One of the many things setting independent grocers apart is the important role they play in providing food access to the communities they serve. Offering grocery delivery and pick up with the ability to use SNAP online is an important step in providing food assistance to customers in your community who need it.
That’s why Rosie has committed to making it possible for retailers to offer SNAP payments for online grocery shopping this year. In the wake of the pandemic, it’s never been more important for independents to make online shopping accessible for everyone, especially those who rely on food assistance.
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, SNAP makes up roughly eight percent of the food Americans purchase for their homes, which comes out to approximately $56 billion spent on SNAP in 2019. Even though a majority of SNAP benefits are redeemed at big brand stores, 80% of SNAP approved retailers are locally owned, independents. This means independents play a crucial part in helping families who rely on SNAP to purchase fresh, healthy foods – and it’s necessary to accept SNAP payments at your online grocery store.
Ready to get started? Reach out here. In the meantime, here are a few of the many reasons why now is the time for independents to bring SNAP payments online:
Play an essential role in your community accepting SNAP online
Online grocery shopping is fulfilling a great need for those who are unable to go to the store in person, whether due to safety concerns during the pandemic, time constraints from work schedules, or a disability. In fact, 1 in 4 SNAP participants (about 11 million Americans of all ages) has a disability. Now more than ever, grocery ecommerce bridges the accessibility gap for so many who might be better served online.
Make online shopping an option for all your customers, with SNAP
Nearly eighty percent of Americans have bought groceries online during COVID. But if customers who rely on SNAP aren’t able to use them online, they won’t be able to take advantage of this convenient service. Adopting online SNAP is an important step in ensuring all of your customers can shop online, no matter how they choose to pay.
Compete with other retailers offering online SNAP for Delivery and Pick Up
SNAP payments can account for anywhere from five percent to fifty percent of a grocer’s sales, depending on their location and the communities they serve. Independent grocers can’t afford to miss out on the SNAP sales they could be losing to brands like Walmart and Kroger who are allowing SNAP participants to join this new era of ecommerce brought about by the pandemic. It’s particularly important for those independents who support a large number of SNAP sales to expand their offering online to continue to serve their communities during this time of need.
Experts predict ecommerce is here to stay, and the number of Americans relying on online grocery shopping this year will continue to grow. Do your part to alleviate food insecurity in your community and make online shopping more accessible. There has never been a better moment for independent grocers to rise to the challenge and do what they do best: take care of the communities and customers they serve.
For many independents, the process to begin offering SNAP online seems challenging, but Rosie is here to help you navigate the process.
