Here’s how long food delivery should take — and how quickly our patience runs out

It takes less than 30 minutes for the average American to get frustrated when waiting for their food to arrive after placing an order for delivery, according to new research.

A survey of 2,000 U.S. adults looked at Americans’ patience levels when it comes to minor day-to-day inconveniences and found that if the restaurant is within a 10-mile radius, they start to get impatient within just 29 minutes. 

That’s also the same amount of time respondents feel it should take for them to prepare a meal from start to finish at home.

The survey also revealed that from the moment they walk into a restaurant, 21% are only willing to wait 10 minutes or less to be seated.

Once seated, it takes Americans an average of just 13 minutes before impatience to order starts to set in and after ordering, it only takes another 17 minutes before they’re restless for their food to arrive.    

A little more than seven in 10 (71%) describe themselves as patient, yet 55% are even likely to hop in another line if there are more than three people ahead of them when at the grocery store.     

Almost half (47%) are willing to pay extra for faster delivery when shopping online.

About one-third (30%) will only give the person in front of them at a stop sign less than 10 seconds before honking the horn. 

Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Meals on Wheels America, the survey moved beyond impatience levels and wait times and looked to compare them to the issues that one of the most vulnerable populations, seniors, experience. 

According to the results, 63% of Americans surveyed have a loved one over the age of 65 in their life and 48% of those respondents worry about that person every single day. 

Along with health (63%), whether they’re happy (43%) or lonely (31%) are some of the top concerns.

Others shared that they worry whether their loved one is eating alone (12%) or if they even know where their next meal is coming from (10%).

This underscores the fact that the little disruptions Americans face, when stacked against the challenges seniors face on a daily basis really aren’t that comparable. 

“Millions of seniors receive our programs’ life-saving services every day, but too many older Americans are still waiting for nutritious meals and moments of connection,” said Ellie Hollander, President and Chief Executive Officer at Meals on Wheels America. “Government funding, private donations and volunteerism have declined while demand for services and costs have increased, forcing providers to stretch their resources further. One in three Meals on Wheels programs has a wait list with an average wait time of three months.” 

However, results revealed that 10% of Americans didn’t think that Meals on Wheels programs have waitlists, and another 49% simply weren’t sure.

What nearly two-thirds (64%) do know, however, is that seniors are more susceptible to feelings of loneliness and isolation. 

“Older Americans can’t wait any longer. Our local programs already operate in nearly every community across the country and they’re eager to do even more, but they desperately need more resources to do so,” said Hollander. “That’s why Meals on Wheels America recently launched a bigger, bolder plan to help ‘End the Wait’ and ensure every senior who needs help gets it.”

Survey methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 general population Americans; the survey was commissioned by Meals on Wheels America and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Oct. 2 and Oct. 4, 2024.