Many grocery delivery services built their apps for younger shoppers who grew up tapping screens. But plenty of seniors 55 and older prefer a regular phone, a landline, or a basic flip phone. Some have a computer or tablet at home but never wanted a smartphone. Others find small screens hard to read or touch screens frustrating to use.
The good news is that you have more options than the app stores suggest. You can order groceries by phone, from a website on your computer, or by having a family member place the order for you. This guide walks through every method that works without a smartphone, with real phone numbers and step-by-step instructions.
Why Smartphone-Only Delivery Is a Problem for Seniors
A 2024 Pew Research study found that about 24% of adults aged 65 and older do not own a smartphone. Many rely on flip phones or landlines. When grocery stores shifted to app-based ordering during the pandemic, these seniors were left behind. Stores that used to take phone orders stopped. Delivery apps required accounts, push notifications, and in-app chat with shoppers.
The result was predictable: seniors who needed grocery delivery the most — those with mobility issues, health conditions, or no transportation — had the hardest time accessing it. Some gave up and went back to carrying heavy bags on the bus. Others relied entirely on family members to order for them, losing independence in the process.
But the situation is improving. More services now offer web-based ordering, phone support, and family account sharing. Here is how to use them.
Method 1: Order Groceries by Calling Your Local Store
The simplest option is also the most overlooked. Many local grocery stores, regional chains, and independent markets still take phone orders for delivery or curbside pickup. This is especially common in smaller towns and rural areas where personal service matters.
Here is how to do it:
- Call your regular grocery store and ask: "Do you offer delivery or curbside pickup?"
- If yes, ask what days and times delivery runs, what the fee is, and what the minimum order is.
- Give them your grocery list over the phone. Some stores will let you fax or email a list.
- Pay with a credit card over the phone, or pay at the door when groceries arrive.
Stores that commonly offer phone-in delivery include regional chains like Safeway (call your local store directly), Publix, and many independent IGA stores. The key is calling the store itself — not a 1-800 number — because delivery programs vary by location.
Safeway Grocery Delivery by Phone
Safeway is one of the few major chains that still accepts phone orders for delivery at many locations. Call your local Safeway and ask for the delivery department. You can also order online at Instacart (Safeway partners with Instacart) from any computer or tablet. Delivery fees range from $4.95 to $9.95 depending on order size and time slot.
Method 2: Use Instacart on a Computer or Tablet
Instacart is the largest grocery delivery service in the U.S., and you do not need a smartphone to use it. The Instacart website works on any computer or tablet with an internet connection and a web browser. The interface is the same as the app — you browse stores, add items to your cart, choose a delivery window, and pay online.
Here is what to do:
- Go to instacart.com on your computer or tablet.
- Enter your ZIP code to see which stores deliver to your address.
- Create an account with your email address and a password you can remember.
- Add items to your cart by searching or browsing categories.
- Choose a delivery window — same-day windows are often available if you order before noon.
- Enter your delivery address and any instructions (gate codes, apartment numbers, doorbell notes).
- Pay with a credit or debit card. SNAP EBT is accepted at participating stores.
One important detail: if your shopper needs to contact you about a replacement item, they will call the phone number you provided at checkout. A landline or flip phone is fine — you just need to be able to answer a call. You will not need to text, use an app, or open a browser during delivery.
Instacart delivery fees start at $3.99 per order. An Instacart+ membership costs $99 per year and waives delivery fees on orders over $35. If you order groceries more than once a month, the membership pays for itself. You can also order through Instacart from the website.
Method 3: Order Walmart Groceries on a Computer
Walmart Grocery does not take orders by phone, but the website works on any computer or tablet. You can also use Walmart Grocery from your browser. Here is the process:
- Go to walmart.com/grocery on your computer.
- Enter your ZIP code and confirm your local store.
- Browse or search for items and add them to your cart.
- Choose delivery or curbside pickup at checkout.
- Select a time slot and enter your delivery address.
- Pay with a credit card, debit card, or SNAP EBT (where available).
Walmart charges a delivery fee of $5.99 to $9.95 per order, or you can get free delivery on orders over $35 with a Walmart+ membership ($12.95/month or $98/year). Curbside pickup is free with no minimum order at most locations — you drive to the store, park in a designated spot, and a staff member loads the bags into your car.
If you do not drive, delivery is the better choice. If you drive but have trouble walking the store aisles, curbside pickup is free and simple. You just pull into a numbered spot and call the store to let them know you have arrived.
Method 4: Have a Family Member Order for You
This is one of the most common solutions — and it works well when you have an adult child or trusted relative who is willing to help. Most delivery services let one person place an order and send it to a different address. Here is how each major service handles it:
| Service | Can Family Order for You? | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Instacart | Yes — with Instacart+ family sharing | Add your address as a delivery location. Up to 6 household members share one Instacart+ account. |
| Walmart Grocery | Yes — add delivery address | Your family member selects your address at checkout. No special account needed. |
| Amazon Fresh | Yes — Amazon Household | Two adults share an Amazon Household. Orders can ship to either address. |
| Shipt | Yes — add delivery address | Shipt members can deliver to any address in their service area. |
| Kroger | Yes — add delivery address | Order from Kroger.com and enter your address at checkout. |
Talk to your family member about what you need. Make a grocery list together — on paper, by phone, or over email — and have them place the order. You can set up a recurring weekly or biweekly delivery so the same items arrive on schedule. Many families rotate responsibility among siblings so no one person carries the full load.
Instacart+ Family Sharing
With an Instacart+ membership ($99/year), up to six people in the same household can share one account. This means your adult child can order groceries and have them delivered to your address, while managing their own orders too. Order at Instacart to get started.
Method 5: Use Amazon Fresh on a Computer
If you already have an Amazon account, you can order groceries through Amazon Fresh from any computer or tablet. Amazon Fresh delivers fresh produce, meat, dairy, and pantry staples in many metro areas. You do not need the Amazon app — the website handles everything.
To check if Amazon Fresh delivers to your address:
- Go to amazon.com/fresh on your computer.
- Enter your delivery ZIP code.
- If delivery is available, start shopping.
- Choose a delivery window — usually same-day or next-day.
- Pay with the credit card on your Amazon account.
Amazon Fresh delivery is free for Prime members on orders over $35 in most regions. Prime costs $14.99/month or $139/year. If you are on Medicaid, you qualify for a discounted Prime membership at $6.99/month. SNAP EBT is also accepted for eligible items at Amazon Fresh in select states.
Method 6: Call Your Area Agency on Aging
If none of the above options work for you, call your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). This is a government-funded program in every U.S. county that helps seniors with daily living needs, including grocery access. They can connect you with:
- Volunteer driver programs that pick up groceries for homebound seniors
- Senior grocery delivery programs run by local nonprofits
- Meals on Wheels programs that deliver prepared meals to your door
- Transportation services for seniors who need rides to the store
- Benefits counseling to check if you qualify for SNAP, Medicaid, or other food assistance
The national Eldercare Locator connects you to your local AAA. Call 1-800-677-1116 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Eastern Time. You can also visit eldercare.acl.gov and enter your ZIP code to find your local office.
This service is free. They will ask for your age, ZIP code, and what kind of help you need. They are friendly, patient, and used to working with seniors who do not use computers or smartphones.
Comparison: Which Method Works Best for You?
Here is a quick comparison of all six methods so you can pick the one that fits your situation:
| Method | What You Need | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Call local store | Landline or flip phone | $0 to $10 delivery fee | Seniors with a trusted local grocery store |
| Instacart on computer | Computer or tablet, internet | $3.99+ per order, or $99/year membership | Seniors comfortable browsing online |
| Walmart on computer | Computer or tablet, internet | $5.99 to $9.95 per order | Budget-conscious shoppers near Walmart |
| Family member orders | Family member with smartphone | Same as the delivery service they use | Seniors with involved adult children |
| Amazon Fresh on computer | Computer, Amazon account | Free with Prime on $35+ orders | Existing Prime members |
| Area Agency on Aging | Phone call | Free | Homebound or low-income seniors |
Curbside Pickup Without a Smartphone
If you can drive but do not want to walk through the store, curbside pickup is another option that works without a smartphone. Most major grocery stores let you order online from a computer and pick up at the store without ever going inside.
Here is how curbside pickup works:
- Order groceries on your computer from Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, or another participating store.
- Choose a pickup time slot during checkout.
- Drive to the store at your scheduled time.
- Park in a numbered curbside pickup spot.
- Call the store phone number listed on the parking sign to let them know you have arrived.
- A staff member brings your groceries to your car and loads them in the trunk.
You need a car and the ability to drive, but you do not need a smartphone. The pickup call uses any phone. Walmart pickup is free with no minimum. Kroger pickup is free on orders over $35. Safeway pickup is free at most locations.
This option is ideal for seniors who are still driving but find it tiring to walk the entire store, stand in checkout lines, or carry heavy bags. It also costs nothing extra compared to shopping inside.
Tips for Seniors Ordering Groceries Without a Smartphone
Here are practical tips that make the process smoother, whether you are calling the store, using a computer, or relying on family:
- Write your grocery list on paper before you start. Group items by category (produce, dairy, meat, pantry) so the list is easier to work from.
- If you are ordering online, bookmark the store website in your browser so you do not have to search for it each time.
- Write down your account password in a safe place at home. Do not rely on remembering it.
- When ordering for delivery, leave clear instructions: "Leave bags on the front porch, doorbell does not work, call 555-1234 on arrival."
- If a family member orders for you, give them a written list of your preferred brands, sizes, and substitutes. This avoids getting the wrong items.
- Ask your store if they offer a senior shopping hour. Many stores reserve early morning hours for seniors, with fewer crowds and fresher stock.
- Keep a running list on your refrigerator. Add items as you run out so the next order is easy to place.
- If you receive SNAP benefits, ask which stores accept EBT for online orders. Walmart, Amazon, and Instacart (at select stores) all accept EBT for eligible food items.
What If You Have a Tablet but No Smartphone?
A tablet is perfectly fine for grocery delivery. An iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Amazon Fire tablet, or any tablet with Wi-Fi works just as well as a smartphone. In fact, tablets are better for many seniors because the screen is larger and text is easier to read.
If you have a tablet:
- Use the web browser (Safari, Chrome, or Firefox) to go to instacart.com, walmart.com, or amazon.com/fresh.
- You do not need to download any apps. The websites work in the browser.
- If your tablet has a camera, you can take photos of product labels or your grocery list to share with family members.
- Tablets with cellular service can be used anywhere, but Wi-Fi-only tablets work fine from home.
Many seniors receive tablets as gifts from family members. If you have one collecting dust, it may be the easiest path to grocery delivery — no phone call required, and the large screen makes browsing simple.
Services That Accept SNAP EBT Without a Smartphone
If you receive SNAP benefits, you can use your EBT card for online grocery orders at several major retailers. All of these work from a computer or tablet:
| Service | EBT Online? | How to Order |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart Grocery | Yes — in all 50 states | Order on walmart.com, select EBT at checkout |
| Amazon Fresh | Yes — in most states | Add EBT card to Amazon account, shop Amazon Fresh |
| Instacart | Yes — at select stores (Aldi, Publix, Kroger, Safeway) | Add EBT card to Instacart account, order from website |
| Kroger | Yes — in Kroger division states | Order on kroger.com, select EBT at pickup or delivery |
EBT covers eligible food items only. Delivery fees, tips, and non-food items must be paid with a separate debit or credit card. For more details, read our full guide on SNAP EBT grocery delivery for seniors.
Safety Tips for Grocery Delivery Without a Smartphone
When you order delivery without a smartphone, you lose the ability to track the shopper on a map or chat in real time. Here is how to stay safe and avoid problems:
- Give specific delivery instructions so the driver does not need to call you for directions. Include gate codes, building names, and where to leave bags.
- Pay online whenever possible. Avoid cash payments at the door — credit cards offer fraud protection that cash does not.
- Check your order when it arrives. Count the bags against your receipt. If something is missing, call the store or service right away — most will refund or redeliver.
- If a stranger claims to be a delivery driver but you did not place an order, do not open the door. Verify with the store first.
- Never give your Social Security number, full bank account number, or Medicare number to a delivery driver. Legitimate services never ask for these.
- Keep your credit card information stored only in your online account — never give it to a driver verbally.
For more safety advice, see our grocery delivery safety tips for seniors guide.
Cost Comparison: Delivery vs. In-Store Shopping
You might worry that delivery costs more than shopping in person. In some cases it does, but the difference is often smaller than people think. Here is a realistic breakdown for a typical $80 grocery order:
| Cost Factor | In-Store Shopping | Delivery (Instacart) | Delivery (Walmart) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $80.00 | $80.00 to $88.00 (10% markup) | $80.00 (same price) |
| Delivery fee | $0.00 | $3.99 to $7.99 | $5.99 to $9.95 |
| Service fee | $0.00 | 5% of subtotal ($4.00) | $0.00 |
| Tip (10%) | $0.00 | $8.00 | $5.00 (pickup, no tip needed) |
| Gas / transit | $3.00 to $8.00 | $0.00 | $2.00 (drive to store for pickup) |
| Total | $83 to $88 | $96 to $108 | $88 to $97 |
Delivery typically adds $10 to $20 per order compared to shopping in person. But if you factor in the value of your time, energy, and physical effort — especially if walking the store is painful or tiring — delivery may be well worth the extra cost. Learn more in our guide comparing grocery delivery vs in-store shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get groceries delivered without a smartphone?
Yes. You can order groceries by calling your local store directly, using a computer or tablet to access store websites, asking a family member to place an Instacart or Walmart order for you, or calling services like Meals on Wheels at your local Area Agency on Aging (1-800-677-1116). Many stores also offer curbside pickup that you can schedule by phone.
Does Instacart work without a smartphone?
Instacart works on any computer or tablet with a web browser. Go to instacart.com, create an account, and shop from stores in your ZIP code. You do not need the phone app. However, if your shopper needs to contact you about replacements during your order, they will call the phone number you provided at checkout. A basic flip phone or landline is enough.
Can I order Walmart groceries by phone?
Walmart does not take grocery orders by phone directly. But you can place an order on walmart.com from any computer or tablet, choose delivery or curbside pickup, and pay online. A family member can also place the order from their own account and select your address for delivery. Walmart also partners with Instacart for delivery in some areas.
What is the simplest grocery delivery option for seniors with no technology?
The simplest option is calling your local grocery store and asking if they deliver. Many regional chains and independent stores run their own delivery service with a phone order. If your store does not deliver, call your Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-677-1116 to ask about volunteer driver programs and senior grocery assistance in your area.
Can a family member order groceries for me?
Yes. Services like Instacart and Walmart Grocery let you add multiple delivery addresses to one account. Your adult child can order groceries from their phone or computer and have them delivered to your door. Instacart+ members can share an account with up to six household members, so family can manage orders together.
Your Next Steps
You do not need a smartphone to get groceries delivered. Here is what to do today, depending on your situation:
- If you have a trusted local grocery store: Call them today and ask if they deliver or offer curbside pickup. This is the simplest path.
- If you have a computer or tablet: Go to Instacart and check which stores deliver to your ZIP code. Create an account and place a small first order to try it out.
- If you live near a Walmart: Visit walmart.com/grocery on your computer, enter your ZIP code, and choose delivery or free curbside pickup.
- If you have family nearby: Ask your adult child to set up an Instacart or Walmart account with your address as a delivery option. They can place orders from their phone.
- If you are homebound or low-income: Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to connect with your local Area Agency on Aging. Ask about volunteer grocery delivery, Meals on Wheels, and SNAP enrollment.
- If you receive SNAP benefits: Order from Walmart, Amazon Fresh, or Instacart using your EBT card online. Visit our SNAP EBT delivery guide for step-by-step instructions.
Start with one method that fits your life. Place a small order first — maybe a dozen items — to see how it works before relying on it for your full weekly grocery run. Once you are comfortable, you can set up a recurring delivery schedule so your staples arrive automatically.