Grocery shopping tips during Coronavirus quarantine

[TravelingBug]

I've had very good luck going about 30 minutes before stores close lately. The stores have virtually been empty (big plus since I'm immunocompromised) and I can get in and out quickly, as well. Plus I always go places with self-checkout, so it's even better.

Yes, I've not found paper goods yet, and today was the first time in ages I saw bread, eggs, milk, butter, and even some meat choices, and there may not be as much selection of things as there probably are first thing in the morning, but it's been worth it to avoid the chaos of the early AM specially designated hours (and I'd avoid mid-day as well)

I've also found some stores actually start restocking again right before close, so sometimes it seems like I'm getting pick of the next day's stuff almost (meat, I found that to be the case with finally yesterday night)

So, another thought for those trying to avoid crowds.

 

[MyBelle]

Am I the only person here who keeps having to tell myself to stop clenching? I used to hate the dentist and I would tighten my entire body up when the drill would spin.
I've noticed I'm doing that a lot lately! (No dentist)
I keep telling myself to stop it!
I'm actually kinda laughing at myself.
Time to ship Gngr off, she snapped!
Going to the butcher in the am.
I ordered a package deal.
Not going to the grocery store and already sick of gluten free bean and pea soup!
I need meat! Hopefully I can make that last until the end of May?
Breaking my self quarantine.
I have already paid,
I'm hoping there isn't a line of people. It's like I'm headed into enemy territory. We are up to 82 cases in my town. 5 dead and one who was in ICU, on a vent, discharged and in kidney failure, so he has to have dialysis until a kidney becomes available. He is 30!
Immunosuppressed and stressed!
Moo

Call ahead and ask if they will bring it to your car. Food providers are proving themselves to be incredibly compassionate human beings.

Last week, my daughter in Oak Park, IL couldn't find any meat after they were the first city in IL ordered to shelter-in-place. I ordered her a gift box from Omahasteaks.com. It arrived today. She was elated and sent me photos as they were firing up the grill, our little granddaughter running around their tiny backyard. Frequent customers get discounts and we got free shipping. Many large cities have walk-in stores. They are always having a sale. They also have side dishes, crock pot meals, etc. (disclaimer: I do not work for Omaha Steaks. lol)
https://www.omahasteaks.com/shop/

 

[jimprobable]

Regarding this coronavirus pandemic situation, I have a few serious problems with which I would appreciate some good advice.

First of all, I am fearful about leaving my home even to go shopping. I am 61 years of age with prostate cancer, high blood pressure and a few other chronic conditions. I live alone (have been socially distancing for years, before that became necessary for survival of pandemic, mostly because of my various health issues) and do not drive, go to places by walking (which is also becoming increasingly problematic for me) or public transportation, and then only when necessary. I normally rely upon grocery delivery services, which are now so swamped with orders I may not even obtain delivery for a few weeks. What do I do? I am almost completely out of food and supplies.

And even if I were, somehow, to obtain a ride to a grocery store, is it really even safe to go shopping? Wouldn't it even be risky to be in the same car with the person driving me? I have no N95 respirator mask, which I understand from online reading will not protect a person from this virus anyway, and also leads me to question why doctors are in such desperate need of the masks if they are really ineffective.

And also, even if able to remain the six feet distance from persons is said to be safe, that would not be possible at the checkout line, with other customers and the cashier. And what about contamination of shopping bags and foodstuffs?

By the way, the nearest grocery store to my home is approximately three miles away.

And as if all this were not bad enough, my primary care physician is also not returning my messages (via his practice's online system) about how I am to obtain my prescriptions, all but one of which I receive by mail but which he has not contacted the insurer about renewing. I also receive one controlled substance prescription I normally pick up in-person at my physician's office (three scripts per quarterly office visit), but which really should be sent electronically to the pharmacy until the health crisis has passed, so as not to expose patents to unnecessary social interaction, in my case to public transportation involving a commuter train, subway and bus trip to reach my physician's office, a three to four hours' process round-trip, including walking to and fro the commuter trains.

Please, I am almost desperate for some good advice about how to obtain groceries and supplies and make contact with my physician. And also, by helping me with some advice, I am sure that would also help others in the same predicament as I am.

 

[katydid23]

Regarding this coronavirus pandemic situation, I have a few serious problems with which I would appreciate some good advice.

First of all, I am fearful about leaving my home even to go shopping. I am 61 years of age with prostate cancer, high blood pressure and a few other chronic conditions. I live alone (have been socially distancing for years, before that became necessary for survival of pandemic, mostly because of my various health issues) and do not drive, go to places by walking (which is also becoming increasingly problematic for me) or public transportation, and then only when necessary. I normally rely upon grocery delivery services, which are now so swamped with orders I may not even obtain delivery for a few weeks. What do I do? I am almost completely out of food and supplies.

And even if I were, somehow, to obtain a ride to a grocery store, is it really even safe to go shopping? Wouldn't it even be risky to be in the same car with the person driving me? I have no N95 respirator mask, which I understand from online reading will not protect a person from this virus anyway, and also leads me to question why doctors are in such desperate need of the masks if they are really ineffective.

And also, even if able to remain the six feet distance from persons is said to be safe, that would not be possible at the checkout line, with other customers and the cashier. And what about contamination of shopping bags and foodstuffs?

By the way, the nearest grocery store to my home is approximately three miles away.

And as if all this were not bad enough, my primary care physician is also not returning my messages (via his practice's online system) about how I am to obtain my prescriptions, all but one of which I receive by mail but which he has not contacted the insurer about renewing. I also receive one controlled substance prescription I normally pick up in-person at my physician's office (three scripts per quarterly office visit), but which really should be sent electronically to the pharmacy until the health crisis has passed, so as not to expose patents to unnecessary social interaction, in my case to public transportation involving a commuter train, subway and bus trip to reach my physician's office, a three to four hours' process round-trip, including walking to and fro the commuter trains.

Please, I am almost desperate for some good advice about how to obtain groceries and supplies and make contact with my physician. And also, by helping me with some advice, I am sure that would also help others in the same predicament as I am.

I would call the public health department with your situation. I think they can help you.

Are you on medicare? They might help you get transportation, like an uber ride, to get your meds and possibly your groceries too. They helped my neighbour when she broke her hip.

They will get a social worker involved if need be, to help you set this up.

 

[oviedo]

It’s interesting about flour. That and cereal are the shortages around here now ( mid Atlantic area). Tp is hard to find and cleaners, of course, and some meats.

any idea about the panic run on flour? I bake all the time, so I have 10-15 pounds on a normal basis and I don’t need it yet, but is everyone going to start cooking from scratch? I saw cake, various dessert and pancake mix in stock and tons of already made bread, as well as the whack ‘em tubes, so no shortage of those.

weird.

And no package yeast that I can find so my guess is ? Bread ? I always have both in my pantry and will bake if necessary - also pasta from scratch

 

[SugarQueen]

Jimprobable, if the public health dept. can’t help you quickly enough what about calling a nearby church?
Another idea, look to see if your area has an office of the aged. They may know how to help.
Do try the health dept first. Please keep us posted. I’m sure we can come up with more ideas if those don’t work out.

 

[cody22]

West Texas Report - We are doing well here at this time. Between me( retired family of 3), our single son( now unemployed, but who can make it for quite a while), and son-in-law( family of 4) we are turning up everything we need/want for three households by buying as we turn up things that are needed/ wanted.....Thank God for cell phones.... Constant shortage everywhere of toilet paper, dried beans of any kind, rice, all canned vegetables( fresh too, some potatoes and onions can be found at times, No carrots anywhere for weeks) canned meats, flour, sugar, baking powder, corn meal, and coffee. All fresh meats can be found sporadically throughout each day........ A few more masks are being seen worn in public and people are self distancing, except when in lines or in the Grocery Stores......Yall all have a wonderful safe and well day....................moo

 

[JerseyGirl]

It’s interesting about flour. That and cereal are the shortages around here now ( mid Atlantic area). Tp is hard to find and cleaners, of course, and some meats.

any idea about the panic run on flour? I bake all the time, so I have 10-15 pounds on a normal basis and I don’t need it yet, but is everyone going to start cooking from scratch? I saw cake, various dessert and pancake mix in stock and tons of already made bread, as well as the whack ‘em tubes, so no shortage of those.

weird.

I found flour at my Acme and wheat flour at Dollar General. I have not found ANY yeast either for online grocery delivery on in-store.

I stocked up on cereal before the pandemic.

Chicken of any kind is scarce . I still have some in the freezer though. Ground meat is also scarce but I was able to pick up a bulk package early morning shopping and made stuffed cabbage meals and stored them in the freezer. I have some leftover for my husband’s favorite hamburger helper box.

 

[cody22]

Regarding this coronavirus pandemic situation, I have a few serious problems with which I would appreciate some good advice.

First of all, I am fearful about leaving my home even to go shopping. I am 61 years of age with prostate cancer, high blood pressure and a few other chronic conditions. I live alone (have been socially distancing for years, before that became necessary for survival of pandemic, mostly because of my various health issues) and do not drive, go to places by walking (which is also becoming increasingly problematic for me) or public transportation, and then only when necessary. I normally rely upon grocery delivery services, which are now so swamped with orders I may not even obtain delivery for a few weeks. What do I do? I am almost completely out of food and supplies.

And even if I were, somehow, to obtain a ride to a grocery store, is it really even safe to go shopping? Wouldn't it even be risky to be in the same car with the person driving me? I have no N95 respirator mask, which I understand from online reading will not protect a person from this virus anyway, and also leads me to question why doctors are in such desperate need of the masks if they are really ineffective.

And also, even if able to remain the six feet distance from persons is said to be safe, that would not be possible at the checkout line, with other customers and the cashier. And what about contamination of shopping bags and foodstuffs?

By the way, the nearest grocery store to my home is approximately three miles away.

And as if all this were not bad enough, my primary care physician is also not returning my messages (via his practice's online system) about how I am to obtain my prescriptions, all but one of which I receive by mail but which he has not contacted the insurer about renewing. I also receive one controlled substance prescription I normally pick up in-person at my physician's office (three scripts per quarterly office visit), but which really should be sent electronically to the pharmacy until the health crisis has passed, so as not to expose patents to unnecessary social interaction, in my case to public transportation involving a commuter train, subway and bus trip to reach my physician's office, a three to four hours' process round-trip, including walking to and fro the commuter trains.

Please, I am almost desperate for some good advice about how to obtain groceries and supplies and make contact with my physician. And also, by helping me with some advice, I am sure that would also help others in the same predicament as I am.

Please follow the advice of the people who answered you below your post.....Hang in there......We care................moo

 

[JerseyGirl]

Regarding this coronavirus pandemic situation, I have a few serious problems with which I would appreciate some good advice.

First of all, I am fearful about leaving my home even to go shopping. I am 61 years of age with prostate cancer, high blood pressure and a few other chronic conditions. I live alone (have been socially distancing for years, before that became necessary for survival of pandemic, mostly because of my various health issues) and do not drive, go to places by walking (which is also becoming increasingly problematic for me) or public transportation, and then only when necessary. I normally rely upon grocery delivery services, which are now so swamped with orders I may not even obtain delivery for a few weeks. What do I do? I am almost completely out of food and supplies.

And even if I were, somehow, to obtain a ride to a grocery store, is it really even safe to go shopping? Wouldn't it even be risky to be in the same car with the person driving me? I have no N95 respirator mask, which I understand from online reading will not protect a person from this virus anyway, and also leads me to question why doctors are in such desperate need of the masks if they are really ineffective.

And also, even if able to remain the six feet distance from persons is said to be safe, that would not be possible at the checkout line, with other customers and the cashier. And what about contamination of shopping bags and foodstuffs?

By the way, the nearest grocery store to my home is approximately three miles away.

And as if all this were not bad enough, my primary care physician is also not returning my messages (via his practice's online system) about how I am to obtain my prescriptions, all but one of which I receive by mail but which he has not contacted the insurer about renewing. I also receive one controlled substance prescription I normally pick up in-person at my physician's office (three scripts per quarterly office visit), but which really should be sent electronically to the pharmacy until the health crisis has passed, so as not to expose patents to unnecessary social interaction, in my case to public transportation involving a commuter train, subway and bus trip to reach my physician's office, a three to four hours' process round-trip, including walking to and fro the commuter trains.

Please, I am almost desperate for some good advice about how to obtain groceries and supplies and make contact with my physician. And also, by helping me with some advice, I am sure that would also help others in the same predicament as I am.

If you have Facebook, find your town page. There are citizens in my town who have been posting and offering to shop or run errands for those who cannot. Call your mayors office if you have to.

As far as online grocery delivery I found that logging in between midnight and 5am the next day in the next week opens up. Your delivery won’t come for a week but it’s the only way to secure delivery. Keep doing that every week until you have enough supplies in the house. Put a few items in your cart and reserve it right away. You will have all week to tweak your order. Check online at PeaPod, InstaCart and your local grocery stores for delivery.

Please keep us posted. *hugs*

 

[bluedivergirl]

It’s interesting about flour. That and cereal are the shortages around here now ( mid Atlantic area). Tp is hard to find and cleaners, of course, and some meats.

any idea about the panic run on flour? I bake all the time, so I have 10-15 pounds on a normal basis and I don’t need it yet, but is everyone going to start cooking from scratch? I saw cake, various dessert and pancake mix in stock and tons of already made bread, as well as the whack ‘em tubes, so no shortage of those.

weird.

My community in central FL is out of flour as well. It is a retirement community where many people do not cook. They might heat up, but they don't cook. I think a lot of folks will be wondering 'what do I do with this??'

 

[Auntie Cipation]

Regarding this coronavirus pandemic situation, I have a few serious problems with which I would appreciate some good advice.

First of all, I am fearful about leaving my home even to go shopping. I am 61 years of age with prostate cancer, high blood pressure and a few other chronic conditions. I live alone (have been socially distancing for years, before that became necessary for survival of pandemic, mostly because of my various health issues) and do not drive, go to places by walking (which is also becoming increasingly problematic for me) or public transportation, and then only when necessary. I normally rely upon grocery delivery services, which are now so swamped with orders I may not even obtain delivery for a few weeks. What do I do? I am almost completely out of food and supplies.

And even if I were, somehow, to obtain a ride to a grocery store, is it really even safe to go shopping? Wouldn't it even be risky to be in the same car with the person driving me? I have no N95 respirator mask, which I understand from online reading will not protect a person from this virus anyway, and also leads me to question why doctors are in such desperate need of the masks if they are really ineffective.

And also, even if able to remain the six feet distance from persons is said to be safe, that would not be possible at the checkout line, with other customers and the cashier. And what about contamination of shopping bags and foodstuffs?

By the way, the nearest grocery store to my home is approximately three miles away.

And as if all this were not bad enough, my primary care physician is also not returning my messages (via his practice's online system) about how I am to obtain my prescriptions, all but one of which I receive by mail but which he has not contacted the insurer about renewing. I also receive one controlled substance prescription I normally pick up in-person at my physician's office (three scripts per quarterly office visit), but which really should be sent electronically to the pharmacy until the health crisis has passed, so as not to expose patents to unnecessary social interaction, in my case to public transportation involving a commuter train, subway and bus trip to reach my physician's office, a three to four hours' process round-trip, including walking to and fro the commuter trains.

Please, I am almost desperate for some good advice about how to obtain groceries and supplies and make contact with my physician. And also, by helping me with some advice, I am sure that would also help others in the same predicament as I am.

One idea for jimprobable -- look into getting an electric seated scooter. I believe they are considered medical equipment and would be provided the same way a walker would be. If your insurance won't cover it, reach out to your community regarding one, using means others have mentioned: community facebook or Nextdoor pages, churches, etc. A family may have had one for an elderly member in the past, doesn't need it right now, and could perhaps lend it to you for the duration of this crisis. Then at least you'd be back on even footing in terms of transportation. I know that only solves one on your list of issues but it's a start.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Attention, shoppers: There's plenty of food for everyone; be patient and 'don't panic'

Oak Park — Around 11 a.m. Wednesday, the CVS at the corner of Coolidge and Nine Mile had a completely empty cooler on the end of a long row of them.

Minutes later, it was stocked to the ceiling with gallons of milk, courtesy of the Country Fresh delivery man.

Yes, the food-supply industry is stressed like never before because of the global coronavirus pandemic, but there's no shortage of food — and thus, no reason to freak out that you won't be able to snag that Jack's frozen pizza, or that box of Crunch Berries, or heck, five of each if that's your pleasure...

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Help Me Hank: Resources during COVID-19 outbreak

SHOPPING
Some retailers are setting aside time for senior citizens, the most vulnerable customers, to shop... (List of local merchants with special hours)

FOOD
Pita Way: This healthy Mediterranean restaurant is offering food for kids and discounts for all. They're feeding kids for free anytime during their hours. Kids do not need to be present when parents pick up the order. The restaurant is also giving 10% off during the month. It has 9 locations in the Metro Detroit area; Brighton, Clarkston, Fenton, Lake Orion, Livonia, New Hudson, Troy, Warren and White Lake.

Gleaners Community Food Bank: The food bank is continuing to serve those in need during this unprecedented time. If you're in need, call 211 or visit the organization's distribution page to find out where food is being handed out in your community.

 

[SugarQueen]

Jimprobable, if you try those ideas and still need help maybe you can post your city and state and we can see what services we can find for you.
*** please keep us updated! We want to help!**

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

DH took advantage of early shopping for seniors this morning at Meijer. Store was very busy but well-stocked for our needs. He brought home a nice haul of orange juice, cereal, whole grain bread, some fresh fruits and veggies, and a bogo of Folic Acid that I take daily. There was a huge pallet of TP, so DH got one 6-pack only because Costco had none when he was there last weekend. We only do Costco once a month and won't go again until sometime in April. Even if it looks like we're getting low on TP, I always have a spare roll along with Kleenex in the powder room and guest bathroom. There were probably a few more items that DH could have gotten, but we're satisfied and want to leave some for others who might need them more.

 

[JerseyGirl]

'I’ll shop for you’: Alabama student starts service to help Chicago seniors avoid coronavirus

He is working on setting up chapters in other parts of the nation.

It all began a couple of weeks ago when Michael Arundel drove from Tuscaloosa to Chicago after learning students would have an extended Spring Break.

“I was on the phone with my dad’s cousin who is a senior and she was telling me how worried she was about this whole crisis and she was in the group that is the greatest risk,’’ Arundel said. “So I said, ‘When I get home, I’ll shop for you, I’ll shop for your friends so you don’t have to go out to try to prevent you guys from getting sick.’’’

Arundel created a logo, launched a Facebook page and a website, and recruited some friends to help him out for the volunteer work. “My friends of course all said yes,’’ he said. “We have about 20 of my closest friends doing it.”

 

[katydid23]

Oh my gosh----our daughter went to Whole foods this morning---she just dropped off everything on our list--->except for tp. but we are still flush with that.

I have a big delivery on Saturday that I set up 8 days ago, so we may have too much for our fridge. I am planning to offer our son and his family the extra food. That would be nice to wave at them through the front window......

 

[Trudie]

Grocery Stores Are the Coronavirus Tipping Point

Great article at link

 

[neesaki]

Regarding this coronavirus pandemic situation, I have a few serious problems with which I would appreciate some good advice.

First of all, I am fearful about leaving my home even to go shopping. I am 61 years of age with prostate cancer, high blood pressure and a few other chronic conditions. I live alone (have been socially distancing for years, before that became necessary for survival of pandemic, mostly because of my various health issues) and do not drive, go to places by walking (which is also becoming increasingly problematic for me) or public transportation, and then only when necessary. I normally rely upon grocery delivery services, which are now so swamped with orders I may not even obtain delivery for a few weeks. What do I do? I am almost completely out of food and supplies.

And even if I were, somehow, to obtain a ride to a grocery store, is it really even safe to go shopping? Wouldn't it even be risky to be in the same car with the person driving me? I have no N95 respirator mask, which I understand from online reading will not protect a person from this virus anyway, and also leads me to question why doctors are in such desperate need of the masks if they are really ineffective.

And also, even if able to remain the six feet distance from persons is said to be safe, that would not be possible at the checkout line, with other customers and the cashier. And what about contamination of shopping bags and foodstuffs?

By the way, the nearest grocery store to my home is approximately three miles away.

And as if all this were not bad enough, my primary care physician is also not returning my messages (via his practice's online system) about how I am to obtain my prescriptions, all but one of which I receive by mail but which he has not contacted the insurer about renewing. I also receive one controlled substance prescription I normally pick up in-person at my physician's office (three scripts per quarterly office visit), but which really should be sent electronically to the pharmacy until the health crisis has passed, so as not to expose patents to unnecessary social interaction, in my case to public transportation involving a commuter train, subway and bus trip to reach my physician's office, a three to four hours' process round-trip, including walking to and fro the commuter trains.

Please, I am almost desperate for some good advice about how to obtain groceries and supplies and make contact with my physician. And also, by helping me with some advice, I am sure that would also help others in the same predicament as I am.

I’m so sorry you’re in this predicament, Jim. Do you have any friends, family members or neighbors who can do your shopping for you? I don’t know where you are, but if I was there I would shop for you, as I’m sure many others here would as well.

Since your physician isn’t responding to your online communications, could you possibly telephone your doctor’s office? Perhaps you could speak with his nurse or physicians assistant and they could facilitate help with your prescriptions. Best of luck and blessings.