Not very long ago, a quick trip to the grocery store was just a normal part of our day. Forgot a simple ingredient that you needed for that new recipe? Perhaps it was a lemon, or a head of fresh garlic, or a bunch of parsley. No problem! You could just quickly hop in the car or walk over to your favourite local grocery store or even farmer’s market, get what you needed and just head home.
Haven’t things changed quickly? And in a way we never would have expected? Grocery shopping now isn’t the simple pleasure it used to be. I used to love lingering over the fresh produce, selecting the most delicious looking apples, melons or peppers. But now – in the time of coronavirus – grocery shopping has become a necessary task, but one that can fill us with fear and anxiety.
Today, then, we will discuss some ways to ease that stress and keep safe from the virus while grocery shopping – by using grocery pick-up and grocery delivery services. That way, you don’t even have to leave the comfort and safety of your home!
Grocery Delivery services in Calgary
Thankfully, the Internet provides us with so many options to grocery shop online! Simply visit your favourite store online, and fill your virtual shopping cart and then arrange a time to either pick up your groceries, or have them delivered. Please keep in mind that stock may be limited, or even unavailable – especially on hot items like (you guessed it!) toilet paper, Lysol wipes and canned goods like beans or tuna.
- Prairie Farms in Willow Park Village – is a family-run produce market, previously operated out of the Calgary Farmer’s Market. You can order all your fresh produce here – their prices are great, and the produce is second to none. (Last fall, during apple season, their Ambrosia apples were literally my favourite thing to eat. They were as fresh as possible, and gorgeously crisp and delicious. The best apples I’d eaten in years!) Support a local business for your produce (and they also sell local farm fresh eggs, and locally and ethically produced meats.) And our small local businesses sure could use a hand right now!
- Real Canadian Superstore – This large supermarket offers both pick-up and grocery delivery. With current events being as they are, you may need to choose a delivery or pick up time that is about two days later than when you place your order. Delivery fees vary, depending on ‘Busy Times’ – meaning that you’ll pay more for premium delivery times, such as evenings. Pick-up services have a smaller fee attached to them…usually about $3-$5. Still, for someone picking out and packing your groceries for you, this is a reasonable cost!
- Walmart – I have used Walmart grocery pick-up services in the past (before the coronavirus outbreak) and I loved it! (You need to spend a minimum of $50 to get either pick-up or delivery.) Walmart grocery pick-up is FREE! For grocery delivery the fee is $9.97. The selection of products available is still quite good.
- Save-on Foods – offers delivery, and again their fees are higher for delivery at the most popular times. Their delivery charges range from $7-$10, which is still a great deal to get a large order of groceries brought right to your door!
Right now, stocking up on groceries feels more important than it ever has before. So, if you need to get some supplies in – try grocery pick-up or delivery options in the Calgary area. For a pretty reasonable fee, you can get the groceries and supplies that your family needs to be prepared!