PORTLAND, Ore — Going to the grocery store in recent weeks has been challenging. As shoppers stock up on everyday essentials to weather the coronavirus outbreak, big crowds have made it difficult to maintain social distancing standards, and some stores have reduced hours to restock shelves and clean.
But there’s another option for shoppers who don’t want to brave the crowds: home delivery.
As COVID-19 continues to grip the nation, more Portland-area retailers are offering online shopping and home delivery, with groceries left at the front door without human contact. Other stores are offering curbside pickup for online orders, eliminating the need to go into the store. And for nonperishable goods, some stores are offering free or discounted shipping.
Because of high-demand, delivery times may be limited or unavailable for some stores. In some cases, you may have to schedule delivery several days in advance. But if you’re willing to wait, you can save yourself a trip to the store.
Here’s a look at Portland-area grocery delivery options. This list will be updated as more options become available.
Albertsons/Safeway: The regular home delivery fee for delivery by Albertsons and Safeway (they are owned by the same company) in most areas is $9.95, with a minimum $30 or more online order. The fee may be reduced if your purchase amount is $150 or more (excluding taxes, delivery fee, service fee, bottle/can deposits and bag fees where applicable). New online customers get free delivery on their first online order with a $30 minimum order. Enter the Promo Code FREE at checkout.
Amazon Fresh/Whole Foods Market: Amazon’s grocery service offers delivery of most products found at Whole Foods Market. To shop and get free grocery delivery, you must be an Amazon Prime member. Amazon has announced inventory and delivery may be temporarily unavailable due to high demand, so make sure to confirm availability at checkout.
Food 4 Less: Free shipping is available for nonperishable items on online orders of $35 or more.
Fred Meyer: Fred Meyer is offering free pickup for orders placed online, with online payment by debit or credit card only. Same-day delivery is available for a $9.95 charge. Shipping is available, within 1-3 days, for nonperishable items like paper towels, peanut butter, and pet food, and is free on orders of $35 or more.
Green Zebra: The Portland-based grocery has announced that it will soon offer online ordering and delivery, but details aren’t currently available.
Instacart: Instacart offers delivery from a number of Portland-area grocery stores, including Albertsons, Costco, Food Front Coop, Fred Meyer, Natural Grocers, New Seasons, Safeway, Target and Uwajimaya, depending on your location. The service is now offering “Leave at My Door Delivery.” Instacart charges a 5% service fee on orders, as well as a delivery charge that starts at $3.99. Free delivery is available by joining Instacart Express, which runs $9.99 a month, or $99 a year.
Shipt: Shipt is a membership-based grocery marketplace, both online and through an app, that offers delivery from Portland-area grocers such as 99 Ranch, Fred Meyer, Safeway and Target, depending on location. An annual plan is $99, and deliveries are free on orders over $35. Orders under $35 are subject to a $7 delivery fee.
Target: Same-day delivery is available on orders of $35 or more for a $9.99 fee. Free delivery is available by joining Instacart Express or Shipt, which both run $9.99 a month, or $99 a year.
Walmart: Shoppers can get delivery of groceries for a sliding-scale fee, depending on delivery time. Delivery membership is available for $98 a year, or $12.95 a month. Free curbside pickup is also available for online orders, and there’s free two-day delivery on orders of nonperishable goods over $35.
-- Grant Butler
503-221-8566; @grantbutler
This article was originally published by The Oregonian/OregonLive, one of more than a dozen news organizations throughout the state sharing their coverage of the novel coronavirus outbreak to help inform Oregonians about this evolving health issue.
