Instacart Expands EBT SNAP Footprint

Online grocery platform Instacart has announced the expansion of its EBT SNAP program that will allow a wider footprint of savings for its customers.

The new offers include waiving delivery and pickup fees from Jan. 1 through March 31; enabling a number of its retailers to accept EBT SNAP payments through its virtual convenience offering; and expanding availability with new retailers. The grocery platform now spans more than 40 retailers across more than 5,600 stores.  

The promotion of free delivery and pickup is available to customers using a valid EBT card associated with their Instacart account in connection with their purchase. This promotion follows Instacart’s offer of free delivery or pickup on the first three EBT SNAP customer orders for the past year.

In addition to partnering with traditional grocers, Instacart is now also enabling a number of its retailers to accept EBT SNAP payments through its virtual convenience offering. Customers in need of a last-minute dinner item or fresh produce can use Instacart’s convenience delivery, allowing an easier and faster way to shop for their grocers in as fast as 30 minutes. The convenience delivery is available in partnership with Ahold Delhaize USA banners: Food Lion Now, Giant Instant Delivery, Giant Food Convenience, Hannaford Now, Martin’s Instant Delivery and Stop & Shop Express.

Instacart launched EBT SNAP payments in partnership with Aldi in November 2020. In a Dec. 14 statement from the grocery platform, Aldi U.S. co-President Brent Laubaugh said, “We’re proud to have paved the way as the first grocery retailer to introduce EBT SNAP online payment with Instacart.”

Over the last year, Instacart has partnered with a roster of retailers that accept EBT SNAP, which now includes Ahold Delhaize USA, Brookshire’s, Earth Fare, Fairplay Foods, Food Bazaar, Harps Foods, Homeland, Little Giant Farmer’s Market, My County Market, PAQ Inc. (Food 4 Less California and Rancho San Miguel), Price Chopper/Market 32, Publix, The Save Mart Cos., Schnucks, Strack & Van Til, Tops Markets, Wakefern Food Corp., Woodman’s Markets and more.

In addition to growing EBT SNAP across the marketplace, Instacart has enabled EBT SNAP payments across its enterprise solutions in partnership with BJ's Wholesale Club, Brookshire’s, Food Bazaar, Food Lion, Harps Food Stores, Homeland, Publix, The Save Mart Cos., Schnucks, Strack & Van Til, Tops Markets and Wakefern Food Corp.

By enabling the payments integration across retailers’ web and mobile platforms—including retailer-owned websites and apps that are powered by Instacart’s enterprise technology—EBT SNAP customers now have more options when accessing fresh food and pantry staples from grocers they know and trust.

Looking at the last year, data shows that with stores that offer both delivery and pickup, EBT SNAP customers opt for delivery the majority of the time. As most EBT cards are reloaded at the beginning of each month, EBT SNAP orders on Instacart are most frequently placed within the first three weeks of the month. In terms of the most frequently shopped aisles, EBT SNAP beneficiaries turn to produce, frozen goods, dairy and eggs, beverages and meat and seafood most frequently. 

As grocery prices continue to climb, Instacart is doubling down on its mission to make online grocery shopping and delivery affordable both now and in years to come. The company said it has expanded its EBT SNAP footprint to reach more than 25 million people experiencing food insecurity across the U.S.

“We believe grocery delivery and pickup shouldn’t be a luxury for some—they should be accessible to everyone,” said Fidji Simo, CEO of Instacart, in a statement. "Looking ahead, we’re committed to expanding our EBT SNAP offering and investing in additional programs that offer consumers more accessible, affordable and nutritious ways to feed their families.”