Reliable Delivery Services In Canada For Groceries, Meals Or Medications

As most Canadians are staying home to flatten the COVID-19 curve, many are turning to delivery services for essentials like food and medical supplies. Not only are they life-savers for anyone juggling family and work responsibilities, theyre also a safe way to get supplies to seniors and people with underlying medical conditions, who are at risk if they shop in stores where theyll be in contact with others.

How delivery services work

Most delivery companies use an online ordering system, and offer one-time deliveries or a regular service through subscriptions.

Typically, you can schedule when you want the delivery, and it will take anywhere between an hour and a week, depending on the company you use and what youve ordered. (However, many delivery services are overwhelmed during the pandemic, so dont wait until youre down to your last loaf of bread or prescription pill before placing your order.)

Delivery may happen by courier, driver or mail service. Theres often a minimum order and many delivery companies will waive or lower shipping fees for larger orders.

Most of these companies have a gift card option, so you can help out a friend in need and still allow them to make their own choices.

Watch: What is social distancing? Story continues after video.

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Check their protocols

Be sure the business youre ordering from has a strong health and safety protocol in place and clearly outlined on their website. Responsible precautions include porch or lobby drop-off options and virtual payment processing, and delivery personnel wearing gloves and masks. If its food-related, prep staff should have added additional steps to the cleaning and sanitizing process in kitchens, and, of course, not reporting for work if they feel unwell.

Ordering prescription medications

If youre ordering prescription medications, someone over 18 must sign for them. Since the coronavirus outbreak, many pharmacy delivery services have started offering online consultations, just like youd get in store, and some online pharmacists are even able to prescribe the most common meds, to free up family doctors for dealing with the pandemic.

Check your neighbourhood options

A number of smaller businesses are offering delivery on a community scale, and they need our support now more than ever, with restaurant dining rooms closed and workers across the hospitality and retail industries losing income or their jobs . So its worth checking with your favourite neighbourhood stores and restaurants to see if theyve switched to a delivery model.

The following businesses offer delivery across most of Canada. Theyre not only a great resource for you to use personally, but also for sending care packages to loved ones in need.