UberEats introduced new features for their platform via their newsroom last week, and the updates are certain to bring exciting news for those who are a part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program .
Before listing their features, UberEats made sure to let its shoppers know how important providing access to fresh foods is to their company. The article reads, \"With prices of goods on the rise and access to fresh and healthy foods crucial for households, our team has been hard at work building new tools to help you save time and money .\"
The features that were announced were:
Among the new features that were introduced last week, one that is going to bring significant updates for SNAP users is that starting in 2024 UberEats will begin accepting SNAP, as well as EBT, recipients.
While specific details were not mentioned in the article, like if these features would be available in all 50 states, the company did make sure to restate and reassure just how important they believe helping their customers is to them. The article recognizes \"that online food delivery can have a meaningful impact in reducing barriers to fresh groceries.\"
These barriers include those who struggle financially , those who live in 鈥榝ood deserts', seniors, people with disabilities, those who struggle with transportation, those who work two jobs or are time restricted, etc.
UberEats isn't the first delivery service to expand their accessibility to those in SNAP, or similar programs. They were influenced to make these accommodating features from companies including Amazon, Target, Foodlion, Walmart, Publix, Whole Foods and more.
According to the USDA, in June of 2023, 22,175,863 households were participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. That's a 3.3% increase of participants compared to June of 2022 .
With big name brands already providing these services, and other well recognized brands following behind, it's not long until more grocery stores and delivery services will start joining in and accepting SNAP, and EBT , recipients as well.
It's crucial that companies continue to step up and create inclusive features to make food more accessible regardless of a person's location or circumstance. This is key to ensuring food security to the, what the USDA states, 41 million individuals in the program . As the increase in people joining the program rises, its accessibility to food within these programs needs to expand as well. UberEats is taking a step in the right direction.