In a notable advancement for food accessibility, the instant-commerce platform Gopuff has become the first of its kind to receive FDA approval to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments for eligible online purchases nationwide. This groundbreaking move is designed to enhance convenience, affordability, and accessibility of essential grocery items for millions of SNAP-eligible shoppers across the United States.
Yakir Gola, co-CEO and co-founder of Gopuff, stated, “For more than a decade, we have been bringing high-quality, affordable food and pantry staples to customers in minutes. As we continue to advance our efforts to provide meaningful value to our customers, we are honored to now allow SNAP-eligible families access to the groceries they need in the fastest and most affordable way.” Such promises align with Gopuff’s long-term mission of combating food insecurity, a significant issue for many communities nationwide, particularly in food deserts.
Food deserts—urban and rural areas with limited access to affordable and nutritious food—pose challenges for families dependent on SNAP benefits. Senator John Fetterman emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “This change would significantly help people living in food deserts access healthy and nutritious food and modernize the delivery of SNAP to the current day.” By accepting SNAP, Gopuff is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing the nutritional needs of these vulnerable populations.
Currently, Gopuff has the capability to deliver groceries within as fast as 15 minutes, serving millions of orders each year, particularly in areas identified as food deserts. The company’s recent Fresh Grocery initiative has expanded its offerings, including hundreds of affordable options such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, poultry, and fresh bread. During initial tests, SNAP-eligible customers expressed strong demand for essential goods like baby formula, water, bananas, orange juice, and milk.
To facilitate the integration of SNAP payments, Gopuff partnered with Forage, a payment processing service based in San Francisco. Using the Gopuff app, consumers can easily add their EBT cards as a payment option. Eligible items can be purchased using SNAP benefits, while shoppers also have the flexibility to check their EBT balance at checkout and combine payment methods if needed.
Gopuff’s initiative aligns closely with its ongoing efforts to tackle food insecurity. Since 2019, the firm has collaborated with Feeding America, assisting local food banks across the country. Gopuff has also joined the White House Challenge to End Hunger, committing to donate food and allocate resources where required. Most recently, the company provided over $260,000 worth of products, including water and nonperishable food, to those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in Florida.
In response to the rising cost of food, Gopuff has also enhanced its services by expanding its private label items, which come at value prices. Their FAM membership program now offers competitive pricing, allowing members to save an average of $25 per month, translating to significant yearly savings of around $300. Alongside affordable food delivery, Gopuff has enlisted a logistics network and proprietary technology which enhance speed and reliability for customers throughout the United States and the UK.
Since its founding in 2013, Gopuff has established itself as a leader in the instant-commerce space. It currently stands at No. 96 on The PG 100, Progressive Grocer’s 2024 list of the top food and consumables retailers in North America. By becoming the first company in its sector to accept SNAP EBT payments nationwide, Gopuff not only sets a precedent but also demonstrates a commitment to enhancing food security, affordability, and convenience for families who rely on these important benefits.
As the landscape of grocery shopping continues to evolve, initiatives such as Gopuff’s SNAP acceptance encourage other retail players to consider similar adaptations. The integration reflects a growing realization that accessibility to essential items should be part of every retailer’s strategy, particularly as e-commerce becomes even more central to consumer habits.
Consumers can take advantage of this initiative by downloading the Gopuff app, adding their EBT card, and purchasing eligible items swiftly. By introducing this service, Gopuff not only bolsters its brand ethos centered on customer satisfaction but also actively participates in mitigating food scarcity issues in America.
Gopuff’s launch of SNAP acceptance marks a critical development in e-commerce, enhancing food access for millions and underscoring the responsibility that modern retailers hold in fostering inclusivity.
