Wakefern expands EBT SNAP benefits for online groceries purchased through Instacart

Keasbey, New Jersey-based Wakefern Food Corp., which reported retail sales that  jumped nearly 4.7% during fiscal 2022, has expanded its Electronic Benefits Transfer and Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (EBT SNAP) benefits for online groceries via Instacart through its ShopRite, Fairway Market, Gourmet Garage and The Fresh Grocer locations in six states, the company announced this month.

“Expanding online shopping EBT SNAP payment options beyond our retail digital channels will make fresh foods and essentials even more accessible for families in need,” said Elizabeth Goodbread, director of digital commerce at Wakefern Food Corp., in a statement. “This is an important additional step in advancing the fight against food insecurity in the communities our stores serve."

The six states include: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware and Maryland. Wakefern’s online shopping service is available directly on the banner brands’ websites, which also accepts EBT SNAP payments, Wakefern said.

Shoppers must enter their EBT card as the form of payment on their Instacart account and select items from the list of EBT SNAP-eligible products as part of their order.

Another form of payment is required for delivery fees, tips and taxes, but now through the end of the year, to subsidize costs for EBT SNAP participants, Instacart will waive delivery and pickup fees on the first three EBT SNAP orders for customers using a valid EBT card associated with their Instacart account, Wakefern said.

“We share Wakefern’s mission to provide more people across the Northeast with greater access to nutritious food,” said Sarah Mastrorocco, VP manager of Instacart Health. “At Instacart, we believe online grocery can be a major tool to address nutrition security. We look forward to increasing affordability and accessibility through our expanded partnership with Wakefern.”

Wakefern was founded in 1946 as a cooperative of eight grocery store owners. The group’s members now operate 365 supermarkets around the country.