Albertsons in online program benefitting low-income shoppers

Albertsons is helping expand online grocery purchases to low-income individuals nationwide.



The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has selected Albertsons Companies to participate in the online purchasing pilot for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — a service targeting low-income households.



SNAP, formerly called the Food Stamp program, is supported by state agencies, nutrition educators, and neighborhood and faith-based organizations to ensure individuals eligible for nutrition assistance can apply for the program, make informed decisions, and access benefits.



Available in three of the grocer’s operating divisions in Maryland, Oregon and Washington State, the online pilot will enable SNAP participants to shop online and have their groceries delivered.



The pilot, which will run for two years, will launch on Shop.safeway.com in August. It will be one of seven online grocery retail sites to test and implement the service, the company said.



As the pilot progresses, the company will work with the USDA on a time-line to offer SNAP online ordering and delivery service through shop.albertsons.com, and the company's other online grocery shopping sites.



"The SNAP online purchasing pilot is at the intersection of innovation and community improvement, and Albertsons Companies is honored to have been selected to participate," said Shane Sampson, the grocer’s chief marketing and merchandising officer. "Enabling SNAP participants to shop online and have their groceries delivered makes fresh foods more accessible to everyone, including those who may not be able to make a weekly trip to the store. We're proud to be part of combatting food inse-curity in these communities."



Albertsons operates stores in 12 states and the District of Columbia under the regional banners of Safeway, Vons, Albertsons, Tom Thumb, and Randalls.