Uber Eats to accept SNAP payments for groceries across all US states
Uber Eats is now accepting the US Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) payments for groceries ordered through its app from participating locations. These currently include Albertsons, Safeway, Jewel-Osco, Vons and Walgreens locations nationwide, as well as Duane Reade stores in New York.
“With this rollout, we are taking a significant step forward in ensuring that everyone has access to the fresh food they need, especially those without access to reliable transportation for whom food delivery can be a lifeline,” says Hashim Amin, head of grocery and retail delivery at Uber, North America.
“We believe that everyone deserves the convenience of delivery, regardless of their payment method. We are proud to begin this work with Albertsons and Walgreens, allowing us to bring essential products directly to our customers’ doorsteps, and we’ll continue to grow our list of retailers accepting SNAP over time.”
Bryn Banuelos, senior director of strategic partnerships for Albertsons, comments:
“Albertsons is a long-standing community partner committed to helping solve food insecurity, and by working with Uber Eats, we are able to make healthy foods available to even more families in need.”
“We’re dedicated to creating a flexible and convenient shopping experience for all customers, and we’re proud to be the first retailer to accept SNAP payments through Uber Eats.”
Electronic payments
At the start of the initiative, EBT users will be granted a US$0 delivery fee on their first three SNAP-eligible orders, as well as an Uber One membership three-month-long free trial, which includes unlimited US$0 delivery fee among other benefits, when an EBT card is linked to the Uber Eats app.
Uber Eats rolls out on-demand grocery delivery for more SNAP EBT users across the US.Ofek Lavian, co-founder and CEO of Forage, whose technology powers SNAP EBT payments for Uber Eats, comments: “Partnering with Uber Eats will expand our ability to provide on-demand grocery delivery for even more SNAP shoppers across the US.”
“Together, we will accelerate the onboarding of retailers accepting SNAP payments, enable families to conveniently order their groceries through Uber Eats and ultimately expand access to healthy food for millions of low-income residents across the country.”
Uber Eats has expressed its dedication to addressing food insecurity and fostering inclusive communities, describing this new payment option as a “vital step” in achieving that goal.
Food accessibility
A recent study conducted by the University of Michigan and the University of Alabama-Birmingham, US, found that middle- and older-age US adults in lower-income neighborhoods lacking local food stores were more likely to consume ultra-processed snacks and sweets.
Commenting on the Uber Eats decision, Jessica Johnston, senior director of the Center for Economic Well-Being at the National Council on Aging, comments: “The expansion of SNAP EBT acceptance to Uber Eats breaks down barriers that prevent older adults from accessing healthy food.”
She adds that this is especially true for those facing transportation challenges or limited access to grocery stores. “This gives older adults more choices and flexibility, and it aligns with our mission to promote health and independence.”
Last year, the new platform by digital health and nutrition company NourishedRx and fintech ProHealth Connect launched a nutrition platform that also allows businesses to accept and process EBT.
