Grocery delivery is a booming business around Boston right now, with families avoiding supermarket trips due to coronavirus. Problem is, delivery slots for Whole Foods, Amazon, and Peapod are hard to come by. Enter local grocers and farmers, who are stepping up to deliver milk, eggs, meat, produce, pantry staples, and prepared meals to more area households than ever. It's a win-win: You get super-fresh food on your doorstep, and local businesses get a boost.

Our Coronavirus Guide for Parents includes more ideas for keeping the household running smoothly, including emergency childcare options, free at-home learning resources, and more.

Got milk? Sure, you can pick up a plastic jug at the supermarket, but for health and convenience reasons, farm-fresh local milk delivery is popular once again. Connecticut is known for its dairy farms, and many now deliver milk as well as other groceries (eggs, yogurt, and more) right to your doorstep. 

When ice cream stands open again, you can sample more local dairy treats at these Connecticut farms with homemade ice cream and other activities for kids.

If you're tired of fighting for time slots from big name grocery chains and grocery delivery services, then look no further than a New Jersey local food market and farm stand, which can offer a great alternative for stocking up on grocery staples without the hassle of supermarket delivery. These local businesses carry items like fresh produce, dairy, meats and baked goods and offer delivery or curbside pickup. Some of the farm stands offer CSAs (community supported agriculture) for a monthly fee. So stock up and enjoy grocery delivery, hassle-free!

Get more ideas on how to thrive during quarantine with the Coronavirus Guide for Parents.

As the Coronavirus pandemic heads into its umpteenth week, we realize the cupboards might be getting bare. With the advised #StayAtHome health initiative aimed at curtailing new cases of the virus, now more than ever folks are trying to limit trips to the grocery store. Even if you do venture out, Long Islanders are reporting a lack of social distancing in aisles, bare dairy shelves, scarce meat options and don't get me started on the toilet paper situation. My mother-in-law ordered hers online from Australia! I traded produce for a roll.

Peapod and Amazon Fresh have been go-to's for many Long Islanders, but trying to get a delivery slot seems to be a full-time job. We found several services and/or companies offering stoop delivery or contact-less curbside pick up. If your favorite neighborhood shop isn't on the list try giving them a call, many shops are more than willing to accommodate patrons during these uncertain times.

We need to stay home and stay safe, but one essential task that must continue is food shopping—so many families have turned to grocery deliveries to limit exposure that the shopping experience requires. With the increased demand, many of the big stores may run out of certain items and cannot always offer timely delivery slots, meaning it's a good idea to explore other local alternatives. We have rounded up a dozen local stores throughout the Philadelphia area that provide grocery delivery or curbside pick-up.

For more ideas on handling life and thriving, not just surviving, during this challenging time, check out our Stuck at Home Guide for Parents.

At publication time, these stores are offering delivery or pick up groceries. Since the COVID-19 situation is constantly evolving, please confirm with the store directly to be sure.

Show kids the importance of washing their hands while they learn about the surface tension of water. One of our 63 Easy Experiments for Kids Using Household Stuff, this experiment went viral when the coronavirus hit and teaching kids about proper hand washing became essential.

This super easy experiment is fun for all ages—especially the toddler set—and it couldn't be more simple. All you need is water, black pepper, and dish soap.

Read on to learn how to chase the "pepper" germs away!

Considering how much time families are spending quarantined at home right now, our bookshelves couldn't be full enough! These days, reading together feels like the perfect way to connect, learn, and pass the time, which is why it's that much more awesome that PJ Library keeps the stories coming with monthly deliveries of free Jewish children's books for kids as young as 6 months old. Oh, and speaking of passing the time, when your kiddos aren't buried in PJ's professionally-curated award-winning books, the program also offers access to virtual activities, podcasts, and playlists that'll fill the long days and weeks ahead with fun, laughter, and meaningful lessons.

Easter or Passover meals will not be the same this year; fewer seats around the table; less preparation needed. These Houston-area restaurants are working hard to still make the holiday special for families with special Easter breakfast, brunch, and dinner meal options for delivery or takeout. Check out our picks for Easter 2020, from barbecue to lamb chops to DIY mimosa bars in a box.

Decorate the table with Easter crafts and dyed eggs, set up a creative Easter egg hunt, connect with loved ones via Zoom or FaceTime (maybe try your hand at virtual charades), and savor the holiday.