Only seven companies invited to participate.
Rosie, an online shopping platform for mobile and web, announced that its partner, Dash’s Market, has been selected to take part in a federal pilot program to enable Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants to purchase their groceries online.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) invited only seven companies to participate, including Dash’s Market of Buffalo, N.Y., who presented Rosie as their eCommerce solution provider to the USDA.
In addition to Dash’s Market, the USDA named Amazon, FreshDirect, Safeway, ShopRite, Hy-Vee, Inc. and Hart’s Local Grocers as pilot participants. The USDA selections position Rosie as the leading option for independent retailers looking to bring the online purchasing option to SNAP shoppers for in-store/curbside pickup and home delivery. In order to be chosen, the pilot required retailers and their technology partners to meet a very high standard of providing secure, private and easy-to-use eCommerce services.
“We’re now able to serve a segment of the population who we currently can’t get to and can’t get to us. Whether they’re low-income families, mobility impaired or without transportation, we’re now able to improve healthy food access to those community members who need it most,” said Joe Dash, owner, Dash’s Market. “It’s an honor and a privilege to be among seven supermarkets in the country selected for this program.”
Rosie launched its SNAP/EBT capabilities for in-store/curbside pickup in 2016 in cooperation with regional grocers, academic partners, as well as state authorities. Participating in the pilot will enable Rosie to accept online payment for SNAP/EBT, allowing the company to extend its existing functionality to enable home delivery, with the goal of helping Dash’s launch SNAP delivery services in late August, in accordance with USDA timelines. SNAP shoppers will be able to conveniently shop online, using their EBT card to make a purchase of an eligible amount directly through the Rosie app. Customers can then opt for in-store/curbside pickup or home delivery to receive their grocery order.
“Our entire team at Rosie is dedicated to the success of independent grocers, who are the backbone of food security and access in the United States,” said Nick Nickitas, CEO, Rosie. “Our participation in this pilot ensures that retailers that select Rosie as their eCommerce partner can provide access to all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life. We are proud to support Dash’s Market and leading independent grocers across the country to provide fast, easy access to fresh, local foods.”
“We just crossed our second anniversary of working with Rosie and we couldn’t be happier,” said Dash. “Rosie is a highly valued partner of ours with a team that has been nothing but fantastic. They’re dedicated, understanding and sympathetic to our needs. With Dash’s and Rosie working together, we’re able to deliver the highest quality foods to our customers in the most efficient manner.”
After the USDA pilot, Rosie intends to offer the SNAP online payment capability to its hundreds of independent grocery partners across the United States.
