Single parent using delivery slots

[NellMangel]

I have a 5yo who I have been too scared to take to the supernarket. I recently managed to get an online delivery. Since then my friend has made a few remarks about how delivery slots should be used for vulnerable or elderly.

I feel guilty, but also a bit defensive. What do you all think?

YABU - get to the shop with DC
YANBU - get a delivery if you can

She’s not your friend. Frenemy at best.

Our deliveries are different for vulnerable people and other people. They are done by different depts. Crack on, do what you need to do. You arent taking anything away from anyone.

Don't feel guilty at all.

Delivery slots are there to be used. If you don't take them, someone else will.

If the slot was available to book then it's because no-one else booked it! You didn't take anyone else's slot! No need for any guilt.

Take the slot. Ignore your friend!

Wow, agree you don't need friends like this and you don't need to take one bit of notice what they think. YANBU

You're not at all unreasonable, in your position I would have groceries delivered. I do anyway, as an elderly person self isolating I would be considered 'vulnerable' though nobody has asked me that I recall. I just go through all the stores and see who has the soonest slot, have managed to buy most of what I need or want throughout this time. For smaller orders I've found Co-op deliveries to be excellent but like others I sometimes use Ocado, Iceland, Sainsbury's etc. My local BP M&S garage store delivers too and have really nice things.

Don't feel guilty, who is more 'vulnerable' than parents with young children? I've heard about shoppers 'tutting' at people bringing their children into stores but they have no choice. Your friend would 'tut' whatever you did by the sound of it. Pay no attention and do what you have to do to keep you and yours safe.

I had to go an Iceland order for delivery the other day as my car died. Needed to do a big shop as we were out of most things.
There were loads available, I was really surprised.

People don't think about how difficult your circumstances are before they put their judgy pants on and you can't please everyone. So don't.

Anyone can get deliveries now. They have put aside a number of deliveries for "shielding and vulnerable" but the rest are open to all customers. Go for it. Don't fell guilty.

YANBU.

You are not being unreasonable at all!

We use online slots too - although we have to do click and collect as we can't get a delivery slot. Neither my husband nor I are prepared to put ourselves through the stress and anxiety of actually going inside the supermarket.

YADNBU

YANBU
Think of it this way: you're helping to keep people employed!

@NellMangel, shame on you for not knowing your place in society and not allowing your small child to starve to advance the common good. The horrid virus-spreaders shouldn’t be seen or heard, didn’t you know?

Seriously what a crap friend. If the slot is there use it.

It's not exactly all that stressful to do a shielded person's shopping for them. I know because I've been doing it.

Your friend is being unkind and unhelpful. The slot was there and you used it.

Lots here as well. My parents (who live in a different county) are vulnerable and are seeing delivery slots before everyone else. So as I ubderstand it the vulnerable get first dibs then any left over ones are for everyone.

Whatever you do, some puffed up, self important lockdown vigilante will damn you for it, so do what is best for you.

I'm neither single nor vulnerable and I have (gasp) used delivery slots and (burn the witch) taken dc with me to the supermarket. I know. I should be tarred and feathered.

Yanbu

I am a single parent and use delivery.

Some supermarkets are only delivering to the elderly and vulnerable while others understand that not all people who need delivery are on the government list. For example we had a local blind woman who couldn't get a delivery slot as she's not on the list but was abused in the supermarket because people thought her dog shouldn't be allowed it's sorted now but the point is that not everyone who needs a slot is on the list.

Well, if you hadn't taken that spot, who would have used it?
Possibly someone even more able to shop than you.

Ocado have been happy enough to take my subscription for regular delivery for years and I have expected them to keep a slot for me, which they are now doing. There would have been plenty of slots to go round if they had not permitted those who were able to grab one to purchase huge amounts of goods. Ocado are now saying demand is getting back to normal, Tesco have some click and collect slots. If you are able to get a delivery don't feel guilt about it.

If there's a slot available, use it. Supermarkets have reorganised themselves so that people in need get first dibs.

Your friend is out of line but I’d chalk it up - near everyone is overwhelmed and snappy by this point, not her finest hour and hopefully she’ll realise. Don’t let it affect your actions.

I hadn’t booked one til now but I’ve had emails from all the places I usually online shop this week, got a quick delivery and few substations so by now the supermarkets are adequately staffed and stocked.

Im on the Tesco priority list and I say go for it. Priority customers get to see slots 4 weeks ahead, then what remain are for general use. Tesco now have half a million slots available country wide and they are getting easier to find. They are also being released at odd intervals during the day so you no longer need to stay awake til midnight.

If your friend was really a friend she would support you. With friends like that who needs enemies.