As layoffs and shortages persist, purchasing food and supplies only becomes more difficult as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. A Canadian startup company is trying to help alleviate some of the financial stress of finding the basic necessities.
Share the Goods acts as a middleman for both people in need, and people who want to help others. By providing your email and answering a few questions, they will match you with someone in your community who needs a little help, or someone who can get you what you need.
You can then coordinate with your match to find out what supplies are needed, and where you can meet to exchange. Share the Goods recommends placing an online order on behalf of the person in need to their preferred drop-off location, in order to practice social distancing.
Some Canadian stores that offer this service are:
- Innabuggy
- Instacart (Walmart, T&T, Superstore, etc.)
- Loblaws
- Save-On Foods
- Costco
- Amazon
- Spud
- Thrifty Foods
- Kiki's (Vancouver only)
- Fragola (for baby food)
- PC Gift Card
- Any local grocer who offers online delivery
In-person drop-offs are still allowed, but the company says to leave the package on the match's doorstep in order to maintain minimal contact.
Share the Goods offers a grocery list template for those who are unsure of what to buy or what to ask for. This service is running in every major Canadian city, and a number of other communities. If your community does not offer any grocery delivery services, Share the Goods says they will try to find a solution tailored just for you.