grocery delivery reciept

Pay online and tip electronically.

Clean all nonporous containers – bags, cans, bottles, etc. Use disinfectant wipes, soap and water, or your own solution comprised of bleach and water. The CDC suggests 1/3 cup of bleach per gallon of water or 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water.

Clean all surfaces the grocery bags come in contact with including floors and countertops.

Wash fruits and vegetables as you normally would with water. There is no evidence coronavirus spreads via food products, so simply washing produce as you normally would is sufficient.

Should I clean grocery bags before entering the home?

Yes, it’s recommended you clean all nonporous containers and food packaging, including bags, bottles, and cans. Clean with everyday disinfectant wipes or a homemade solution of beach and water. Allow solution to sit for one minute to dry.

Is COVID-19 transmittable via food products?

According to the CDC, “There is no evidence that food or food packaging has been linked to getting sick from COVID-19.”

Is COVID-19 transmittable via grocery bags?

According to the FDA, there is no current evidence that the virus is transmitted via food packaging. However, if you are concerned, it does not hurt to disinfect non-porous containers with disinfectant wipes.

 

Many grocery stores are taking the following steps to further protect grocery delivery orders.

  • Offering no-contact grocery delivery
  • Updating and enforcing stricter sanitation practices amongst employees
  • Using tamper-evident packaging for pre-prepared grab and go meals
  • Sealing grocery delivery bags with tamper-proof labels
  • Arming drivers with gloves, hand sanitizer, and cloth/disposable masks
  • Enforcing social distancing

What stores/companies are offering grocery delivery?

Check your local area for grocery delivery services serving your community. The most prevalent include: Peapod, Instacart, FreshDirect, Amazon Fresh, Wal Mart Grocery, Shipt, and Prime Pantry.

It’s important to note that many grocery delivery services are experiencing difficulties keeping up with demand, so customers are having a hard time booking a slot.

Contact Us

If you have a question about grocery delivery, post your question in the comment section below.

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