Instacart
Groceries delivered from your usual store.
What is Instacart?
- Personal shoppers pick up groceries for you.
- Order from Costco, Aldi, Kroger, Publix, Wegmans, etc.
- Same-day delivery — usually within 2 hours.
- You shop from your phone or computer.
- No need to drive or walk store aisles.
- Great for snowy weather and limited mobility.
Cost
- Pay-per-order — about $4–8 delivery fee.
- Plus tip for shopper — 10–15% standard.
- Instacart+ membership — $99/year, free delivery on orders $35+.
- Prices may be slightly higher than in-store.
- Compare carefully — some items 5–15% more.
- Costco prices match warehouse.
How to order
- Download free Instacart app or go to Instacart.com.
- Enter your zip code — see participating stores.
- Pick a store, browse aisles or search.
- Add items to cart.
- Choose delivery time — 2hr or scheduled.
- Pay with credit card, get text updates.
Senior tips
- Add notes — "ripe bananas" or "leave at door."
- Choose "Replace" or "Refund" for out-of-stock.
- Save favorite items — speeds reorders.
- Tip well — shoppers do real work.
- Bring boxes/cooler outside if heavy/cold items.
- Communicate with shopper through app.
EBT/SNAP supported
- Instacart accepts EBT for grocery items.
- Free delivery often available for EBT users.
- Eligible items show EBT label.
- Reduced or free Instacart+ for EBT/Medicaid.
- Major win for low-income seniors with mobility issues.
- Set up by adding EBT card in payment section.
Alternatives
- Walmart+ — $98/year, free Walmart delivery.
- Amazon Fresh — Prime members, varies by area.
- Shipt — Target focused, $99/year.
- Store apps — Kroger, Publix have own delivery.
- Compare what stores deliver in your zip.
- Different stores may suit different needs.
Try one order first
Don't commit to a yearly membership before trying it. Place one $35+ order with a $5 delivery fee. See how it feels — quality of substitutions, freshness, accuracy. If you order weekly, the $99/year Instacart+ pays for itself in delivery fees alone. Many seniors with mobility issues say grocery delivery transformed their independence.