Amazon has introduced a new grocery delivery program for Prime members nationwide, along with a discounted option for individuals receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
For $9.99 per month, Prime members can enjoy unlimited grocery delivery from Whole Foods Market, Amazon Fresh, and local grocers for orders exceeding $35. This service covers over 3,500 cities and towns, offering convenient one-hour delivery windows.
Individuals on SNAP benefits can access the same service for $4.99 per month. They only need a registered Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, without requiring a Prime membership, which typically costs $139 annually or $14.99 monthly.
This new initiative follows Amazon's decision to discontinue free delivery almost three years ago.
Amazon's new grocery delivery service is set to revolutionize the way customers shop for groceries. Unlike other companies like Instacart, which charge fees starting at $3.99 per delivery, Amazon's service is designed to "pay for itself" after just one delivery per month.
"We have many different customers with many different needs, and we want to save them time and money every time they shop for groceries," said Tony Hoggett, senior vice president of worldwide grocery stores at Amazon, in a statement.
Amazon's program, which was piloted in three cities last year, is now being rolled out nationally. Over 85% of trial participants found the service to be a success, citing convenience and savings on delivery fees as key benefits.
In a move to make grocery services more accessible to low-income customers, Amazon is including food stamp customers in the program as part of its initiative to provide affordable grocery options.
