Walgreens and the grocery delivery specialist Instacart are joining forces to enhance food access for millions of low-income Americans nationwide.
On Tuesday, the companies announced that individuals on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can now use their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to buy groceries online from Walgreens and have them delivered on the same day through Instacart.
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Currently, most Walgreens stores only accept SNAP/EBT for in-store purchases. However, now over 7,500 Walgreens stores across the country will allow tens of millions of SNAP beneficiaries to shop online for eligible items.
“Our partnership with Instacart demonstrates Walgreens’ dedication to expanding access to essential food items for our customers,” said Walgreens senior vice president Balachandra Visalatha in a statement. “By incorporating SNAP/EBT payments, we are simplifying the shopping experience for families and individuals, meeting their evolving needs and preferences.”
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According to data from the Department of Agriculture, more than 42 million people in the U.S. receive SNAP benefits. Eligibility is income-based, with a family of four needing to earn less than $3,007 per month to qualify for benefits.
Instacart vice president Sarah Mastrorocco stated that the new collaboration with Walgreens will enable 96% of SNAP-enrolled households to receive essential items delivered to their doorstep.
“We are committed to offering the best online selection for SNAP families, ensuring both access and choice through our platform,” said Mastrorocco. “By expanding with reputable retailers like Walgreens, we are proud to assist more families in receiving their essentials delivered to their homes.”
