Does GrubHub Offer Contactless Delivery?

Yes, GrubHub does offer contactless delivery. The app defaults to this mode, ensuring a safer and more hygienic experience for both drivers and customers. However, some users find the concept of contactless delivery merely a half-hearted attempt, given the broader issues of hygiene and safety in the food service industry.

The Misconception of Contactless Delivery

The idea of contactless delivery seems simple and straightforward: avoid any physical interaction to reduce the spread of germs. However, the reality is more complex and often less reassuring. Fast food employees, while wearing gloves and masks, still have to handle cash, which can be a vector for spreading germs. Moreover, the money is typically handled by multiple individuals, further increasing the contamination risk.

The food and drinks then pass through multiple hands and surfaces. From the moment the order is placed and payment is made to the final bagging, there are numerous touch points. Drive-thru windows, for instance, involve an additional layer of contamination as the food is passed through a window without a barrier, potentially adding more germs.

Outdoor Delivery Risks

Once the food is bagged, it is then placed in a car and driven across town. This journey can be even more fraught with risk. The exterior of the envelope or bag can become contaminated as it contacts surfaces in the car, delivery vehicle, and ultimately, the doorstep. Doorsteps, patios, and porches can be havens for dirt, spiders, ants, and even wildlife, such as neighborhood cats, dogs, and raccoons. The accumulation of these hazards, especially during spring when the weather can be unpredictable and wet, poses a real challenge for maintaining cleanliness.

GrubHub's Attempt at Safeguarding

GrubHub recognizes these concerns and attempts to address them through contactless delivery. By default, the app ensures that the driver leaves the order on the doorstep, reducing the need for physical handoffs. This practice, while well-intentioned, can also be seen as a band-aid solution. Drivers and customers must take further steps to ensure their safety, such as requesting additional protective measures like plastic bags.

Drivers often use plastic bags to protect the food from dirt, spiders, and other dangers on the porch. This practice is a practical solution to a complex problem. While it does not entirely eliminate the risks, it significantly reduces the exposure to potential contaminants.

Conclusion

Contactless delivery on GrubHub is an attempt to provide a safer and more hygienic service. However, the risks associated with outdoor food delivery cannot be entirely mitigated. The broader issues within the food service industry, such as hygiene practices, need to be addressed for a truly safe and secure food delivery experience. While GrubHub's contactless delivery is a step in the right direction, customers and drivers must remain vigilant and proactive in maintaining their own hygiene and safety.