Instacart is introducing new omnichannel capabilities to allow USDA electronic benefits transfer (EBT) recipients to view their balances in the shopping aisle in real time. The expansion will allow recipients in participating USDA SNAP stores to assess running totals as they shop in-store.

EBT is an electronic system operated by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). It allows a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme (SNAP) recipient to pay for food using SNAP benefits electronically at participating stores.

Instacart first began accepting EBT SNAP online in 2020 and was the first online grocery platform to offer EBT SNAP acceptance online in all 50 states and Washington D.C. Today, Instacart reaches nearly 98% of EBT SNAP households, offering delivery and pick-up services from more than 30,000 stores.

Caper Carts are the first smart carts to offer EBT SNAP tracking directly on the digital screen, helping customers see which items are EBT SNAP-eligible as they add items to their cart.

Customers can now track EBT SNAP and non-EBT SNAP running totals simultaneously in real time, reducing surprises at checkout while maximising their benefits. When customers are ready to check out, they can visit the store’s checkout area, scan the barcode displayed on the cart’s screen at the register, and finalise their payment with their EBT SNAP card.

Caper Carts now make it easier for customers to save with Cart Cash. This is a reward programme allowing recipients to earn cash back by clipping coupons and completing shopping milestones, like making an in-store purchase three times in a month. Customers can then redeem their Cart Cash directly at checkout at the end of their shop. They unlock access to Cart Cash by joining a retailer’s loyalty programme. Customers can now do this on the Caper Cart’s screen by entering their phone number or scanning a QR code.

“Caper Carts have made shopping more efficient for our customers, while helping them stay on budget,” said Tim Cosens, Chief Technology Officer at McKeever’s. “With new savings features on Caper Carts, like EBT SNAP tracking and Cart Cash, we’re excited to continue offering ways for our customers to manage their budgets and maximise benefits as they shop.”

“When customers shop with Caper Carts, our Wakefern Members want to provide them with a convenient way to access their EBT SNAP benefits. Caper Carts offer convenience and discretion, letting customers monitor their running grocery bill as they shop,” said Christopher McCrae, Digital Customer and Loyalty, at Wakefern Food Corp. “We’ve heard first-hand from customers that they love how easy it is to access coupons and shop at their own pace with Caper Carts. We continue to expand our Caper Cart footprint across more Wakefern Member stores, as we believe every customer deserves a seamless, personalised shopping experience.”