As the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact our daily lives, the wellbeing of vulnerable relatives is still a priority. Now that we're entering another winter season, it's often still proving tricky to secure a coveted delivery slot online for loved ones (or neighbours) who might be isolating. If you're trying to book a home delivery with Sainsbury's, we have all the details.
Sainsbury's has increased the number of home delivery and Click and Collect slots available and, as of January 2021, they offer over 850,000 weekly slots. This means they are able to prioritise elderly and vulnerable customers for online delivery.
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Sainsbury's is still prioritising vulnerable customers for online delivery
How do I get a Sainsbury's home delivery slot for a vulnerable person?
Follow instructions from the text message or letter you received to register as vulnerable on the HMRC website. If you weren't contacted, you can register at gov.uk, and then contact your GP to request a letter.
The Sainsbury's website says: "For vulnerable customers who have been invited to register for online deliveries, you will still need to enter your postcode and find an available slot. You can check your postcode by logging in, selecting Book Delivery at the top of the page and choosing home delivery as your shopping method."
Our top tip would be to have the app downloaded on your phone and have your shopping list in your basket ready for when you get your delivery slot - this will ensure that the process is speedy and panic-free.
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How often can I book an online shopping delivery?
Restrictions on the number of deliveries per week have been lifted. You are now able to book three weeks in advance and can book multiple slots as long as each order meets the £25 minimum spend.
Can vulnerable customers order their food shopping over the phone?
The supermarket says: "For vulnerable customers who have been offered a slot and are unable to place their order online, we are offering a telephone ordering service and we now have five times the number of colleagues on hand to help with this." Call 0800 328 1700 for details.
Does Sainsbury's have a Volunteer Shopping Card?
Yes they do. The store has created a shopping E-Gift Card, which you can send to a friend or helper so they can shop in store for you. All you have to do is go to sainsburysgiftcard.co.uk, enter your payment amount, pay via card and enter the recipient's details.
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Will the Sainsbury's driver bring my groceries into my house?
Understandably, Sainsbury's is taking precautions with home deliveries to enable them to serve self-isolating customers.
The store says: "We have taken the decision to deliver your shopping to your front door in shopping bags rather than taking it inside. If you live in a flat, we will still bring your shopping to your own front door. Drivers will use alcohol-based hand sanitiser regularly throughout their deliveries."
Orders are being delivered without bags, but drivers can help our elderly and vulnerable customers transfer their shopping into bags if needed.
Sainsbury's priority access you need to know about:
The supermarket has introduced new rules for vulnerable and elderly customers, meaning you can skip the queue at any time in order to be welcomed into the store quickly and safely. This priority access also applies to NHS and care workers with an NHS ID.
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Can new customers register for Sainsbury's online deliveries?
Yes, absolutely. Their website says: "We are now able to accept new customer registrations online for home delivery and Click and Collect slots. We are also now accepting new Delivery Pass registrations."
Further information states: "Those customers who are vulnerable and have been given priority access are able to view and book home delivery further ahead. We’re releasing new slots regularly so please check back if you can’t see any available."
What else is Sainsbury's doing to help during the coronavirus crisis?
Sainsbury's has donated £3 million to FareShare, who will use that money to distribute donated food to the people who need it most. The supermarket also partnered with Comic Relief and the BBC on The Big Night In, which has since raised money for people impacted by COVID-19.
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