H-E-B Designates Personal Shoppers for Seniors

H-E-B, in partnership with its Favor Delivery, has launched a new service that gives seniors access to their own personal shopper by phone, allowing them to get essential food and supplies delivered to their homes. Beginning March 20, shoppers 60 and older can place orders with Favor using a curated list of products available from H-E-B.

“We heard from our customers loud and clear, and we’re ready to offer one of the safest, healthiest solutions in the marketplace dedicated to seniors who are worried about going out in public,” said Martin Otto, H-E-B chief operating officer, in a statement. “Together with Favor, H-E-B is committed to helping Texans get the products they need while slowing the spread of coronavirus in our communities.”

H-E-B and Favor will staff its "Senior Support" phone line with volunteers from both companies to accept and process orders over the phone from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., seven days a week. Built by the Favor engineering team, this system allows company volunteers to process orders remotely from across the state. Seniors can also place their orders on Favor’s website or by downloading the Favor app.

“Through this same-day service, a Favor Runner will personally shop all orders at H-E-B and deliver directly to the customer’s doorstep within just a few hours,” said Jag Bath, Favor CEO and H-E-B chief digital officer. “To further promote social distancing, Runners will leave all orders placed through the Senior Support line at the customer’s doorstep, eliminating close personal interaction.”

All delivery and service fees are waived for the first 30 days of the program. Orders will also include a $10 tip, which goes entirely to the Favor Runner, who will personally shop and deliver items.

Initially, the Senior Support line will be available from more than 240 H-E-B locations where Favor operates. The San Antonio-based grocer says it plans to “quickly expand this service.”

In those areas where the delivery service is not yet available, H-E-B is working directly with local nonprofits to provide support to its most vulnerable neighbors, including seniors, children and low-income families.