In a move that has turned heads among shoppers in Southern Oregon and beyond, Walmart has reintroduced its $6.99 basket fee for grocery delivery and pickup orders under $35. This fee, which was temporarily waived during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, made its comeback in late April 2025. As demand for grocery delivery services continues to soar, Walmart is adapting its policies to align with shifting economic conditions, while recalibrating its approach to meet the growing demand for convenient shopping options.
During the pandemic, Walmart, like many other retailers, sought to accommodate shoppers by waiving fees on grocery orders, particularly for low-income individuals. This initiative was part of the company’s broader efforts to support vulnerable populations during a time of heightened economic uncertainty. One notable program was Walmart+ Assist, a discounted membership offering to those who qualify for government assistance programs, such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), Medicaid, and other benefits. This program not only provided discounts on grocery delivery fees but also granted access to a range of additional services, helping many families with the costs of living during the pandemic.
The reintroduction of the $6.99 fee, which applies to orders under $35, has raised concerns among some customers, particularly those who rely on grocery delivery services for convenience or due to mobility issues. While the fee remains waived for customers who are members of the Walmart+ Assist program, it has once again become a point of contention for those whose orders fall below the $35 threshold, forcing many to reconsider how they shop for groceries.
For many families, especially those facing financial challenges, the $6.99 charge could be seen as an added burden. The pandemic has underscored the importance of accessible, affordable grocery delivery, with millions of Americans using these services to avoid in-store shopping. By reintroducing the fee, Walmart may be placing an additional financial strain on households who may already be struggling with inflationary pressures and rising living costs.
Walmart’s decision to bring back the basket fee is part of a larger trend in the retail industry, where many companies are reevaluating pandemic-era policies, such as waived fees, expanded delivery services, and other accommodations that were made in response to the public health crisis. As consumer behavior continues to shift, retailers are adjusting their strategies to ensure long-term sustainability while balancing the needs of their customers.
While the return of the fee may impact those with smaller orders, it is important to note that the company still offers some flexibility. For example, Walmart+ members can avoid the fee altogether by subscribing to the premium membership program, which provides a range of benefits beyond grocery delivery, such as free shipping on a variety of other items.
Despite these options, there are concerns that low-income families who do not qualify for the Walmart+ Assist program could feel the weight of this decision. The company’s return to charging for smaller orders may prompt them to reassess their grocery delivery habits, potentially increasing costs for those already under financial strain.
For customers who are accustomed to free or discounted delivery services, the reinstatement of the fee could also signal a shift in the retail industry’s approach to pricing, particularly as companies like Walmart work to recover from pandemic-related losses and maintain profitability in a competitive market.
As of now, Walmart has not provided detailed information regarding any further adjustments to its grocery delivery policies. It is unclear whether the $6.99 fee will remain in place long-term or if the company will revisit the issue again in the future.
In the meantime, consumers will need to weigh the cost of the fee against the convenience of having groceries delivered or ready for pickup, while keeping an eye on potential changes in pricing, delivery options, and available discounts.
For now, those eligible for the Walmart+ Assist program can still benefit from discounted rates, but many shoppers without access to such programs may be left rethinking their shopping habits as the retail landscape evolves.