Winters in Alberta are cold and snowy, and the last thing you want to do is go outside. If you’ve found yourself wondering if there are grocery shopping alternatives, you’re in luck! Regardless if you like cooking, or hate it, there are lots of great options out there that don’t involve a trip to the grocery store. Trying to find a parking spot when you can’t see the lines and doing your best to not slip while carrying your purchases over precarious ice can be stressful. Especially when you don’t have a choice because it’s for an essential item like food. Here are some of our favourite options for avoiding grocery shopping this winter.
4 Grocery Shopping Alternatives in Calgary for the Winter
1. Superstore Online Ordering
Superstore has launched online ordering as one of the most convenient grocery shopping alternatives out there. They offer a pickup option through their website, and they have partnered with Instacart for a grocery delivery option. Of course, both options give you the opportunity to choose the items you regularly buy, from the comfort of your home.
Pickup is perfect because you get to stay in your warm vehicle instead of having to walk around the store. Additionally, most stores have front row parking specifically for pickup customers, so you won’t need to drive around trying to find parking.
On those extra cold winter days, or if you don’t have a vehicle, delivery is a perfect alternative. Depending on your location they offer delivery within an hour or you can schedule it for later when it’s most convenient for you.
As a bonus they have some great offers on right now for new customers:
New pick up customers $10 off their first 3 orders of $50 or more. Valid until March 21, 2020. Click here to learn more about this offer.
New delivery customers get $20 off their first 2 orders of $50 or more. Valid until March 21, 2020. Click here to learn more about this offer.
2. Skip the Dishes
For restaurant-quality food delivered to you on your couch, Skip the Dishes is perfect. Available on both a browser and app for your mobile device or tablet, this option for a grocery shopping alternative is very convenient. If you’re caught off guard with a storm or just don’t feel like making the trek outside this one-meal delivery option is great. Not only do you not need to leave your home, but you won’t have to cook either! In addition, the food is delivered within a radius of your location, so it’s fresh and warm when it reaches you. The best part about Skip the Dishes is that you only need one account to access hundreds of restaurants. To learn more about this option, click here.
3. Hello Fresh
If you love cooking and trying new foods, but don’t like getting the ingredients, Hello Fresh is perfect for you! This company allows you to choose how many meals and portions you receive each week and provides all the ingredients, pre-measured just for you. No more hunting around the store for that one item in a recipe that you’ll only use to make that one thing. And there is less waste because with this grocery shopping alternative they deliver only the ingredients you need. This is especially good for seniors because you don’t need the quantity when you are only cooking for one or two people. Although you can’t select a single person for the plans, selecting two people means you get to cook once, but have leftovers for another meal the next day! As an incentive for first-time subscribers, you can get $110 off your first 4 boxes. Valid until January 14, 2020. Click here to see the available plans.
4. Meals Direct
Want freshly cooked meals on a schedule with a healthy twist? Meals Direct is the perfect solution. This service allows you to pre-order multiple fresh cooked meals delivered right to you. Delivery is available twice a week on Tuesday and Friday. This allows you to order multiple pre-cooked meals all at once. And with lots of choices, you can try out different foods. Meals Direct is one of the best grocery shopping alternatives because you don’t need to leave your home, cooking is not required, and you can get several meals all at once to eat later. It’s perfect for busy adults or seniors that just want single portions. Also, each meal has customization options so that you can modify each one to fit your dietary preferences. Their post-holiday schedule will resume on January 14.