This morning I found myself reading over the information available about Amazon's Fresh Grocery options. It's something I probably will never use as I prefer to do all my own grocery shopping, but I have family members who love their grocery order/pickup from Walmart, Target, Sam's Club and Misfit's Market. As I glanced at the news headlines and wondered if another lock-down was coming for Covid, I thought I'd click on the Amazon Fresh link on my Amazon page and see what it was all about.
Many of my readers probably already use it and know all about it. But for those who don't, there were some things I found interesting and new to me.
Mainly, it's free grocery delivery or pickup available to Prime members in select
regions that meet the local free delivery or
pickup threshold.
I am not a Prime member - so this bit of information was important to me from the start.
Another surprise was this: Can I get alcohol delivered?
Yes. If your order
contains alcohol, you will be required to provide identification at the
time of delivery. ID verification will be contact-free.
Another surprise to me... you can use your food benefits at Amazon.
In most states, you’ll be able to use your SNAP EBT card to pay for SNAP
EBT eligible food items on Amazon Fresh and groceries on Amazon.com,
without a Prime membership.
Amazon is part of a pilot run by the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) to accept SNAP EBT online. Currently, customers with a
valid SNAP EBT card in all states except Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana and
Montana can use their SNAP funds on Amazon.
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How is Amazon getting groceries to customers during COVID-19?As
we continue to increase our ability to get groceries to customers and
ensure the health and safety of our employees, we'll also continue to
find more ways to serve customers like reserving the first hour of
pickup at Whole Foods Market for at-risk customers, expanding grocery
pickup, launching new features, adding additional grocery delivery
windows across Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods on Amazon and more.
What qualifies for FREE delivery?FREE
grocery delivery or pickup is available to Prime members in select
regions on Amazon Fresh orders that meet the local free delivery or
pickup threshold. To check region eligibility, sign into your Amazon
account or enter your zip code on this page.
Can I get a single delivery from Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market on Amazon?No.
If you have access to multiple stores in your area, your order from
Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods are fulfilled from each store individually
so we can deliver them ultrafast. If you've selected items from more
than one store, you'll need to select a delivery or pickup window and
check out separately for each cart. You'll receive separate order
confirmations from each store.
What happens if I want to cancel after I've placed my order?You may cancel your Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods Market order at any point up until your shopper begins picking your groceries.
Can I get alcohol delivered?Yes.
If your order contains alcohol, you will be required to provide
identification at the time of delivery. ID verification will be
contact-free.
Can I get a contact-free delivery or pickup?Yes.
Customers ordering delivery from Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market
can select "unattended delivery" during checkout and your order will be
left at your doorstep. (Orders containing alcohol are not eligible for
unattended delivery.) With curbside pickup, we'll place your order
directly in the trunk of your car.
What is the process for Whole Foods pickup?You'll
receive a text notification when your order is ready for pickup. For
the fastest experience, 'Check in' when you're on your way by clicking
the link in the text or your order confirmation email on your Amazon
mobile app. While checking in, enable location so that we are ready and
waiting with your order as you arrive, and select whether you want us to
bring your order to your car at the designated pickup parking space
(Curbside), or at the in-store pickup point (In-store). Once you reach
the store, park in one of the designated pickup spaces. (Note: Some
stores do not have the Curbside option. You may be instructed in the
app to park anywhere in the lot, or go inside the store to pick up your
order.) If you chose Curbside, the store associate will bring your order
to your car. If you chose In-store, walk into the store at the
'In-store pickup point' mentioned in the app, and we'll meet you there.
Are tips required?
Tipping
is completely optional. If you elect to leave a tip, the entire tip
goes to your courier. Information about your tip, such as the amount and
who has issued it, isn't shared.
How long will my order stay at its proper temperature in its packaging?
Our
packaging is designed to keep your delivery at the proper temperature
during transit. Please be sure to chill any perishables upon delivery.
Can I use my SNAP EBT card on Amazon for groceries?
In
most states, you’ll be able to use your SNAP EBT card to pay for SNAP
EBT eligible food items on Amazon Fresh and groceries on Amazon.com,
without a Prime membership. You will also enjoy free delivery when your
purchase is above the minimum order value.
Can I get groceries delivered inside my garage?
In-garage
grocery delivery from Key by Amazon is FREE for Prime members and
available in select areas. It's a secure, convenient way to receive
Whole Foods Market and Amazon Fresh deliveries. It's contactless, too,
because there’s no interaction between you and the delivery associate,
or the delivery associate and the garage door.