Meijer, Rite Aid Enhance SNAP Capabilities

Meijer and Rite Aid recently debuted separate initiatives to enable Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants to shop with Electronic Benefits Transfer cards through additional channels.

Meijer said it is now accepting SNAP EBT card purchases on its Meijer app, providing a more convenient option for customers to pay for groceries.

The enhancement represents the latest way Meijer is increasing access to healthy grocery items and comes as Midwest families receive $40 each month in summer EBT benefits for each SNAP-eligible school-aged child, said Meijer.

"Meijer is a family company committed to serving other families across the Midwest," said Calli Schmid, VP of grocery for Meijer, in a statement. "By accepting SNAP benefits on the Meijer app, we are providing participants with more options and flexibility to shop for the groceries they need and want, while also reducing barriers that may prevent them from eating well."

Rite Aid revealed an expanded partnership with Instacart on Wednesday to allow EBT cards as an online payment option for eligible items on its integrated Instacart digital storefront. The service is available at over 1,400 Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs banner locations across the U.S.

“Our stores are a trusted retail destination for a wide selection of health and wellness products that meet our shoppers’ needs and fit within their budgets,” said Jeanniey Walden, SVP and CMO at Rite Aid, in a statement. “By offering this new payment option through Instacart, we are continuing our efforts to provide a flexible and convenient shopping experience for all customers. Broadening access to pantry staples and groceries connects our customers to the critical items they need, helping more families achieve whole health.”