The explosive growth of same-day, on-demand, and online delivery services in recent years has ushered in a wonderful new era of convenience and ease for people looking to fit grocery shopping into their busy lives. For others though, delivery is much more than just a convenience—it’s independence, human connection, and new opportunity. 

This is the reality for many Shipt members—who find that grocery shopping can be difficult or even impossible. For these members, delivery can be an empowering new way to get access to everyday essentials, without feeling stuck or burdened. Shipt Shoppers are dedicated supporters of this cause, and through each of them, Shipt has embraced its growing ability—and growing responsibility—to serve these populations and even more new members across the nation with an unparalleled digital shopping experience. 

Delivering more than fresh food

For those who are no longer able to get out as often or as easily as they once did, their world can start to shrink. Today, grocery delivery plays a crucial role in restoring their independence and overcoming the feelings of isolation to better connect them to their communities once again. 

One Shipt Shopper, Deb from the Dallas-Fort Worth region, regularly takes orders to housebound seniors. For nearly three years now, she's been shopping for Sharon, who has neuropathy (a degenerative nerve disease) and uses a walker or wheelchair to get around. Using Shipt, she's able to do her weekly shopping, giving her the independence to provide fresh food for her family in a way that doesn't disrupt her daily life. 

Sharon told the Dallas Morning News earlier this year that Shopper Deb, "does all my shopping and never forgets anything." Shipt Shoppers like Deb go the extra mile to deliver an incredible experience, giving careful attention to picking out the perfect produce and even helping unpack the groceries and putting them all away. Sharon even considers Deb a close friend now, thanks to Shipt. Shoppers like Deb also understand the social and community experience that grocery shopping has always been, taking the time to visit with the folks they deliver to. 

Next year and beyond

Sharon's story is similar to many of Shipt's customers who can't or don't drive, and might need assistance with groceries because of eyesight, mobility issues, or other conditions. Shipt's work doesn't end here though. In addition to growing the number of individual members Shipt serves every day, Shipt is also using its expertise to join forces with leasing offices and retirement communities to provide grocery delivery services to underserved populations at scale. 

Now 100,000 shoppers strong, Shipt looks forward to bringing the promise of quality same-day delivery to life to more new customers, Shipt is improving grocery shopping today and beyond in the new year.