Home grocery delivery and curbside pickup have become key services for consumers now that they've been told to stay home amid the coronavirus outbreak.
But some of the pandemic’s most vulnerable people have been unable to use those services. Both of the region’s largest providers, Instacart and Shipt, only accept orders online or via their smartphone apps. With only 67% of seniors online, many of those who need delivery the most are unable to access it.
But there are companies in Western New York that take grocery deliveries over the phone, and more companies have added delivery and pickup during the quarantine.
DiMino's Tops in Lewiston, one of the few franchised Tops Markets, has delivered groceries for years. It has also temporarily added curbside pickup at the store.
Usually, there are two workers who deliver orders, but there are more helping out now that demand has grown. Customers can call to place an order (the earlier in the day the better, for same or next-day delivery), then pay by card over the phone, or by check at the door. Cash is not being accepted right now.
Deliveries are made from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There’s an additional 10% charge added to the bill to cover shopping, plus a delivery fee ranging from $5 for delivery in Lewiston to $15 for delivery in Niagara Falls. There is no delivery fee for curbside pickup. Government nutrition benefits, such as SNAP and WIC, are not accepted.
J&D Price-Rite Market, 326 W. Delevan Ave., offers free delivery in Buffalo for orders over $50, and delivers as far as the Tonawandas, South Buffalo and Lancaster. The store now offers curbside pickup since the store is closed to the public because of the virus.
J&D accepts cash and check, and has a mobile machine to accept EBT, credit and debit cards. There's no fee added to groceries for shopping, and the delivery fee starts at $5. The store offers dairy, frozen, meats, cereals, bath tissue, snacks and other items. If a shopper wants something the store doesn't carry, a J&D shopper will pick it up elsewhere. Most deliveries are filled the same or next day.
"All we ask for is a little patience," said co-owner Jason Miller. "But if we say we'll have delivery that day, it's guaranteed to be there."
To place an order, call 885-2887 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday.
Wholesalers usually do the bulk of their business with restaurants, but with all eateries closed except for takeout, restaurants are buying less of the produce and other food wholesalers have to offer. Many are taking phone orders.
Guercio & Son's at 250 Grant St. has a wide grocery variety, including fresh produce. It is taking phone orders and doing home delivery at no extra charge with 24-hour notice. Curbside pickup is available, too. So far, Guercio's has been able to offer same-day delivery. Customers can use credit, debit or EBT over the phone. It's open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. To place an order, call 882-7935.
Boulevard Produce, 655 Young St. in the City of Tonawanda, has an abundance of dairy, meat, canned, dry and frozen goods in addition to fresh produce. It does not offer delivery but is accepting phone orders and asks for a minimum of two-hours advance notice before picking up. It's open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
To place an order, call 694-1174. You can pay over the phone with a credit or debit card (no Discover, American Express or EBT) or walk inside.
Schwan's, the Minnesota-based food truck, delivers frozen foods to your door. To place an order, or for more information, call 1-888-724-9267.
The Quote: d prices and fees do not include a tip for the delivery person.
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Story topics: Coronavirus / Covid-19
