While your grocery shopping habits have no doubt changed in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic, if you are able to go out and do your own shopping (while wearing a mask) you can actually consider yourself fortunate.
For many people who are over the age of 65, pregnant or have other health conditions, going out for essentials can be downright scary right now.
To help the vulnerable population during this crisis, Walmart has teamed up with Nextdoor for a new “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” program in which Nextdoor members in cities across the country can request assistance or offer to help someone in their community with shopping for essential items at Walmart.
Vulnerable community members will be able to coordinate the pickup and delivery of their groceries, medications and other essentials with a neighbor who is already planning a shopping trip to their local Walmart store, making the entire process completely contact-free for the neighbor who needs assistance.
If you need help shopping for essential items or want to offer your help, visit Nextdoor’s website or log into the Nextdoor app and sign up to become a member. Then, click on the “Groups” tab and you’ll see Walmart stores in your area pinned to the top of the page.
You can then share a message in the group feed where you can let people know that you need help or can offer help.
Once you connect with another neighbor in the feed, you’ll work out details of a shopping trip on the message board or direct message each other to figure out specifics. Neighbors are encouraged to use contact-free payment options and delivery methods, but all the specifics of the exchange are worked out between each other.
“In recent weeks, we’ve been blown away by the number of members who have raised their hands to run an errand, go to the grocery store or pick up a prescription for a neighbor,” Sarah Friar, Nextdoor CEO, said in a press release.
Not only does the program allow neighbors to help out neighbors, but by sending one person to do the shopping for two, it also cuts down on the number of people in Walmart stores, therefore limiting contact with each other for everyone who is shopping.
Walmart has also been implementing one-way aisles and some stores have been limiting the number of customers inside at one time. Some stores have also designated separate entrances and exits to limit the risk of shoppers passing close by each other as they enter and leave.
Do you know anyone who could use some help getting essential items?
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for additional stories.
