As you creep up in age, everyday tasks that were once completed without much thought or effort can become challenging. A quick trip to the grocery store can turn into an all-day event, consuming your time, energy, and hard-earned resources. However, there are many services in New Orleans that make a run to the grocery store virtually stress-free. Online grocery services and supermarket deliveries, specialized senior services, local grocery amenities, and community programs can have you “makin’ groceries” with ease. This article will take a closer look at the options available for seniors in New Orleans to best accommodate all of your shopping needs.
Online Grocery Services and Supermarket Deliveries
You can shop at your favorite stores, like Target, Winn-Dixie, Rouses, Costco, Walmart, Whole Foods and more, without ever leaving your home. A simple product search allows you to browse the “grocery store aisles” from the comfort of your couch, providing countless benefits. You can easily compare products and prices, without driving from store to store in search of the best deals. Online grocery shopping also enables you to adhere to your grocery list, without making unnecessary impulse buys as you walk the aisles of the grocery store. As most seniors are on fixed incomes, this is a great way to stick to your designated budget. You can also view your bill at any point during your online shopping experience, making you aware of your total spending along the way.
With an annual or monthly membership, you can choose to have these groceries delivered directly to your doorstep, using services like Shipt, Instacart, or Walmart+. The straightforward ordering process and flexible delivery times make it simple for seniors to conveniently access groceries. If you’d prefer to avoid the membership costs, many stores offer the same shopping service with free curbside pickup. With this option, you would still shop for your groceries online and select a desired pickup time. A store employee would then fulfill your order for you and load your groceries into your car during your allotted pickup time. This is a convenient and affordable option if you are still mobile and able to unload groceries from your car and into your home.
Specialized Senior Services
- Meals on Wheels
Meal on Wheels is a well-known service that significantly improves the lives of seniors. They provide nutritious, well-balanced meals for homebound seniors who may struggle to prepare meals for themselves. The meals are delivered directly to the senior’s home, which is greatly beneficial for those with mobility issues. Certain health considerations can be taken into account to ensure seniors are receiving meals that cater to a range of dietary needs, such as low-sodium, diabetic-friendly, etc. In addition to consistent and reliable meals, some areas also assist with grocery delivery, providing seniors with essential groceries.
- Council on Aging
The New Orleans Council on Aging is instrumental in providing seniors with necessary support, including assisting seniors with grocery shopping. Volunteers can accompany you to the grocery store to help shop or they can deliver groceries to your home.
- Nola @ Home Care
Nola @ Home Care is a trusted non-medical in-home care that can assist you with your day-to-day needs, including light meal-prep and transportation. A caring and trained individual can help you plan and prepare balanced meals to ensure all of your nutritional needs are being met. They can help you stock your pantry and keep your perishable items fresh and up-to-date. Nola @ Home Care can safely provide transportation to and from your errands if you enjoy shopping for your own groceries. They help support your independent living while providing companionship and encouragement.
Local Grocery Amenities
Many local stores support seniors’ needs with discounts and special shopping hours. You can join a grocery store’s loyalty program to cash in on savings, helping you to keep your budget in check. Check with your local stores for lower traffic times to ensure a stress-free shopping experience.
Community Programs: Local Nonprofits
- Second Harvest Food Bank
Second Harvest Food Bank is one example of a local non-profit organization that assists seniors with groceries. To ensure that you maintain a healthy diet, they offer programs such as senior food boxes and mobile pantries. Groceries are distributed to low-income seniors, aged 60 and older.
- Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans (CCANO)
CCANO provides monthly nutritional food boxes to seniors in need with a goal of improving the health of low-income elderly persons. They also provide emergency assistance during times of crisis or financial hardship.