Uber Eats made an announcement on Wednesday that they will be accepting food stamp benefits for grocery deliveries to reduce barriers to accessing healthy food, according to a report from Fox Business on Friday.
In a blog post, the company stated that they will be implementing this new feature in 2024, allowing people to use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on the app. This is a part of their efforts to make fresh groceries more accessible for vulnerable populations such as those living in food deserts, seniors, and those with disabilities or transportation barriers.
The company also mentioned their intention to work with Managed Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans to support benefits that promote health, such as accepting FSA cards and waiver payments. These new payment methods are expected to be available in 2024, making it easier for people to access healthy food and connect with local grocers.
The news of Uber Eats accepting food stamp benefits comes at a time when food pantries are struggling to keep up with the demand and access to fresh, healthy food is becoming increasingly difficult. WTKR reported on the rise of food deserts, areas where there is limited access to affordable, healthy food options.
Uber Eats clarified that this new feature is not intended for fast food, emphasizing their focus on promoting access to fresh, healthy groceries for their customers.
The increase in food stamp benefits also reflects the challenges faced by families in the current economic climate. Breitbart News reported that under President Joe Biden’s administration, food stamp benefits have seen a growth of 12.5 percent, with a family of four on SNAP receiving an increase from $835 to $939 per month. This is due to the rising cost of living and inflation under the current administration.
Uber Eats will reportedly accept SNAPS and food stamps in 2024 pic.twitter.com/wrS0HDa1Jl
— No Jumper (@nojumper) September 23, 2023
However, it is worth noting that during former President Donald Trump’s first month in office, over 6 million people were no longer on the food stamp rolls, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This highlights the difference in approaches between the two administrations and their impact on food assistance programs.