Thrive Market Partners with USDA to Offer SNAP Benefits
Thrive Market: Expanding Access to Healthy Food through SNAP Benefits
In February 2024, Thrive Market an online grocery store started allowing people who get SNAP benefits to buy their groceries from the store. The store is the first online one allowed to do this by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The CEO of Thrive Market Nick Green said this is a big deal because it means more people can get healthy food. When you sign up for a new membership you can also get a free year of membership through the SNAP Benefits program which is usually $60 a year. They say their prices are up to 30% less than other stores.
To get a new membership you need to go to the website thrivemarket.com and type in your EBT card number and PIN. Then buy over 5,000 healthy and sustainable products. Make sure to look for the label that says SNAP eligible product before you put it in your cart. You also need to have another way to pay for delivery fees or if you want to buy things that are not eligible for SNAP.
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Expanding Online SNAP Benefits: Addressing Accessibility
The USDA has been testing if letting people use their SNAP benefits to buy groceries online is a good idea. Big stores like Walmart and Target have been letting people do this for a few years. This is especially important for people who have trouble getting around like seniors and people with disabilities. LaMonika Jones from D.C. Hunger Solutions said this is a big help for people who live in neighborhoods with only one or two grocery stores. It is usually really hard for them to find healthy food. Jones also said that even though delivery fees can be a problem it is still better for people to be able to shop around for cheaper groceries.