This week, Montgomery County and Instacart announced a first-of-its-kind partnership to increase food security and combat childhood hunger.
The MC Groceries program uses Instacart Health Fresh Funds to provide monthly stipends for online grocery shopping and delivery to nearly 600 Montgomery County families experiencing food insecurity, including over 1,000 children.
According to Progressive Grocer, MC Groceries is Maryland’s first government-sponsored grocery delivery program.
The program expands food access for households not eligible for federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which are available based on qualifying household size and income factors. For instance, a family of four making less than $58,000 yearly would be eligible for SNAP. However, if the family receives a raise or secures a higher-paying job, they may become ineligible for federal assistance.
Knowing that "cash equivalents" is a powerful strategy to build food security, we are excited about the strong launch of the MC Groceries program. Kudos to @MontCoExec @Montgomery_OFSR @MoCoCouncilMD @Instacart for moving this best practice forward https://t.co/7U41L9zn7z
— Manna Food Center (@MannaFoodCenter) August 30, 2024
Under the MC Groceries program, each participating family receives a monthly Fresh Funds stipend to shop for groceries online from local stores available on Instacart. Families receive $100 per month per child (0-18), with a maximum monthly stipend of $400 for households with four or more children for one year.
The program allows families to select their favorite retailer and grocery items according to their preferences, such as taste, budget, dietary and health requirements, and cultural preferences. Families can also use their Fresh Funds stipends to buy food and drinks from local retailers, including fresh and frozen produce, meat, dairy, and pantry essentials.
More than 80 grocery stores in Montgomery County are available via Instacart, many of which offer delivery and pick-up options. In less than a month, MC Groceries participants have placed more than 700 grocery orders using their Instacart Health Fresh Funds, resulting in more than 12,000 nutritious food and beverage items getting to families experiencing food insecurity.
“This could have a significant impact for residents of the county who work multiple jobs, face health or mobility challenges, live in single-caregiver households, and/or depend on public transportation for commuting and shopping,” said a press release from Montgomery County issued on Thursday.
“MC Groceries is the largest Instacart Health government partnership to date, illustrating the County’s and the company’s shared commitment to building innovative solutions that expand food access and improve community health. This is also the first time a government has provided online food stipends directly to families facing food insecurity via Instacart.”
Yesterday, I spoke at the launch of the MC Groceries program. This initiative, in partnership w/Instacart Health, provides critical food access to families who fall in the self-sufficiency gap. Proud to support equitable & dignified food choices for all!https://t.co/tGv205Vqdl pic.twitter.com/9CekAmnk1b
— County Exec Marc Elrich (@MontCoExec) August 30, 2024
To qualify for the MC Groceries program, county residents must have a household income at or below 400 percent of the federal poverty level, do not receive benefits through the SNAP program, and have at least one child under 18 years old.
Families selected for MC Groceries do not qualify for federal nutrition benefits because their income falls into what’s sometimes called the “SNAP Gap” or “self-sufficiency gap,” earning too much to be eligible for federal assistance but need more to cover necessities, including consistent access to nutritious food.
“MC Groceries is the first in the nation food security program that provides families in need of assistance with dignity and autonomy,” Montgomery County Council Vice President Kate Stewart said on Thursday. “We have an incredibly diverse community in our County and making sure those in need are able to access culturally relevant food staples of their choice is core to our values of being a welcoming and inclusive community.”
More information is available online at MontgomeryCountyMD.gov.
Photo: © mehaniq41 – stock.adobe.com / Montgomery County Graphic