This archive report was first published on 10 May 2020.
Edible Arrangements Delivery Worker's Sunday Routine Amidst the Pandemic ¶
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, many people are finding new ways to adapt to the changing world. For Sandy Matthews, a 54-year-old delivery worker for Edible Arrangements, her Sunday routine has undergone a significant transformation.
Since the outbreak, Matthews has gone from working part-time to full-time, delivering cut fruit bouquets, mylar balloons, and chocolate-dipped strawberries to customers across the city. She recalls, “I used to drop off five or six arrangements a day, mostly for birthdays or graduations; now it’s 20-plus.”
Many of the arrangements are being sent by worried, out-of-state parents who are afraid their adult children aren’t getting enough vitamins or won’t have food. Others are for mourners who have lost people to the virus. Matthews, who lives alone in a one-bedroom apartment in University Heights, Bronx, has seen a significant increase in demand for her services.
Matthews' day begins at 8 a.m. with a cup of Starbucks coffee, which she brews with two spoons of raw sugar and two spoons of Coffee-Mate. She then watches Cuomo’s hour update and turns to a lighter program, such as “Cheaters,” to take her mind off the news.
After a 15-minute drive to the store, Matthews begins her delivery route, which takes her to various locations across Manhattan and the Bronx. She has developed a system to ensure efficient delivery, with West Side drop-offs on one side and East Side on the other. The Bronx is her last stop, unless there’s a timing issue.
Matthews has noticed a significant change in customer behavior since the pandemic. Many people are now wearing masks, and some have even started tipping her, which they never did before. She makes around $20 in tips, which helps with gas and lunch.
One of the challenges of her job is delivering to people who live in walk-ups. Four flights can be difficult, especially when carrying a heavy arrangement. Matthews has learned to use a napkin to buzz people, open the door, and ring their bell while keeping her distance.
Matthews has also developed a system to minimize contact with customers. She now asks them to sign the delivery sheet first, rather than handing over the basket. This way, she doesn’t have to sanitize her pen when she gets back in the car.
After finishing her delivery route, Matthews heads home and spends the evening disinfecting her car and showering to ensure her safety. She then eats dinner, usually salmon or chicken with salad, and watches TV until bedtime.
Matthews' experience has been a challenging but rewarding one. She has found a new sense of purpose in her work and is grateful for the opportunity to interact with people and bring happiness to those in need.
