Over the past couple weeks, it seems like one of the main pleasures of the day is food. Looking forward to a comforting, nourishing meal at the end of a long, stressful day can be a positive focus to help get you through; but with experts saying people should avoid crowded places, how should you handle grocery shopping? Options that people are turning to are online services. But, in order to use online grocery ordering, you will need to think in advance about your grocery needs.
As of right now, pick-up options are being slightly delayed due to higher demand. That means, you need to be ahead of the game and order ahead of time or before you usually do. Meal planning is tough, but grocery websites are doing a better job than ever in helping provide user-friendly groceries to create quick, healthy meals for you and your family!
Walmart Grocery has a section of easy family meal suggestions where fish taco night is just 4 clicks away! (Frozen tilapia fillets, taco seasoning, guacamole, salsa) Kroger has salad kits and Home Chef kits that get a home-cooked dinner on the table in 15 minutes or less!
Never used pick-up or delivery options? Here’s a great how-to video on Kroger pick-up and there are more out there for any grocer you choose.
But whether you buy your groceries online or shop in-store, there are some simple safety steps you can take to limit your exposure.
- Wash containers. Simply run down with soap and water.
- Wash your hands well after shopping and after putting all packaging away.
- Wash your hands again always prior to eating.
- Wipe down your countertops after groceries have been on them.
- Wash produce with soap and water. Rinse well.
- If shopping in store, limit contact with credit card machines, money, magazine stands, etc. Continue to social distance, not getting closer than 6 feet to other shoppers or staff. Sanitize often including prior to getting into your car and touching steering wheel and wash hands immediately after returning home.
- If having groceries delivered, avoid direct hand-of. Arrange to have items delivered at your doorstep. Do not let deliverers into your home. You can tip electronically, so no need for money to exchange hands.
Happy shopping and happy eating!
Erin Wiedmar, Clinical Nutritionist, N Good Health