How to Grocery Shop During a Pandemic

Hasn't the grocery store been fun the past few weeks?

I don't know about you, but I really used to enjoy going to the grocery store.  Trust me, I understand that I am in the minority on that.  I would up and down the aisle looking for new stuff to try & crazy ingredients for my next culinary adventure.

Those days are over for awhile.  Now, it's get in, get what you need, don't touch anything you don't have (including your face), and get out.  It is hard, you have to be super organized and even then when your panic brain sets in you are bound to forget something, I get it.

I thought that I would share some of my tips that have been helping me get through.

Pantry/Freezer Deep Dive

Spend a morning going through your pantry/freezer and make a list.  Anything you will need in the next 2 weeks, put in your list.  This will limit the amount of trips.

Going into the Store

1. Make (and Take) your list.
2. Leave your phone in car.  Only take your credit card, leave your purse there to.
3.  The goal is one trip through the store.  Start at the back and work towards the checkout.
4.  Remember your distancing.  Especially at checkout.
5.  Wipe down your credit card when you exit the store.
6.  Use sanitizer when you get back into the car.
7.  Wash your hands when you get home.


Pickup and Delivery Orders

   If your grocery store offers it, try pick up and/or delivery.  I have been a fan of grocery pick for awhile now.  It helps me be more organized.  I can build my list in the apps (I prefer Walmart because it just so much easier) and then the day before grocery day I can submit and go.

I wish I could say it was still that easy.  Now you have to build you cart, and then hope for a time.  This is how I do it.

1.  Put a couple of things in your cart (enough to meet the minimum) and then checkout.  It will allow you to add items once you have a date and time for pickup/delivery.  If there are no times  available leave the items in your cart and keep trying.

2.  The best time to try and get a date and time is late at night or early in the morning.  Check before you go to bed, first thing in the morning.  Set an alarm if you have to.

3.  Review, review, review.  Make sure you have everything and if you are not willing for them to substitute an item make sure you mark that in your cart.

4. Tip your drivers or drop offers.  They are really going the extra mile for you.  I put the cash in an envelope with a Thank you message, and leave it in my trunk before I go to pick up.  When I have delivery, I always have them put the bags in my garage and I leave the envelope on my garbage cans (or my car) and I make sure they pick it up before they leave.  Tip at least 10-15%.

Now that you have the Groceries

There is alot of debate around if you need to wipe them down when you get them home or just wash your hand really well after putting them away.  I'm doing both.  I wipe them down in the garage, and throw away the bags.  I know that is wasteful, but this is very scary and I want to take all the precaution I can.

One more thing.  Do what you need to do, that makes you feel like better.  If you OCD (we have it alittle) is telling you to wipe down your groceries, do it.  Mental health is just as important.

Remember after handling your groceries, wash your hands.  Simple as that.

Please let me know if you have any other tips.

Stay Safe!

~Cyn