Uber Eats is launching a new feature in 2024 that will allow SNAP/EBT recipients to use their benefits to purchase groceries from the app.
This is a positive step forward, as it will make it easier for people with limited incomes to access fresh and healthy foods.
However, there is one concern about this new feature: Uber Eats will charge a delivery fee for SNAP/EBT orders. This fee can range from a few dollars to over ten dollars, depending on the distance between the store and the customer’s home.
Some people argue that it is unfair for Uber Eats to charge a delivery fee for SNAP/EBT orders. They argue that people with limited incomes already struggle to afford food and that the delivery fee will make it even more difficult for them to access the groceries they need.
Others argue that the delivery fee is necessary to cover the costs of delivering groceries. They argue that Uber Eats has to pay drivers to deliver the food and that the delivery fee helps to offset these costs.
So, is it fair for Uber Eats to charge a delivery fee for SNAP/EBT orders? There are valid arguments on both sides of the issue.
Arguments in favor of Uber Eats delivery fee
- The delivery fee helps to cover the costs of delivering groceries.
- Uber Eats has to pay drivers to deliver the food, and the delivery fee helps to offset these costs.
- The delivery fee is fair because it is charged to all customers, regardless of how they pay.
Arguments against the Uber Eats delivery fee
- The delivery fee can make it difficult for people with limited incomes to afford groceries.
- People with limited incomes already struggle to afford food, and the delivery fee will make it even more difficult for them to access the groceries they need.
- The delivery fee is unfair because it disproportionately affects people with limited incomes.
Here are some of the other current benefits of an EBT card outside of shopping at the grocery store:
- Farmers markets: Many farmers markets accept EBT cards, allowing you to purchase fresh, local produce and other food items.
- Restaurants: Some restaurants accept EBT cards, especially those that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). The RMP provides meals to eligible adults and children who are homeless, elderly, or disabled.
- School meals: If you have children who attend school, they may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals, which can be paid for using an EBT card.
- Child care: Some child care providers accept EBT cards as payment for meals and snacks.
- Public transportation: Some public transportation agencies accept EBT cards as payment for fares.
In addition to these benefits, EBT cards can also be used to purchase certain non-food items, such as seeds and plants, diapers, and menstrual hygiene products.
To find out more about the specific benefits available to you in your state, you can contact your local EBT office.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to charge a delivery fee for SNAP/EBT orders is up to Uber Eats. However, it is important to consider the arguments on both sides of the issue before making a decision.
Additional thoughts
One way to make the delivery fee more affordable for people with limited incomes would be to offer a discount on the fee. Uber Eats could also partner with food banks and other organizations to help subsidize the cost of delivery for SNAP/EBT recipients.
Another possibility would be to allow SNAP/EBT recipients to use their benefits to pay for a subscription service that would waive the delivery fee for all orders. This would be a good option for people who order groceries from Uber Eats on a regular basis.
It is important to note that Uber Eats is not the only company that charges a delivery fee for SNAP/EBT orders. Other companies, such as Instacart and Walmart Grocery, also charge delivery fees. This is a common practice in the online grocery delivery industry.
However, it is important to hold Uber Eats and other companies accountable for their pricing practices. We should all be asking the question: is it fair for these companies to charge a delivery fee for SNAP/EBT orders?
