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- The novel coronavirus pandemic continues to affect all aspects of life, including how to buy groceries and supplies safely while still adhering to social distancing policies.
- People who work for
food delivery apps, as well as community organizations that rely on volunteers, are among the many groups negatively impacted by the outbreak. - Delivery companies like FreshDirect have been offering opportunities for customers to donate meals or money to funds and organizations that assist people in need during this time.
- Many online grocery delivery services are still experiencing delays fulfilling and shipping orders, as well as low inventory for household essentials, cleaning supplies, and shelf-stable pantry items. Be sure to keep those factors in mind if you're putting in an order.
- See more: The best online grocery delivery services in New York City
Cities worldwide are still in various stages of lockdown and implementing social distancing policies in order to "flatten the curve" and dramatically reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus.
If you're trying to get food and basic household supplies, ordering from grocery and food delivery services instead of crowding overwhelmed grocery stores and restaurants is a good way to avoid social contact and reduce the risk of infection.
However, because of the outbreak, related lockdown policies, and the sharp uptick in online delivery orders, workers at these stores, restaurants, and delivery apps are under increased strain. Community organizations and non-profits that normally rely on volunteers have also been impacted negatively.
Right now, a handful of delivery services are providing options that let you help these impacted groups when you place orders on their apps and websites. You can find a running list below, along with additional details about each service's donation recipient. We'll update this post regularly with new services.
Here are some additional recommendations as you order from these delivery services:
- Choose the "leave at the door" or "unattended delivery" option when possible in order to reduce contact with the delivery person to keep both parties safe.
- Consider tipping your delivery person in cash above and beyond for their efforts during this period.
- At this time, services may be experiencing delivery delays and low inventory on certain products. Keep those factors in mind if you're putting in an order.
- If a restaurant is no longer on a delivery service or app, try putting in your order directly with the restaurant. As profit margins dwindle due to social distancing, your money can go directly to the team responsible for cooking and prepping your takeout. That said, there is no clear cut answer here, but this does ensure that your money is going to someone who needs it.
Here's a list of delivery services that are donating food or supplies to people in need, and the organizations they donate to:
FoodKick | Order here
Recipient: NY Common Pantry, which is dedicated to reducing hunger and food insecurity throughout New York City while promoting dignity and self-sufficiency.
Donation options: Buy prepared meals, produce, and rescued food for individuals and families.
FreshDirect | Order here
Recipient: NY Common Pantry, which is dedicated to reducing hunger and food insecurity throughout New York City while promoting dignity and self-sufficiency.
Donation options: Buy prepared meals, produce, and rescued food for individuals and families.
Postmates | Order here
Recipient: Hunger Not Impossible, which works to reduce food insecurity among youth in need; International Rescue Committee, which delivers economic, health, and education aid to people affected by crises; and more.
Donation options: No purchase necessary. Postmates is donating food, food credits, and money to these organizations.
Spread | Order here
Recipient: Local restaurants
Donation options: Sign up for Spread to receive exclusive restaurant offers and promotions by text. When you redeem one of these offers, the restaurant you order from will receive 100% of the profits, instead of having commissions taken by third-party delivery apps. Learn more here.
The Chefs' Warehouse | Order here
Recipients: Front-line food service workers who have been furloughed, as well as other impacted members of the food service industry.
Donation options: 10% of profits from sales will be donated to these employees.
UberEats | Order here
Recipient: Healthcare workers and other relief efforts in coordination with local and state governments
Donation options: No purchase necessary. Uber is pledging more than 300,000 free meals to these workers.