Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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How do you guys deal with grocery shopping? (self.Blind)
submitted by KingWithoutClothes
Back when my eyesight used to be better, grocery shopping was something I very much enjoyed doing. I know a lot of people view it as an annoying chore but I genuinely liked strolling through the aisles and picking all the things I needed from the shelves. I also like cooking and eating and sometimes when I walked through a supermarket aisle, I saw something I hadn't originally intended to buy and got a spontaneous craving or an idea for a dish, so I would pick it up too. This is partially what made grocery shopping so much fun for me.
In recent years, my eyesight has decreased significantly and independent shopping is now not an option anymore. I'm very frustrated because it's one of many fun/nice things I've lost and that has also made my wife's life more difficult. She is now the one who goes grocery shopping for the both of us but I know she isn't totally okay with it, which makes the whole thing even worse for me. After all, I WISH I could do it myself... but I can't. Sometimes I suggest going together because I still enjoy that and at least I can help her carry all the things (we're in Europe and we don't have a car, so we have to walk home or take the bus with the groceries stored in backpacks). However, she usually rejects my offer, arguing that she'll be faster on her own. My wife gets a bit stressed out when we go grocery shopping together because she feels like she needs to find all the things and also watch out for me.
Now, many people will probably ask why I don't just ask the store employees for assistance. I have done this a few times in the past and frankly... I hate it. I don't know how it is in other places but where I live, I don't really feel comfortable doing this. The store employees are friendly but they're also in a terrible hurry. I can feel how the duty of guiding me through the store really stresses them out. It's probably something they've got to do in addition, while they're actually supposed to get other stuff done. I remember some employees who asked me: "Is this everything?" after every other product. It was very clear they wanted to get done with this as fast as possible. Also, some of those employees told me to grab their arm but they ran through the supermarket as though it was some kind of competition. I could barely keep up and being nearly blind, it felt very scary. There was also the problem that I had to juggle my big grocery basket and my white cane in one hand because had to grab the employee's arm with my other hand. Once the basket became heavy, I had to hold 10-20 lbs worth of groceries with two fingers, which was quite painful. Also, the fact that the employees are usually in a big hurry makes me feel very awkward and guilty. I know I'm stealing their time, so I usually try to make the whole thing as quick as possible. However, this way I have ended up forgetting key ingredients several times (even with a list). I was usually too shy to go back inside and ask for one more tour, so instead I tried to find the products myself, which usually took me eternities.
Whatever I do, I feel like there's no good solution. I really miss the days when I was able to just stroll through the store and pick the things I desired. What has made my struggle even bigger in recent times is that my favorite supermarket has been completely renovated. As part of this renovation, they got closed refrigerators for the meat, sausages, fresh pasta etc. Before that, they had open refrigerators, which meant that I could just pick things and hold them close to my face to see what it is. Now, there are all these glass doors and going close doesn't work anymore. Also, sometimes when I look too long, other shoppers ask me if they can help me (people don't like when someone keeps the refrigerator door open because it's bad for the environment). I usually say yes but it feels miserable because I'd prefer to find my stuff by myself. Also, sometimes other shoppers don't know something and it turns into a big hassle. One time a woman wanted to help me but she didn't know what sashimi is. I tried to explain it to her but she didn't really get it. When another shopper passed by, she asked that guy. Now they were looking together. Soon enough, a third person joined. Eventually, one of the three asked a supermarket employee but that employee said he had to ask another employee. There was a whole crowd of people looking for my sashimi and I just wanted to disappear. It was so terribly embarrassing and awkward and uncomfortable.
Anyway, how do you ladies and gents deal with grocery shopping? Are there any tricks? Thank you for your replies :)
In recent years, my eyesight has decreased significantly and independent shopping is now not an option anymore. I'm very frustrated because it's one of many fun/nice things I've lost and that has also made my wife's life more difficult. She is now the one who goes grocery shopping for the both of us but I know she isn't totally okay with it, which makes the whole thing even worse for me. After all, I WISH I could do it myself... but I can't. Sometimes I suggest going together because I still enjoy that and at least I can help her carry all the things (we're in Europe and we don't have a car, so we have to walk home or take the bus with the groceries stored in backpacks). However, she usually rejects my offer, arguing that she'll be faster on her own. My wife gets a bit stressed out when we go grocery shopping together because she feels like she needs to find all the things and also watch out for me.
Now, many people will probably ask why I don't just ask the store employees for assistance. I have done this a few times in the past and frankly... I hate it. I don't know how it is in other places but where I live, I don't really feel comfortable doing this. The store employees are friendly but they're also in a terrible hurry. I can feel how the duty of guiding me through the store really stresses them out. It's probably something they've got to do in addition, while they're actually supposed to get other stuff done. I remember some employees who asked me: "Is this everything?" after every other product. It was very clear they wanted to get done with this as fast as possible. Also, some of those employees told me to grab their arm but they ran through the supermarket as though it was some kind of competition. I could barely keep up and being nearly blind, it felt very scary. There was also the problem that I had to juggle my big grocery basket and my white cane in one hand because had to grab the employee's arm with my other hand. Once the basket became heavy, I had to hold 10-20 lbs worth of groceries with two fingers, which was quite painful. Also, the fact that the employees are usually in a big hurry makes me feel very awkward and guilty. I know I'm stealing their time, so I usually try to make the whole thing as quick as possible. However, this way I have ended up forgetting key ingredients several times (even with a list). I was usually too shy to go back inside and ask for one more tour, so instead I tried to find the products myself, which usually took me eternities.
Whatever I do, I feel like there's no good solution. I really miss the days when I was able to just stroll through the store and pick the things I desired. What has made my struggle even bigger in recent times is that my favorite supermarket has been completely renovated. As part of this renovation, they got closed refrigerators for the meat, sausages, fresh pasta etc. Before that, they had open refrigerators, which meant that I could just pick things and hold them close to my face to see what it is. Now, there are all these glass doors and going close doesn't work anymore. Also, sometimes when I look too long, other shoppers ask me if they can help me (people don't like when someone keeps the refrigerator door open because it's bad for the environment). I usually say yes but it feels miserable because I'd prefer to find my stuff by myself. Also, sometimes other shoppers don't know something and it turns into a big hassle. One time a woman wanted to help me but she didn't know what sashimi is. I tried to explain it to her but she didn't really get it. When another shopper passed by, she asked that guy. Now they were looking together. Soon enough, a third person joined. Eventually, one of the three asked a supermarket employee but that employee said he had to ask another employee. There was a whole crowd of people looking for my sashimi and I just wanted to disappear. It was so terribly embarrassing and awkward and uncomfortable.
Anyway, how do you ladies and gents deal with grocery shopping? Are there any tricks? Thank you for your replies :)
retrolental_morose 3 points 2y ago
we're lucky in the UK that about 2/3 of the major sumermarkets do online ordering., as do many small butchers, artisans confectioners and so on.
With the supermarket you get good isle browsing, similar to things in your basket and of course, detailed ingredients and cooking instructions.
I have no sight at all but E-shopping is a pleasure.
We've even got alexa doing the shopping lists now, so we can just shout if we're out of something.
With the supermarket you get good isle browsing, similar to things in your basket and of course, detailed ingredients and cooking instructions.
I have no sight at all but E-shopping is a pleasure.
We've even got alexa doing the shopping lists now, so we can just shout if we're out of something.
blindbat84 3 points 2y ago
Last fall I discovered how awesome Walmart pickup is. I have found stuff I would not have known about otherwise since I can browse and search for stuff at my own pace.
I'm fortunate enough that my mom can take me to get it and often coordinates pickups with me so we each get an order. My bf does the same with his taxi driver he usually uses. We now don't get at each other because mom could not find something and don't have to fuss with people.
I'm fortunate enough that my mom can take me to get it and often coordinates pickups with me so we each get an order. My bf does the same with his taxi driver he usually uses. We now don't get at each other because mom could not find something and don't have to fuss with people.
MostlyBlindGamer 2 points 2y ago
I order online too and actually get stuff delivered.
I can always look at what's on sale, I never feel rushed and I've discovered entire categories of products.
I can always look at what's on sale, I never feel rushed and I've discovered entire categories of products.
UpsideDownwardSpiral 3 points 2y ago
With the exception of myself not being in Europe, and having a roommate shop for me instead of a spouse- this post essentially mirrors what my experience has been.
Used to enjoy shopping because I enjoy actually finding things that I want? Check.Can't do it anymore because of my vision? Check.Grocery store just renovated and now I can't find anything? Check.Roommate hates shopping? End up missing ingredients at the end of shopping? Double Check.Asking for help shopping then have the person rush around the store as fast as possible like it's a race? Check.Bad experience asking employees for help? Check.
Yesterday was only the second time I have been to the grocery store since I lost my vision earlier this year, and I realized that there is no way that I will be able to shop independently. I'm really broken up about it.
I was previously using grocery delivery, but that's no longer an option for me.
So, I too would like to know, how does r/blind shop independently? Do you have any tips?
Used to enjoy shopping because I enjoy actually finding things that I want? Check.Can't do it anymore because of my vision? Check.Grocery store just renovated and now I can't find anything? Check.Roommate hates shopping? End up missing ingredients at the end of shopping? Double Check.Asking for help shopping then have the person rush around the store as fast as possible like it's a race? Check.Bad experience asking employees for help? Check.
Yesterday was only the second time I have been to the grocery store since I lost my vision earlier this year, and I realized that there is no way that I will be able to shop independently. I'm really broken up about it.
I was previously using grocery delivery, but that's no longer an option for me.
So, I too would like to know, how does r/blind shop independently? Do you have any tips?
KingWithoutClothes [OP] 4 points 2y ago
Thank you for your reply. Even though you couldn't help me, I'm really glad to know I'm not the only person out here with this problem!
I have a tiny bit of vision left and although it's not sufficient, sometimes I still try to shop by myself. I tell myself it'll work out somehow, only to be bummed midway because I must acknowledge to myself that it simply does not work. There are some things I manage to do, such as picking the right carton of milk. I know where it is supposed to be and it has a specific color pattern that's different from all the other ones. But many products are completely impossible. For example fruits and veggies. Getting the right fruit/vegetable usually works but I can't see the numbers on those scales (or the screens for that matter). A few times I've stood there for like 20 minutes like a complete idiot until finally some other shopper passed by near enough that I could ask him to read the corresponding number on the sign, type it on the scale and hand me the sticker.
I have a tiny bit of vision left and although it's not sufficient, sometimes I still try to shop by myself. I tell myself it'll work out somehow, only to be bummed midway because I must acknowledge to myself that it simply does not work. There are some things I manage to do, such as picking the right carton of milk. I know where it is supposed to be and it has a specific color pattern that's different from all the other ones. But many products are completely impossible. For example fruits and veggies. Getting the right fruit/vegetable usually works but I can't see the numbers on those scales (or the screens for that matter). A few times I've stood there for like 20 minutes like a complete idiot until finally some other shopper passed by near enough that I could ask him to read the corresponding number on the sign, type it on the scale and hand me the sticker.
UpsideDownwardSpiral 2 points 2y ago
>I have a tiny bit of vision left and although it's not sufficient, sometimes I still try to shop by myself.
>
> I tell myself it'll work out somehow, only to be bummed midway because I must acknowledge to myself that it simply does not work.
Same.
The first time I went to the store, a couple of weeks ago, I went alone. And stumbled my way through it. I didn't find most of the things I needed. The store staff wasn't much help at all. And I found myself trying to put buttermilk into my coffee the next morning instead of Half and Half which has the same sort of labeling. Very frustrating.
At least we don't have to create out own tags for produce, though. we do the weighing at the cash register. But, nowadays so many stores have switched to predominantly using self-checkout registers, so that's a different hassle that requires asking an employee for help that most people don't need.
>
> I tell myself it'll work out somehow, only to be bummed midway because I must acknowledge to myself that it simply does not work.
Same.
The first time I went to the store, a couple of weeks ago, I went alone. And stumbled my way through it. I didn't find most of the things I needed. The store staff wasn't much help at all. And I found myself trying to put buttermilk into my coffee the next morning instead of Half and Half which has the same sort of labeling. Very frustrating.
At least we don't have to create out own tags for produce, though. we do the weighing at the cash register. But, nowadays so many stores have switched to predominantly using self-checkout registers, so that's a different hassle that requires asking an employee for help that most people don't need.
BlueZone123 2 points 2y ago
Ask for a maneager, and request a personal shopper. Take a list of items that you'll be purchasing. Hold on to the cart, while the helper pulls the cart in front of you. Inform them if they are going too fast, and they'll slow down. Go down the list of items that you are purchasing. If you are going to purchase milk, for instance, be specific... What brand of milk do you want? Do you want 2 percent, whole milk? Do you want a galon or a half?
As the shopper you have the right to purchase what you need, and you should not feel hurried by the personal shopper.
Some people don't want to bother the employeebut it should not be a bother to them; you are there to shop, and they are being paid to assist.
Once the maneager assigns the employee the duty of being your personal shopper, they don't have any other duties besides helping you.
As the shopper you have the right to purchase what you need, and you should not feel hurried by the personal shopper.
Some people don't want to bother the employeebut it should not be a bother to them; you are there to shop, and they are being paid to assist.
Once the maneager assigns the employee the duty of being your personal shopper, they don't have any other duties besides helping you.
TwoSunsRise 1 points 2y ago
Everything this person said. Request a shopper to help you. Get a cart so you're not carrying things and hold on as they're driving it. You're employees don't sound super accommodating so you could also call the store ahead of time and schedule a time to shop with an employee. That gives them time to find someone that can spend an hour with you and not have to rush back to other duties bc they were prepared for you.
Marconius 2 points 2y ago
Instacart instacart instacart. It's accessible, taps into most major grocery and big box stores around you, and everything gets delivered. Amazon Fresh works as well, but tends to be pricier.
My wife drives us to go shopping, so a car really helps, but lacking that, nothing wrong with accessible delivery apps.
The customer service route with a worker helping you through the store works in a pinch, but more times than not, it's with someone who doesn't understand what they need to do, or in my case, sometimes didn't even speak English making it impossible to shop. I reported the store to corporate after several botched shopping experiences, and they got set right. I always hold on to a cart from the handle while the helper pulls it from the front. Much better than carrying a hand basket and trying to juggle that with a cane and human guide, unless you are grabbing a small amount of items.
I totally hear you about the frustration of not being able to see ingredients when poking around the store. Now, it's very much just make a list, get in, and get out as fast as possible with minimal putzing around, finding things you didn't think you needed. Again, try the delivery apps and see if they work in your area.
My wife drives us to go shopping, so a car really helps, but lacking that, nothing wrong with accessible delivery apps.
The customer service route with a worker helping you through the store works in a pinch, but more times than not, it's with someone who doesn't understand what they need to do, or in my case, sometimes didn't even speak English making it impossible to shop. I reported the store to corporate after several botched shopping experiences, and they got set right. I always hold on to a cart from the handle while the helper pulls it from the front. Much better than carrying a hand basket and trying to juggle that with a cane and human guide, unless you are grabbing a small amount of items.
I totally hear you about the frustration of not being able to see ingredients when poking around the store. Now, it's very much just make a list, get in, and get out as fast as possible with minimal putzing around, finding things you didn't think you needed. Again, try the delivery apps and see if they work in your area.
itwoms 2 points 2y ago
I’m not visually impaired but I do love grocery shopping as well. Does your wife know how much you miss it? Is she the type that even on her own she wants to just get in and get out of the grocery store? That might just be her personality then. Im not judging her for that, she just seems worried about you.
I think maybe if you schedule time in every once in a while to walk to the store and get only a handful of things that could be a good compromise. Getting only a few things would make her less stressed than getting a lot of things at once and you can enjoy walking around the store. She can do the regular larger store trips on her own. I’m sorry the grocery staff has made you feel like that.
I think maybe if you schedule time in every once in a while to walk to the store and get only a handful of things that could be a good compromise. Getting only a few things would make her less stressed than getting a lot of things at once and you can enjoy walking around the store. She can do the regular larger store trips on her own. I’m sorry the grocery staff has made you feel like that.
fastenedbrick25 2 points 2y ago
Have google images at the ready to show them what it is you want. 9/10 they'll say "here it is!"
Prefect316 1 points 2y ago
I once lived in an area where one of the employees told me when their shifts would be because helping me meant they didn't have to actually work and could just walk around with me and help me find things. Opposite experience to OP but just a fun anecdote.
taversham 1 points 2y ago
Online shopping for home delivery is a life saver for me (or store pick up if collecting it is an option). I can browse as long as I want, and see what things have discounts or special offers which I don't notice when I'm in the shop.
If your preferred supermarket doesn't have online options you can always browse the website of another supermarket for inspiration with a screen reader or just holding your phone close to your face, and then draw up a shopping list from that, since most supermarkets carry more or less the same things.
Another good way to add spontaneity to your shopping choices would be to ask people you meet (friends/acquaintances/strangers/whoever you feel comfortable asking) what they're having for dinner tonight or what they had last night, and see if anything they had inspires you. The more people you ask, the more ideas you'll have.
(Yesterday I had spinach and ricotta tortellini in an avocado and chickpea sauce, today I'm having tomato and basil soup with soya mince.)
If your preferred supermarket doesn't have online options you can always browse the website of another supermarket for inspiration with a screen reader or just holding your phone close to your face, and then draw up a shopping list from that, since most supermarkets carry more or less the same things.
Another good way to add spontaneity to your shopping choices would be to ask people you meet (friends/acquaintances/strangers/whoever you feel comfortable asking) what they're having for dinner tonight or what they had last night, and see if anything they had inspires you. The more people you ask, the more ideas you'll have.
(Yesterday I had spinach and ricotta tortellini in an avocado and chickpea sauce, today I'm having tomato and basil soup with soya mince.)
DrillInstructorJan 1 points 2y ago
Totally have had all the issues here. The wider issue is just not being able to browse or just wander around and see what is in any sort of shop, which is something that the young people I have mentored find really trying. I was never really a huge clothes shopping person but everyone has to do it a bit, and it's one of those things that I don't really see a solution to and tend to file under annoying.
As for groceries, we mainly order in but I suspect we would do that anyway.
As for groceries, we mainly order in but I suspect we would do that anyway.
tangela19 1 points 2y ago
Many of the answers I would give have already been mentioned, but I want to elaborate on why a few of these options might be good for your specific situation.
First, as already mentioned, delivery apps such as Instacart, Walmart, Amazon prime now, Shipt, and others let you choose your items and have them delivered to your home. Most of them also have the ability to browse by section, so that you still get some spontaneity in what you're ordering.
If you must go into the store, get a phone harness which goes around your neck and consider using Ira. The agents are paid, and should be able to help you. In all honesty, you may still have to do some wandering, fumbling, and otherwise less than perfectly efficient expiration as agents strive to keep up with your camera, but it is far easier than any of the other in person options you outlined. There is also the factor of cost to consider, noting that Ira is somewhat expensive, though their services in my opinion are well worth it. It’s also worth checking to see whether any of the big chain options around you are free with Ira. I know a few in the US are, but I’m not sure about the UK.
Finally, a few other stores also offer the option of online ordering with in-store pick up. It may be worth seeing if something like this exists.
I am in the US, so unfortunately can’t provide more specific information for your location, but hope something of this has been useful and perhaps someone else here might be able to provide more localized assistance.
First, as already mentioned, delivery apps such as Instacart, Walmart, Amazon prime now, Shipt, and others let you choose your items and have them delivered to your home. Most of them also have the ability to browse by section, so that you still get some spontaneity in what you're ordering.
If you must go into the store, get a phone harness which goes around your neck and consider using Ira. The agents are paid, and should be able to help you. In all honesty, you may still have to do some wandering, fumbling, and otherwise less than perfectly efficient expiration as agents strive to keep up with your camera, but it is far easier than any of the other in person options you outlined. There is also the factor of cost to consider, noting that Ira is somewhat expensive, though their services in my opinion are well worth it. It’s also worth checking to see whether any of the big chain options around you are free with Ira. I know a few in the US are, but I’m not sure about the UK.
Finally, a few other stores also offer the option of online ordering with in-store pick up. It may be worth seeing if something like this exists.
I am in the US, so unfortunately can’t provide more specific information for your location, but hope something of this has been useful and perhaps someone else here might be able to provide more localized assistance.
CosmicBunny97 1 points 2y ago
I also loooove grocery shopping and cooking. Can you buy groceries online, or go with a support worker or friend/family? As for identifying products, SeeingAI works mostly but there’s also a product scanner that looks like a barcode scanner, but I don’t remember the name unfortunately.
TheBlindBookLover 1 points 2y ago
Hi. Have you looked into programs like Aira or Be My Eyes?
CloudyBeep 1 points 2y ago
This wouldn't be practical because OP would need to hold their phone, their cane and their shopping.
retrolental_morose 4 points 2y ago
If I need remote help I wear my phone - either in a shirt pocket or in a chest harness. I use a bluetooth earbud and arrange a hand signal to camera when I can't talk, in case something comes up and I eed to address someone around me rather than my assistant.
This leaves a cane and free-hand no problem. :)
This leaves a cane and free-hand no problem. :)
TheBlindBookLover 2 points 2y ago
If OP uses Aira, they could just use the smart glasses.
CloudyBeep 1 points 2y ago
The Horizon glasses were discontinued and no longer work.
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