Instacart and PHA expand program to deliver fresh produce to underserved communities, aiming for 10M servings by 2025.
Instacart and Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) have achieved a significant milestone in their ongoing initiative to enhance food access for under-resourced communities across the United States. The collaboration has successfully connected families with over five million servings of fruits and vegetables, advancing toward their ambitious goal of distributing 10 million servings by 2025. This effort is part of a broader commitment made by both organizations during the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in 2022.
The “Good Food at Home” program, launched in late 2023, has been instrumental in reaching this milestone. Initially implemented in cities such as Denver, Englewood, Milwaukee, and Washington, D.C., the program provided more than 1,100 families with $60 in monthly Fresh Funds credits to purchase fresh produce through the Instacart platform.
Additionally, participants received a complimentary Instacart+ membership, enabling free delivery of their orders. The program’s impact has been profound, with 85% of participants reporting that the Fresh Funds allowed them to buy more fruits and vegetables than they could typically afford, and 87% acknowledging that the initiative helped them establish healthier eating habits.
As part of their ongoing efforts, Instacart and PHA have expanded the program to three new cities: Chicago, New Orleans, and Wichita, Kansas. More than 1,000 additional families in these areas will benefit from the $60 monthly Fresh Funds over the next three months. This expansion reflects the positive feedback and substantial impact reported by participants in the initial cities, where 59% indicated they consumed fruits and vegetables more frequently due to the program.
The success of this initiative is further underscored by the high satisfaction rates among participants, with 88% expressing appreciation for the convenience of online grocery shopping through Instacart, and 87% noting a favorable overall shopping experience. Moreover, the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for online purchases increased from 73% to 83% during the program.
Instacart’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Dani Dudeck, emphasized the importance of breaking down barriers to food access, stating, “Through our partnership with PHA on the Good Food at Home program, we’ve seen the clear and lasting impact of Instacart Health Fresh Funds on improving food security and encouraging healthy eating habits.” This sentiment was echoed by PHA President and CEO Noreen Springstead, who highlighted the program’s role in empowering families to make long-term, healthier choices.
The initiative has also garnered support from local leaders, including Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, who acknowledged the program’s role in addressing hunger and promoting nutrition security within his community. As the program continues to expand to additional cities, Instacart and PHA remain committed to their mission of ensuring that every household, regardless of location, has access to nutritious food options.
The “Good Food at Home” program exemplifies how strategic partnerships between private companies and nonprofit organizations can create meaningful change, particularly in the realm of food equity. By leveraging Instacart’s technology and PHA’s expertise, the initiative is not only enhancing access to healthy food but also fostering a future where nutritious choices are more accessible and affordable for all.
