Meijer will now allow SNAP benefits via the Flashfood app

Meijer is expanding its partnership with food waste program Flashfood, making it the first retailer nationwide to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through the Flashfood app, which allows customers to purchase surplus close-dated food at a discount.

Meijer is now accepting the payment capability at all its Midwest supercenters and Meijer Grocery stores. 

Meijer initially launched Flashfood in November 2019 at a handful of its supercenters in Metro Detroit, before rolling out the Flashfood mobile app to all stores after the success of that pilot. 

The service is now offered at all Meijer supercenters and Meijer Grocery stores and is used by over 500,000 shoppers, according to Meijer. 

Applying EBT benefits to Flashfood purchases is the latest SNAP initiative for the retailer. Last month, Meijer announced discounts on qualifying produce for SNAP customers, using a USDA waiver. In April, the retailer extended SNAP benefits to Meijer pickup and home delivery shopping services.