FarmboxRx launches program to fight food insecurity

Tech-enabled food delivery company FarmboxRx announced the launch of Feed by FarmboxRx, an application-based program to supply individuals affected by cuts to SNAP benefits with produce and pantry staples. 

The program will allow six boxes of produce to be delivered to select individuals each month, along with educational magazines for food preparation recommendations.   

Applications for FarmboxRx will be open from June 6 to July 10, and applicants must verify their reliance on SNAP/EBT benefits and live in U.S. states where those benefits have decreased.

“Despite findings that food as medicine delivers healthier outcomes, policymakers refuse to enact legislation and resources that can democratize access to healthy foods for all,” Sam Kass, former executive director for Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Campaign, said in a statement. “A cut to SNAP benefits is a definitive step backwards. I am grateful for companies like FarmboxRx and founders like Ashley [Tyrner], whose mission and mobilization have created solutions to help the populations that are continually neglected.”

THE LARGER TREND

In 2020, FarmboxRx announced a partnership with Vibra Health to deliver produce to elderly Medicare patients with diet issues or chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and renal failure.

A year later, FarmboxRx announced a partnership with InComm Payments to allow the payment technology company to offer its participating Medicare Advantage plan members weekly deliveries of produce through the FarmboxRx program. 

The New York-based company also partnered with Minnesota health plan, HealthPartners, to offer farm boxes to Minnesota Senior Health Options’ Medicare members. 

Instacart Health, the health division of Instacart, is another company aiming to deliver healthy foods to people. It offers products focused on providing nutritious foods through strategic partnerships with organizations. It also seeks to expand online access to EBT SNAP and TANF assistance programs.

In March, Instacart Health announced it added digital tools for providers, including Virtual Storefronts, which allows providers to give food recommendations to their patients; Shoppable Recipes, a tool for providers to recommend healthy recipes; and Lists for Nutrition, which enables providers to build medically-tailored grocery lists.