Grocery delivery is available at many major grocery stores to make shopping for everyday essentials quicker and easier. Grocery stores typically give shoppers access to online websites that list some or all items currently available in store. Shoppers can browse the website, add items to a virtual cart and pay for items all from a personal computer. After ordering, there are two options of grocery delivery – to car or to home.

Car Side Grocery Delivery

Car side grocery delivery allows a shopper to order groceries and supplies online and pay for items to be picked and packed at a local store. There is typically a picking charge. After an order is placed, grocery employees shop the list and store items in a secure location. Refrigerated items are stored in a cooler until delivery. Grocery delivery to the car is different with each retailer. Most often, an outside call box is available to contact grocery employees. Identification may be requested before groceries are packed into the car.

Home Grocery Delivery

Home grocery delivery is a good option for people who do not have transportation to a local grocery store or have decreased mobility due to age or illness. Orders are placed online and delivered to a home residence via local truck or mail. Mail delivery has stricter guidelines than truck delivery. US Postal delivery will not ship perfume, aerosol, flammable items, batteries, flea supplies for animals or cleaning supplies. Only 16 ounces of fluid can be shipping through the mail.

Grocery delivery by mail typically comes with additional charges over and above picking charges imposed by the grocer. Home grocery delivery by truck allows food and other grocery items to be delivered to a home via local truck delivery. Restrictions will be unique to the grocer as will picking and delivery charges.

EBT or Food Stamps and Grocery Delivery

Most grocery stores offering grocery delivery require cash, check or credit card payment. While food can be purchased with EBT or federal food stamp benefits, picking charges and delivery charges are not covered. Before selecting grocery delivery, it is best to contact the local store to see if EBT benefits can be used to pay for groceries and a personal credit card or other form of payment for picking and delivery charges.