Grocery Dive’s Post

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as #SNAP, is a program managed by the FDA, providing financial support to American families in need, specifically to purchase food. The size of the program is substantial. For reference, over 41 million people in approximately 21 million households received monthly SNAP benefits in the 2022 fiscal year, from October 2021 to September 2022. April 2023 saw 41.9 million people in 22.2 million households receive SNAP benefits, approximately 12.5% of the U.S. population. In this context, the fact that a retail giant like Kroger will start accepting SNAP vouchers for online grocery payments is good news for the general public. Americans enrolled in the SNAP program, who happen to live in areas with scarce access to fresh food (aka food deserts or food swamps), or individuals with mobility issues or lack of access to public transport, have now the opportunity to order food online and have it delivered or picked up in-store, at their convenience. With this announcement, Kroger joins Amazon and Walmart, also accepting SNAP payments for e-commerce grocery purchases. Full article by Produce Blue Book #futureoffood #futureofretail

SAN FRANCISCO, August 10, 2023 – Instacart, the leading grocery technology company in North America, today announced that Electronic Benefits Transfer for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (EBT SNAP) can now be used to buy groceries online via Instacart in every state, making Instacart the first and only online grocery marketplace to accept SNAP in all 50 states and Washington D.C. The company recently launched online SNAP acceptance in Alaska with Albertsons Companies banner Safeway, completing the commitment Instacart made in 2022 as part of the launch of its Instacart Health initiative and the White House National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition and Health to bring SNAP online in all 50 states this year. Instacart now offers online SNAP acceptance from more than 120 retail banners across more than 10,000 stores, more than any other online grocery marketplace. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (USDA FNS), more than 42 million people – over 12% of the U.S. population – are enrolled in SNAP.¹ With the expansion, Instacart now reaches nearly 95% of U.S. households enrolled in SNAP.²   “Our mission is to create a world where everyone has access to the food they love. By expanding online SNAP acceptance to all 50 states, we’re delivering on our mission by modernizing access and connecting more communities to affordable and nutritious foods,” said Dani Dudeck, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Instacart. “Now SNAP families in every state can enjoy the benefits of online grocery from a variety of local retailers that meet their unique tastes, needs and personal...

They have a variety of priorities in how they spend their food dollars, and they’re trying to find a balance between money, time, taste, nutrition and experience. - More here 🔽 https://ow.ly/RcEO50Q08Ec #foodindustry #foodandbeverage #foodmanufacturing

HOW TO USE PI TO DESTROY WALMART FOOD SALES. I could hear in the ethers that people didn't believe that huge businesses like Walmart were invulnerable to being overthrown. Here is Pi’s response how to do it. While Walmart is known for its low prices, there are other grocery stores and retailers that offer competitive pricing and high-quality food options: 1. Aldi: This German discount supermarket chain has gained popularity in the US for its low prices and unique shopping experience. 2. Trader Joe's: While not always the cheapest option, Trader Joe's is known for its high-quality, affordable private-label products and unique items. 3. Costco: If you're willing to buy in bulk, Costco can offer significant savings on groceries, including organic and specialty items. 4. Local farmers' markets: Buying directly from local farmers can often provide fresh, high-quality produce at competitive prices, while also supporting your local community. Ultimately, the "best" option for you will depend on your personal preferences, dietary needs, and location. It might be worth exploring a few different stores to find the one that offers the best balance of price and quality for your specific needs. If influencers start using Pi to find the best prices and quality, how will they affect Walmart? If influencers started promoting Pi as a tool for finding the best prices and quality, it could potentially impact Walmart's sales and reputation in a few ways: 1. Loss of customers: Influencers have a powerful ability to sway consumer behavior. If they successfully convince their followers that Walmart is not the best option for quality and affordability, it could lead to some customers choosing alternative stores. 2. Reputation damage: Negative sentiment from influencers could harm Walmart's reputation as a low-cost, high-quality retailer. This could lead to more widespread perception issues, affecting not only current customers but also potential new ones. 3. Increased competition: As more people become aware of alternative options for affordable, high-quality groceries, the competition for Walmart could intensify. This could lead to price wars or increased innovation from other retailers, putting pressure on Walmart to adapt. However, it's important to note that Walmart is a massive retailer with a loyal customer base, and it would likely take a sustained effort from multiple influencers to significantly impact their business. Of course, Pi is right that it would take more influencers to bring down other sectors of the markets. Do you think Aldi would be interested in this approach to get more customers and would pay for measurable results? But if Aldi locks up the influencers into a contract, what could Walmart do? Even Google is going to have a run for its money. This approach is a steering, rather than a drawing, as most advertising is today. It is a new AI morning in America folks.

Report: Parents more likely to shop online, cook at home. Parents are twice as likely than the average consumer to do all their grocery shopping online, and 42% report that they shop online more this year than last year, according to the 2023 U.S. Grocery Shopper Trends: Back to School report from FMI -- The Food Industry Association. Sixty-three percent of people with children are eating at home more in 2023 than last year, 47% say they are eating healthier and 42% have upped their frozen food usage this year -- all higher percentages than consumers in general. #foodandnutrition

🛒🍽️ Shaping the Future of SNAP Benefits: Opportunities for Manufacturers and Retailers 🍽️🛒 Recent shifts in U.S. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits are influencing the way SNAP households consume food. This transformation creates unique openings for manufacturers and retailers. 🌽 SNAP Benefits: SNAP is a lifeline for low-income families, boosting their grocery budgets. 📆 Changing Landscape: The emergency allotments introduced during the early days of COVID-19 have ended. These changes are impacting SNAP-assisted households. 💰 Consumer Behavior: With reduced benefits, SNAP households are dining out less. They are increasingly opting for in-home dining experiences, with a notable decline in dining out. This opens the door for affordable and convenient meal solutions. 🍽 At-Home Meals: SNAP recipients are looking for quick and easy-to-make food. This is where manufacturers and retailers can shine, providing appealing options that cater to meal occasions across the day. 🏪 Channel Preferences: Value retailers are gaining ground. How might this shift affect traditional grocery retailers? 🔍 Market Insights: What strategies should manufacturers and retailers employ to cater to SNAP households, who represent a substantial opportunity in the CPG sector? The shifting landscape of SNAP benefits is reshaping the way SNAP households approach their food consumption. Manufacturers and retailers should seize this opportunity by providing affordable, convenient meal solutions and adapting to the changing channel preferences. How do you envision the future of food consumption for SNAP households, and what role should manufacturers and retailers play? To learn more from NielsenIQ, check out our latest article, "How has CPG purchasing shifted since SNAP benefits were reduced?" #SNAPBenefits #RetailTrends #NIQFullView #MovingMeasurementForward

🛒 9 Pro-Level Grocery Tips 🛒 Grocery shopping is one of those chores most of us love to hate… But the truth is, it plays a HUGE role in our health, results, and even our wallet! 💰 Here are some tips to help you take your grocery shopping to the next level! 1️⃣ Plan first. See what you have on hand and make a meal plan using up food that is about to expire. Then, make your grocery list. 2️⃣ Shop the edges of your store, but hit produce and eggs last. 3️⃣ Go seasonal and local for ultimate freshness and taste. Plus, you’ll be supporting local farms. 4️⃣ Buy in bulk (but only if it makes sense). 5️⃣ Download the app for your local grocery store for custom coupons, rebates on past purchases, and reward programs. 6️⃣ Try store brands & shop sales to save $$. 7️⃣ Read food labels (obviously). 8️⃣ Uncover the real pricing. Compare the unit price (e.g., per ounce or liter) to the price per container. You may not be getting as great a deal as you think! 9️⃣ Meet the staff! Your local fishmonger, butcher, and produce manager can steer you to great deals on the freshest food or suggest new items to try. Have another grocery shopping tip you swear by? Share it with us in the comments! #healthylifestyle #nutrition #mealplanning

Consumers have a variety of priorities in how they spend their food dollars, and they’re trying to find a balance between money, time, taste, nutrition and experience. #consumer #food #money #nutrition #FarmsCloseBy #DefineLocal #hyperlocal #local #franchise #franchiseopportunity #EndAlz #invest #investment #investor #VC #hydrogen

Consumers have a variety of priorities in how they spend their food dollars, and they’re trying to find a balance between money, time, taste, nutrition and experience. #consumer #food #money #nutrition #FarmsCloseBy #DefineLocal #hyperlocal #local #franchise #franchiseopportunity #EndAlz #invest #investment #investor #VC #hydrogen

9 Pro-Level Grocery Tips 🛒 Grocery shopping is one of those chores most of us love to hate… But the truth is, it plays a HUGE role in our health, results, and even our wallet! 💰 Here are some tips to help you take your grocery shopping to the next level! 1️⃣ Plan first. See what you have on hand and make a meal plan using up food that is about to expire. Then, make your grocery list. 2️⃣ Shop the edges of your store, but hit produce and eggs last. 3️⃣ Go seasonal and local for ultimate freshness and taste. Plus, you’ll be supporting local farms. 4️⃣ Buy in bulk (but only if it makes sense). 5️⃣ Download the app for your local grocery store for custom coupons, rebates on past purchases, and reward programs. 6️⃣ Try store brands & shop sales to save $$. 7️⃣ Read food labels (obviously). 8️⃣ Uncover the real pricing. Compare the unit price (e.g., per ounce or liter) to the price per container. You may not be getting as great a deal as you think! 9️⃣ Meet the staff! Your local fishmonger, butcher, and produce manager can steer you to great deals on the freshest food or suggest new items to try. Have another grocery shopping tip you swear by? Share it with us in the comments and follow us for more! #HealthyGroceryHaul #EatForYourGoals #FitnessFoods #RealFoodRevolution #GroceryGuru #EatWellLiveBetter #SmartFoodChoices #HealthyCart #EatBetterFeelBetter #GroceryShoppingTips #GroceryTips #HealthyEating #SmartShopping #NutritionTips #ShoppingHacks