The impact of quarantine on simple (but necessary) tasks like buying groceries has caused families to rethink how and when they get their food. Rows upon rows of store shelves have turned up empty of shelf-stable products like rice, pasta, and beans and necessities like milk, eggs, and bottled water are being limited in the quantity you can purchase.

While some stores like H-E-B are experiencing both long wait lines to enter the store and a spinning dial of wait times for the next available delivery or curbside pick-up, Houston is thankfully home to many different grocery delivery and pick-up options, both from regular grocery stores and from local CSAs and Farm Shares. We've rounded up several different grocery options for you to utilize during these uncertain times, including many local farms who could likely use the support! 

Because things are changing at a rapid pace, we recommend checking stores that may currently have no available delivery or pick up times frequently; you just may luck out with the next available spot! 

For ideas on what to do as a family during this time, visit our Coronavirus Pandemic Parenting Guide.

Buying groceries might have been a bit of a challenge even before our current situation, what with maneuvering shopping carts through busy streets and subway stairs while balancing young children, meandering tweens, and "helpful" teens. But now, as days of confinement stack up, getting groceries is a challenging obstacle course that takes thoughtful planning. Even if you're fortunate enough to have a great go-to store nearby, you might not want to venture out. Another option: grocery delivery services.

If you decide to go this route, one thing is clear: It's smart to order more than a week's worth of groceries. Fill your cart with choices that don't require refrigeration, saving room for those that must be kept cold or frozen, and be willing to accept substitutes for items in short supply. While markets are continually restocking, items might not be available on your delivery date.

NYC is fortunate to have several grocery delivery options, but the sheer population density has created a challenge for even the best services. The situation, as they say, is fluid, and so we're also including options that are experiencing growing pains in hopes they'll find the help they need to expand their delivery services. Our picks include local stores, bodegas, and enterprising small businesses, plus we've also included some useful resources for tracking available takeout options from local restaurants, too.

So, start your shopping list and read on for 22 grocery delivery services, handy ordering apps, and restaurants ready to deliver food right to your stoop. Looking for more help during this trying time? We've got plenty of tips, tricks, and boredom busters in our Stay-at-Home Guide plus a roundup of city services and resources to make life a bit easier.

Grocery shopping used to be as simple as creating a list, running to the store, and filling your cart. But, in the age of coronavirus, we're forced to wait to enter the store and stand in extended lines to check out. Then, there's the added stress of shortages or limits on necessary supplies like ground turkey, chicken, paper towels, toilet paper, and even dishwashing detergent. Yet, with families sheltering in place, it's inevitable your supplies need replenishing. To limit your exposure, and save time, it might be worth considering a grocery delivery service.

The Atlanta area had several options for grocery delivery before shelter-in-place orders were announced, and now, even more stores, local farms, and restaurants have begun offering these services.

A few tips for using a delivery service: Plan ahead and shop a few days out. You'll have a better chance of getting your preferred date by selecting less popular early morning or late evening windows. If you choose to use these services, remember to tip your delivery person generously.

Read on for 21 Atlanta-area services offering grocery delivery or pick up. Because of the changing landscape, we're including as many services as possible. A surge in demand means some may be limiting new signups or offering waiting lists.

Find more helpful coronavirus tips in our Stuck at Home Guide, where we've got everything from boredom busters, to homeschooling resources and ideas to help cooped up kids get their wiggles out.

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.