Calgary grocery stores see unprecedented demand for delivery
Many delivery services unable to accommodate demand
With shelter-in-place orders and restaurant closures, Calgarians are testing the limits of the city's grocery delivery services and apps.
From big box to local grocers, here is a list of what you can expect if you want to pre-order groceries rather than shop in store.
Calgary Co-op
Though it's not delivering grocery orders, Co-op is offering free care packages for people who are quarantined.
The packages contain non-perishable food essentials like canned meat, pasta sauce and juice, and will be delivered for the next three weeks.
Co-op is also offering an hour of early morning shopping from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for seniors and people with disabilities so they can shop in a freshly sanitized, fully stocked store.
Save On Foods
Save On Foods is asking customers who can shop in-store, to do so. Stores are open 12 hours a day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with a 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. time-slot dedicated to seniors and other vulnerable customers to shop.
"We are experiencing extremely high web traffic and demand for online shopping at this time," says the store in a statement on its website.
Superstore
As of Tuesday afternoon, there were no delivery slots or pickup slots available from Superstore.
Spud.ca
Spud.ca works with local farmers and producers to offer sustainable groceries delivered.
Currently, shoppers will likely encounter a "truck full" message when they try to order delivery, but CEO Peter van Stolk says that should change in the next two weeks. The company has already adjusted to a 200-per-cent increase in sales in Calgary and is working to accommodate that number doubling again.
"We're in the business of delivering food, and that business has changed over night," said van Stolk. "We're taking this as a responsibility."
Van Stolk says the entire grocery community has "stepped up," and he wants people to remember "no one will go hungry." His message is to breathe, stop hoarding and show compassion to others who are having a tough time.
T&T Supermarket
The Asian grocery store offers delivery from its two Calgary locations. According to its website, orders will arrive within three to five business days.
Walmart
There are no delivery or pickup time slots available through Walmart's website or through the INABUGGY app.
"You may find time-slots and some items unavailable," reads the Walmart website. "We're doing our best to open up more capacity and restock as quickly as possible!"
Men in Kilts
Men in Kilts has switched gears from offering window-cleaning services to a free grocery shopping service for seniors.
"We will take your list and an envelope with the money, go to the store and pick up your supplies. We then will leave the supplies on your front step, ring the bell and be on our way, free of charge.
"We just want to help our community as much as possible during this time. If there is anything we can do to help, just reach out."
Seniors interested in the service can email calgary@meninkilts.com.
INABUGGY
- Costco shoppers can still get same-day delivery through the INABUGGY app at a cost of $20 for the picking, packing and delivery fee.
- Safeway shoppers might be out of luck for now. As of Tuesday, there were no delivery times available through the INABUGGY app over the next two weeks.