Blind and Visually Impaired Community
↑
16
↓
How to grocery shop while blind/visually impaired (self.Blind)
submitted by BlindAaron
How do many of you get the groceries you need? I’m asking because I have recently moved to a new area, Wal-mart will delivery to my area for a fee, but they always seem to forgot something or replace it with something that is “close enough”. I’m fairly mobile and can walk to a grocery store nearby but the I run into problems of having to carry everything back. Are there inexpensive carts or baskets with wheels that you can buy? Are there government programs I am not aware of? I love to cook and I’m trying to save money by not eating fast food so much. I don’t have any family in the area that can shop or take me shopping so it’s pretty much just me. Any and all advice and suggestions is appreciated
thatawkwardcosplayer 13 points 3y ago
I normally bring a friend with me to help pick out stuff and mainly to read the labels due to some allergies I have.
I've also used their "shopping helper" program by calling ahead and explaing my need for help shopping. (TX) I'm not sure it that's a thing in all states unfortunately!
I've also used their "shopping helper" program by calling ahead and explaing my need for help shopping. (TX) I'm not sure it that's a thing in all states unfortunately!
narfarnst 3 points 3y ago
HEB has 'personal shoppers'. That's what I do. Anything I can't find on my own I just go to the customer service center, say I can't see well, and ask for a personal shopper. It's quick and free.
It's a shame HEB is only in TX. I haven't tried it/looked into it for other stores yet.
It's a shame HEB is only in TX. I haven't tried it/looked into it for other stores yet.
TheBlindBookLover 8 points 3y ago
Hi. My ONM instructor taught me to first call the grocery store to explain your situation. One ne of the store employees can provide you with assistance by walking through the store with you and help you gathered the items on your shopping list. It is important to bring a list so that you are not running to and from opposite sites of the store. The store employee can push the cart while you hold onto the side. If you go to a store that is a Aira free access location, you could try navigating through the store on your own with the help of a sighted agent.
ElfjeTinkerBell 6 points 3y ago
As I have one working eye, I'm not entirely sure whether my technique works if you don't, but you can judge for yourself.
Personally, I like to do my shopping either by bike or walking. I usually bring a backpack, the size I use when I'm doing a day of walking or which I even could use if I were to go on a short trip (couple of days). So quite a big backpack if it were for daily use. I'll just pack heavy things in the bottom compartment and the very light or fragile on top. As it's a walking/hiking backpack, it has a sturdy hip strap which allows me to carry the weight on my hips. Even a 15 minute walk with groceries for a week is doable this way, for me.
Hope this helps!
Personally, I like to do my shopping either by bike or walking. I usually bring a backpack, the size I use when I'm doing a day of walking or which I even could use if I were to go on a short trip (couple of days). So quite a big backpack if it were for daily use. I'll just pack heavy things in the bottom compartment and the very light or fragile on top. As it's a walking/hiking backpack, it has a sturdy hip strap which allows me to carry the weight on my hips. Even a 15 minute walk with groceries for a week is doable this way, for me.
Hope this helps!
drv687 2 points 3y ago
I used to do this prior to using Walmart delivery or Instacart. I have some sight but got tired of walking to the grocery store and plus coming back with heavy items wasn’t fun.
I find I like instacart better than Walmart delivery bc with instacart I have the ability to specify the substitutions I want in the event something is out of stock. Plus I’m able to chat with the shopper as they’re shopping so if I need to add something to my order or send a picture of an item I want I can do that.
I find I like instacart better than Walmart delivery bc with instacart I have the ability to specify the substitutions I want in the event something is out of stock. Plus I’m able to chat with the shopper as they’re shopping so if I need to add something to my order or send a picture of an item I want I can do that.
hopesthoughts 1 points 3y ago
Yeah I use Instacart as well.
carolineecouture 3 points 3y ago
If you have a smartphone you might try the app "Be My Eyes" which uses the phone's camera and a volunteer who uses it to assist you. Like if you are at a shelf and want to find something particular they will use the camera to help you find it on the shelf.
​
Also the state's services for the blind may have training or do regular shopping trips.
Good luck, I hope you find something that works for you.
​
Also the state's services for the blind may have training or do regular shopping trips.
Good luck, I hope you find something that works for you.
princesspooball 3 points 3y ago
Do you have a paratransit or Dial-a-ride in your area that can transport you to the grocery store and back to make it a bit easier?
sk1ttl3s 3 points 3y ago
I don't know of it snows where you are in which case I can recommend a bigger wheeled one, but my husband likes this
Mount-It! Mesh Rolling Utility Cart, Folding and Collapsible Hand Crate on Wheels, 55 Lbs Capacity https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0763TCX1V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_tuAVDbSFQWQEP
Mount-It! Mesh Rolling Utility Cart, Folding and Collapsible Hand Crate on Wheels, 55 Lbs Capacity https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0763TCX1V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_tuAVDbSFQWQEP
razzretina 1 points 3y ago
Does this work on rough sidewalks? I love these things but they always end up getting stuck or tipping over when I get to the messed up sidewalks. It’s also a bit tricky to use with a guide dog when that happens.
sk1ttl3s 1 points 3y ago
I would suggest a larger wheeled one in that case they can take the bumps and cracks better.
If you have a guide dog though might I suggest a two for one there, where the dog can actually wear a pull harness and cart?
If you have a guide dog though might I suggest a two for one there, where the dog can actually wear a pull harness and cart?
razzretina 0 points 3y ago
That’s not really possible with a guide dog; she is already pulling me and having a cart behind her would not only impair her ability to move quickly and freely but be ab extreme tripping hazard for me. I will look into a cart with bigger wheels though! :)
DrillInstructorJan 2 points 3y ago
I have a giant backpack as big as me which I can almost shelter inside in case of rain.
AmAsabat 2 points 3y ago
I use a local Chinese food market for almost everything fresh. I got to know them and now one of the families children or junior staff walk around the store with me and put everything in my trolley. I go every 2/3 days and they are great. Big shops for the major staples my brother taxies me and I buy for the month and store at home 8n big labled boxes.
Sarinon 2 points 3y ago
I used to use a wheeled suitcase for big trips or walk there and get an uber home.
Ko-Riel 1 points 3y ago
My g/f is completely blind. She lives by herself and is very independent. Quite often, usually when she walks her dog, she drops by the local supermarket. The girls there are always willing to help her. Yes, sometimes she comes home with the wrong article, but all in all, she gets by just fine.
Whenever we need something she usually wants to go out and get it. It does help that she has lived in her village her whole life and everyone knows her.
Whenever we need something she usually wants to go out and get it. It does help that she has lived in her village her whole life and everyone knows her.
EmmePhoenix12 1 points 3y ago
I usually make a shopping list and stick to it when going shopping.
tasareinspace 1 points 3y ago
faerylin 1 points 3y ago
We do Walmart grocery pick up a lot; or I will take a photo of something and zoom in to see what it is. Or I bring my magnifier. But I have some sight. So it may not help you
Eriona89 0 points 3y ago
I don't know where you live.
In the Netherlands you can get O&M training for this kind of situations.
In the Netherlands you can get O&M training for this kind of situations.
moremattymattmatt 0 points 3y ago
I don’t know about the US (I assume that’s where you are) but in the UK we have shopping trollies which are basically an aluminium frame on wheel holding a big bag. Amazon uk sell them.
No idea if that’s the sort of thing you meant though.
No idea if that’s the sort of thing you meant though.
This nonprofit website is run by volunteers.
Please contribute if you can. Thank you!
Our mission is to provide everyone with access to large-
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
©2023 HumbleCat Inc • HumbleCat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Michigan, USA.