Albertsons accepts EBT payments online for SNAP benefits

Striving to improve access to nutritious foods, Albertsons has deployed a new online service for Electronic Benefits Transfer recipients at Albertsons, Safeway, Jewel-Osco, Vons and Pavilions stores across the country.

The integration of EBT services enables Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program customers to use their benefits when purchasing groceries online via Albertsons’ websites and apps, or the Albertsons’ virtual stores on the Instacart App. The move will help ensure that families and individuals who rely on EBT SNAP benefits have greater access to nutritious food, the retailer said.

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“Research shows that a large percentage of EBT recipients face mobility challenges due to a disability, lack of transportation or caring for young children, which can prevent them from physically shopping a store,” said Susan Morris, chief operating officer at Albertsons. "As a trusted community grocer committed to helping solve food insecurity, we want to make healthy foods available to those at risk by offering multiple private, secure and convenient shopping options.”

Morris added, “This program allows shoppers to use their EBT cards to make online purchases for home delivery or free store pickup, which is a critical part of our ongoing efforts to create a flexible and convenient shopping experience for all customers.”

Customers shopping Albertsons’ banner stores will have the flexibility to use multiple payment forms on their order, which allows EBT SNAP customers to use credit or debit cards for non-SNAP eligible items. EBT SNAP customers also can now access their online accounts to view and track their balance.

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“At Instacart, providing access to healthy and nutritious food is core to our mission, and we deeply believe that online grocery shouldn’t be a luxury. We’re proud to expand our partnership with Albertsons Cos. to provide families, who depend on EBT SNAP benefits, a convenient way to get their fresh foods and pantry staples delivered,” said Sarah Mastrorocco, vice president of access to food and nutrition at Instacart. “We’re dedicated to continuing to break down barriers to access so more customers across the country can use same-day grocery delivery as an affordable and reliable way to feed their families."

Albertsons said that it will continue to roll out EBT SNAP services to more of its online store banners through the summer.