Albertsons partnership expands access to nutritious food
Albertsons Cos. Inc. has partnered with global financial services technology leader FIS, which represents supplemental health benefits administrators. Additionally, the retailer is entering into a partnership to accept benefit cards from Soda Health, which works to improve health equity by tailoring benefits based on individual needs. Customers with FIS and Soda Health-integrated benefit cards will now be able to make purchases on eligible food and health items at Albertsons Cos. banner stores.
Health benefit cards are pre-paid debit cards that are funded by Medicare Advantage plans, employers, healthcare providers or local governments and can be used to make purchases on eligible over-the-counter medicine and wellness care products, as well as nutritious foods. Customers eligible for SNAP and WIC benefits can also use their health benefit cards in conjunction with their EBT account.
Albertsons Cos. continues to partner with benefit card providers Solutran (S3), InComm (OTC Network) and Speak (formerly Speak Retail Group). Most national health plans such as Aetna, Humana, United Healthcare and Centene and many regional plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield and Cigna offer these benefits.
“Expanding our benefit card partnerships are essential in ensuring that our customers have access to the broadest selection of nutritious food, supplements and OTC medicine that improve their health and well-being,” said Omer Gajial, executive vice president of pharmacy and health at Albertsons Cos. “We are striving to be more than just a neighborhood grocery store; we want to build a deeper connection with our customers, support them in their wellness journey and address hunger in our most vulnerable communities.”
As part of a company-wide commitment to fight hunger and inspire healthy eating, the Albertsons Cos. Foundation pledged to reduce food insecurity through its Nourishing Neighbors program by increasing the availability of fresh produce and nutritious foods in local area food banks, soup kitchens and community organizations. Additionally, Albertsons Cos. and its Foundation will help 50,000 eligible neighbors enroll in SNAP and WIC benefits in 2023.
