Payments company Forage has announced a significant partnership with Toast, which is known for its cloud-based digital technology tailored for the food and beverage sector. This collaboration marks an important step forward in broadening payment options for customers, as it enables Toast clients to accept EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Omri Traub, the general manager of retail at Toast, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in hospitality. He stated, “This means many things to us, starting with helping our restaurant and retail customers welcome all guests, including those who use EBT SNAP benefits.” This commitment extends beyond simply providing a service; it is grounded in social impact, with Toast aiming to enrich the food ecosystem for all demographics. The partnership with Forage aligns closely with this mission, as both organizations are focused on improving access to fresh and nutritious food for low-income families.
As a USDA-approved processor, Forage offers retailers the capability to accept government benefits smoothly. Their software development kits (SDKs) and pre-built components simplify the integration for Toast’s existing technology framework, thus allowing retailers and restaurants to obtain USDA certification efficiently. In light of this, Ofek Lavian, CEO and co-founder of Forage, remarked, “We are proud to partner with Toast retailers and restaurants and get local businesses, no matter how big or small, to provide better access to food for low-income Americans.”
One example of the practical benefits of this collaboration is illustrated by Halal Madina Market, a grocery store based in Atlanta. Owner Musa Siddeeq explained that EBT customers constitute nearly 15-20% of their overall business revenue. Since implementing the integration of Forage into their Toast POS system, transactions involving EBT payments have become seamless and efficient. “Enabling Forage on our Toast POS was seamless – almost like they are part of Toast,” Siddeeq noted, emphasizing how both the store and its customers appreciate the discreet handling of EBT transactions.
While the integration of SNAP payments into traditional retail environments is a step forward, it also coincides with growing discussions regarding the relevance and effectiveness of SNAP benefits. A congressional briefing organized by the National Grocers Association (NGA) and Feeding America emphasized the necessity of maintaining SNAP Choice, which allows families to choose their groceries with dignity, akin to other customers. Stephanie Johnson, VP of government relations at NGA, highlighted, “SNAP Choice ensures families can shop with the same dignity as other customers and allows grocery stores to treat SNAP recipients like other customers at the register.”
This sentiment resonates with many grocers, as they recognize the pivotal role SNAP benefits play in sustaining their businesses while serving the community. For instance, recent congressional proposals to restrict purchases by SNAP recipients could drastically increase food costs and contribute to ongoing food insecurity, as indicated by independent grocer Michael Gay during his testimony. The coalescence of these discussions around SNAP with Forage’s new payment options may spark an even broader conversation about access to food.
In summary, Forage and Toast’s partnership offers a transformative solution that will allow retailers and restaurants to provide better services and access for low-income families. By incorporating SNAP benefits into their payment options, they are not only doing right by their customers but also contributing positively to their business narratives. The ease of implementation and the commitment to social responsibility signal an encouraging trend in the retail landscape.
The local food ecosystem stands to benefit considerably from advancements that make purchasing food more accessible to everyone. As this partnership unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on the broader retail and food systems, along with the ongoing discussions surrounding SNAP and food security.
For retailers looking to improve their payment systems and enhance customer accessibility, considering technology partnerships like those between Forage and Toast might prove to be a valuable strategy moving forward.
