Albertsons Companies, Inc. stated Friday that it has partnered with FIS, a global financial services technology business, and Soda Health, a company working to improve health equity by providing individualized need-based benefits; customers with FIS and Soda Health-integrated benefit cards will now be able to make purchases on eligible food and health items at Albertsons Cos. banner stores including Safeway, Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, Vons, Shaw’s, Tom Thumb, and Acme.
Health benefit cards are pre-paid debit cards that are funded by Medicare Advantage plans, employers, healthcare providers, or local governments and can be used to make purchases on eligible over-the-counter medicine and wellness products, as well as nutritious foods, whole grains, fish, and poultry. Customers eligible for SNAP and WIC benefits can also use their health benefit cards along with their EBT account.
“Expanding our benefit card partnerships are essential in ensuring that our customers have access to the broadest selection of nutritious food, supplements, and OTC medicine that improve their health and well-being,” said Omer Gajial, EVP of pharmacy and health at Albertsons Cos, in a statement. “We are striving to be more than just a neighborhood grocery store; we want to build a deeper connection with our customers, support them in their wellness journey, and address hunger in our most vulnerable communities.”
As part of a commitment to fight hunger and inspire healthy eating, the Albertsons Companies Foundation pledged to reduce food insecurity by increasing the availability of fresh produce and nutritious foods in local area food banks, soup kitchens, and community organizations. Albertsons Cos. and its Foundation will also help 50,000 eligible neighbors enroll in SNAP and WIC benefits in 2023.
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