Add EBT benefits as a payment option for groceries delivered by PEAPOD

The Issue

Many disabled people have difficulty getting to the grocery store due to their illnesses. Many also do not have cars. PEAPOD and other grocery delivery services offer the choice of doing grocery shopping online and having the groceries delivered to your home. However, PEAPOD does not take food stamps. They offer the same groceries through the same company, and the groceries are approximately the same cost. Since people pay online with a credit card, it would be easy for Stop & Shop to add EBT benefits as a payment method. I personally have no problem with them requiring people to pay the delivery and other non food fees with cash or credit cards, but thing they should accept the food stamp benefits for food items like they would in their stores. Since they don't, it limits people on food stamps who are less able to get to the grocery store or carry groceries, and many end up going to convenience stores more often, so the food dollars don't go as far. I think this is a reasonable accommodation to people who need it.

This petition had 240 supporters

The Issue

Many disabled people have difficulty getting to the grocery store due to their illnesses. Many also do not have cars. PEAPOD and other grocery delivery services offer the choice of doing grocery shopping online and having the groceries delivered to your home. However, PEAPOD does not take food stamps. They offer the same groceries through the same company, and the groceries are approximately the same cost. Since people pay online with a credit card, it would be easy for Stop & Shop to add EBT benefits as a payment method. I personally have no problem with them requiring people to pay the delivery and other non food fees with cash or credit cards, but thing they should accept the food stamp benefits for food items like they would in their stores. Since they don't, it limits people on food stamps who are less able to get to the grocery store or carry groceries, and many end up going to convenience stores more often, so the food dollars don't go as far. I think this is a reasonable accommodation to people who need it.

The Decision Makers

Jose Alvarez
Jose Alvarez
CEO Stop & Shop
Andrew Parkinson
Andrew Parkinson
COO Peapod LLC
Tony Armellino
Tony Armellino
President of Stop & Shop
Michael Brennan
Michael Brennan
Senior Vice President of Marketing and Senior Vice President of Customer Service Peapod
Julia E. Kehoe
Julia E. Kehoe
Commissioner of Department of Transitional Assistance Massachusetts

Petition Updates