7 Hy-Vee Hacks Every Parent Should Know

Sponsored by Hy-Vee (Columbia)

Many years ago when I started having children, I quickly realized that grocery shopping with small people in tow can be a nightmare. I knew I had to hit a small window of opportunity to get in and get out without major meltdowns.

That’s honestly why I started shopping at Hy-Vee. I learned over the years that there are at least 7 shopping hacks that made for the best grocery store trip ever with my kids.

Do you know all of these? Come with me, fellow parents, on a typical Hy-Vee trip and see what you may be missing…

1. Parking Perks

Let’s start from the beginning, shall we? The kids are fresh and your window of opportunity has just begun..hurry!!

Good thing the parking lot is not only easy to get in and out of (unlike Walmart’s confusing maze of unending rows), but they also have convenient reserved parking for pregnant women and parents with babies. I love their love for new moms!

2. “I Can Help!”

Now, as you enter the store, let the fun begin.

At some stores, there are kid-sized shopping carts that your child can push alongside you to be a “helper”. If it’s a quick trip, these carts can help keep him engaged along the way. (If it’s a long trip, then…may God show you mercy, dear parent of little ones.)

3. Say Cheese

If you’re rolling up to the deli area, be sure to swing by the counter and ask for a free cheese slice of your child’s choosing.

4. Cookie for Your Monster

Protein-rich snack? (Cheese slice) Check. By the time you’ve sauntered down to the bakery section and are 1/4 of the way through the store, it’s time for dessert, right?

Stop by the bakery counter for a free cookie from one of the nice staff. Your child will be busily munching on it for the next few aisles if you’re lucky.

5. Last Stop, Floral Shop

Ok, you made it through the aisles with nary a tantrum but here comes the check out line. (Nooooo.)

Never fear, the floral department is near. Send your kiddo to the counter to ask sweetly for a balloon and they will return with a free one in hand to keep them busy while you pay!

6. Short Lines

Hy-Vee obviously knows my heart’s greatest desire by this point–to get the heck out of there as fast as possible!

Three words, friends: Short. Check-out. Lines.

I’ve timed my wait at Walmart to be at least 20 minutes on more than one occasion (while 20 check-out lanes sit unused, huh!?). At Hy-Vee I rarely wait more than one minute. Oh blessing of blessings.

7. Make Hy-Vee Do the Work For You Next Time

You made it through your shopping trip quickly with full-tummied, balloon-gifted babies, but maybe you’re thinking what I’ve thought many times before. Wouldn’t it be easier to just order my groceries online? Now, you’re really getting smart as a parent. Hy-Vee has you covered with Aisles Online!

Chime in! Are there other hacks I’m missing??