Following a successful February 2023 introduction in Indianapolis, Instacart and the Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) will expand their Good Food for All program to more than 1,100 families in four new cities: Denver; Englewood, N.J.; Milwaukee; and Washington, D.C.
The program provides $50 per month in “produce credits” to families suffering from food insecurity. Recipients can redeem the credits either in brick-and-mortar stores or online through Instacart Health Fresh Funds. In the initial phase of the Indianapolis program, families received pre-packaged boxes with approximately 50 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables weekly for 10 weeks.
Instacart also released results from the initial program showing that the produce credits supported significant improvements in families’ food security. Key findings include:
- 80% of respondents preferred produce credits over produce boxes;
- 79% of those receiving produce credits said they planned to continue eating more fruits and vegetables;
- 78% said produce credits allowed them to purchase more fruits and vegetables than they could usually afford; and
- 78% said produce credits helped their family build healthy habits.
“PHA launched its Good Food for All program because we believe everyone — no matter their zip code — deserves healthy food, yet far too many families across the country are lacking access to it,” said Noreen Springstead, President and CEO of Partnership for a Healthier America in a statement.
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“Everyone should have access to nutritious food, and technology can break down barriers that have historically prevented too many communities from getting the nourishment they need,” said Dani Dudeck, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Instacart in a statement. “This belief is central to our Instacart Health initiative and company mission, and we’re proud that more than 95% of U.S. households — including 93% of people living in food deserts — have access to fresh produce via Instacart.”
