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On April 2nd, Governor Brian Kemp signed an executive order that requires all Georgia residents and visitors to “shelter in place” through April 13th. This order is designed to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. For many families, this raises the question – what about access to basic, everyday supplies like groceries and medicine?

On a federal level, the US Department of Homeland Security has already identified several “critical infrastructure” industries that must continue operations in order to protect public health and safety. These businesses and organizations include emergency services, financial services, critical manufacturing, communications, food and agriculture, government facilities, and health care.

Under Governor Kemp’s shelter in place order, Georgia businesses deemed “essential” can still stay open and operational. Essential businesses and services include grocery stores, pharmacies, businesses that sell equipment needed for working at home, as well as safety and sanitation companies. However, state leaders are urging people to stay safe by placing online orders and requesting deliveries, rather than in-store shopping.

This means, on both a federal and state level, that grocery stores and pharmacies will stay open, even during the shelter in place order. Georgia residents still have the ability to go to the store or pick up needed supplies; however, there are other options available for those who want to stay home.

Grocery Store Delivery Services: the following grocery stores are offering (as of the publication of this blog) pick-up services and grocery delivery services in the Metro Atlanta area. You can place orders both online or via the store’s preferred smartphone app.

  • Kroger
  • Publix
  • Wal-Mart
  • Amazon Fresh

General Delivery Services: if you need food, medicine, or another essential item delivered to your home, you can consider using one of these smartphone apps. For a relatively small fee, these companies offer door-to-door deliveries. Businesses such as Costco, CVS, Fresh Market, Kroger, Public, Sam’s Club, and other local grocers work with these delivery services; however, make sure you check the app first for availability.

  • Instacart
  • Postmates
  • Shipt

Meal Kit Subscriptions: if you want to receive fresh produce at home and are willing to wait for weekly or monthly delivery, you might want to consider subscribing to a meal kit service. Several popular companies deliver to the Metro Atlanta area; however, due to high demand right now, the recipe availability can be limited.

  • Blue Apron
  • Dinnerly
  • Freshly
  • Hello Fresh
  • Marley Spoon

Restaurant Delivery: Under Georgia’s current restrictions, restaurants have to close their dining rooms – but they can stay open for take-out, curbside pick-up, and delivery. If you’re looking for restaurant ideas, Eater Atlanta has compiled a wonderful list of local restaurants offering take-out and delivery right now. The list is organized by neighborhood. Many Atlanta-area eateries have shifted some of their employees to deliver; be sure to check before placing your order. Or, there are several smartphone apps you can use for restaurant delivery (Note: be sure to see which third-party apps your favorite restaurants use before placing your order).

  • ChowNow
  • DoorDash
  • Postmates
  • UberEats
  • Zifty

The coronavirus outbreak has many people thinking about what they need to do to take care of themselves and their families. For those sheltering in place, there are options available to ensure you receive the food, medication, and other supplies you need. As an essential business, Brian M. Douglas & Associates is also continuing to serve the community and its legal needs. Please let us know if you have any questions or if there is anything we can do to help. You can reach us at (770) 933-9009.