Instacart now accepting SNAP benefits for online shopping in all 50 states

Instacart announced Thursday that those on food stamps will be able to purchase groceries online now in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

Instacart becomes the first grocery marketplace to accept electronic benefit transfers for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

“Our mission is to create a world where everyone has access to the food they love. By expanding online SNAP acceptance to all 50 states, we’re delivering on our mission by modernizing access and connecting more communities to affordable and nutritious foods,” Dani Dudeck, chief corporate affairs officer at Instacart, shared in a press release.

“Now SNAP families in every state can enjoy the benefits of online grocery from a variety of local retailers that meet their unique tastes, needs and personal budgets. We’re proud to have reached this landmark alongside USDA, state agencies, and our retail partners across the country, and we look forward to continuing this work to ensure every family can access the food they need to thrive.”

Instacart made a commitment in 2022 to expand access to nutritious food for all people. The company stated that 33.8 million individuals live in households with limited food, including 5 million children. And poor nutrition is now one of the leading causes of illness in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Instacart's mission aims to establish a world where each individual has access to healthy options, food they desire and the ability to share it with others.

Online grocery shopping is helpful for low-income families receiving SNAP benefits for multiple reasons. It saves time and money, helps with meal planning, and avoids in-store stigma. A study by the University of Kentucky found that shoppers from these households buy more fruits and vegetables without increasing expenses, another benefit of shopping online.

“We’ve seen firsthand that grocery delivery can play a powerful role in expanding access to nutrition – a cornerstone of our mission and Instacart Health initiative. With the launch of online SNAP acceptance in Alaska, we’re helping more people nourish themselves and their families,” said Sarah Mastrorocco, vice president and general manager of Instacart Health.

Instacart now accepts SNAP payments online through their Alaska launch, keeping its promise of bringing the benefit to all 50 states.

Online acceptance is now available across 10,000 stores from over 120 retail banners nationwide.

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How does it work?

If you're enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, you'll be thrilled to know that Instacart offers a seamless and convenient way to order groceries from local retailers and have them delivered right to your doorstep within 30 minutes. Alternatively, if you prefer to pick up your groceries at a later time, you can easily schedule a pickup.

As a special offer for SNAP participants, Instacart offers a discounted membership called Instacart+. The program allows even more families to access same-day delivery and pickup services from over 1,400 retail banners nationwide.

If you've used your EBT SNAP card to purchase groceries on Instacart in the past, you're eligible to receive a 50% discount on Instacart+. With Instacart+, you'll enjoy free delivery and pickup for orders over $35, receive a 5% credit back on pickup orders, and enjoy reduced service fees on every order. Shopping for groceries has never been easier or more affordable!