If you’re among the 42 million Americans who receive monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits¹, we have good news: You can now use your EBT card to order eligible groceries delivered straight to your door through Uber Eats. All you need is a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

EBT payment acceptance on Uber Eats is more than just a new feature—it’s a step toward making healthy aging a reality for more older Americans. Read on to see how you can use SNAP and online grocery delivery to save time, stay independent, and keep your kitchen stocked with fresh, nutritious foods.

What is Uber Eats?

Uber Eats is an online food delivery platform. You can order meals and shop for groceries from local restaurants and stores through an app or website, and someone delivers your items directly to your home. Recently, Uber Eats expanded its grocery delivery payment options to include EBT cards, which is how people with SNAP receive their monthly benefits.

Why does this news matter for older adults?

A big part of aging well is having access to affordable fresh produce, meats, dairy products, and other healthy foods. But more than 9 million older adults in the U.S. face food insecurity, meaning they can’t easily get high-quality food to meet their basic needs.² Mobility problems, chronic health conditions, transportation issues, and lack of nearby stores all contribute to food insecurity. Plus, healthier foods can be twice as expensive as less healthy options, which puts extra pressure on tight budgets.

When used together, SNAP and Uber Eats help address these challenges.

“Programs like SNAP can be a lifeline for at-risk older adults, but they only work well if people can use them easily,” said Josh Hodges, NCOA's Chief Customer Officer. “Accepting SNAP dollars on a platform like Uber Eats gives consumers a convenient new way to get the food they need every day. For many, this can mean fewer skipped meals, a more nourishing diet, and less stress and worry.”

How do online food delivery platforms support aging in place?

Staying well and living independently at home are key goals for many Americans as they get older. Digital food delivery services like Uber Eats promote aging in place in several ways:

• They save time and eliminate hassle: With grocery and food delivery platforms, you can order groceries and have them delivered right to your doorstep. There’s no need to drive, wait in line, or carry heavy bags. This is especially valuable if you have limited mobility, have a chronic health condition, or live in a rural area.
• They support caregivers and families: If you’re a caregiver or relative, you can place grocery orders on behalf of someone you care for—even if you live halfway across the country.
• They provide a user-friendly experience: Uber Eats has worked to streamline their app and website, with features that help make grocery shopping simpler and less stressful:
  • Order tracking, so you know when your groceries will arrive
  • Saved preferences, making it easy to reorder favorite items
  • Accessible design, with clear text and intuitive navigation

How can I use my EBT card with Uber Eats?

If you have a SNAP EBT card and a smartphone (or another internet-connected device), you’re ready to give Uber Eats a try! First, if you don’t have an Uber Eats account, you’ll need to create one (on the home page, click the button that says "Sign Up”).

Once you’ve created an account, follow this step-by-step guide to get started ordering food:

1. Add your EBT card

• Open the Uber Eats app or go to the Uber Eats website.
• Tap “Account,” then go to Wallet.
• Select “+ Add payment method” and choose EBT.
• Enter your EBT card details and save it as a payment option.

2. Shop for SNAP-eligible items

• Browse grocery items in the Uber Eats app. SNAP-eligible foods will be clearly marked.
• Add items like fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, bread, and canned goods to your cart.
• Non-eligible items (like hot foods or household products) will need to be paid for separately.

3. Check out and pay

• When you’re ready to check out, select your EBT card as the payment method.
• If your cart includes items not covered by SNAP, you’ll be prompted to enter a second payment method (like a credit/debit card) for those items.
• Place your order and track the delivery from the Uber Eats app or website in real time.

Empowering older adults with more choices

If you’re having trouble affording food, SNAP can help by giving you monthly benefits to buy groceries and eat healthier. The average SNAP benefit for a one-person senior household is $188 per month, or $2,256 per year. Learn more about SNAP through NCOA’s BenefitsCheckUp tool.

SNAP provides much-needed relief to people like Charles, who discovered he had little money left over for groceries after his landlord raised his monthly rent. A counselor at one of our Benefits Enrollment Centers helped Charles apply for SNAP and other benefits programs that could stretch his budget. After learning he was approved for $300 in monthly SNAP benefits, the 74-year-old phoned his counselor in tears: "I am so thankful I no longer have to worry about buying food every day," he told her. 

Whether you’re managing a health condition or you just want an easier way to get groceries, online food delivery platforms like Uber Eats can help you stay strong and self-sufficient as you age. And, if you need a ride, Uber has features designed just for you. You can now use the Uber rideshare app in Simple Mode, which is easier to use and has the same reliable transprotation options. Have a family member already comfortable with the platform? Ask them to add you to their Family profile in a "Senior Account". Once done, you can share ride and payment information with someone you trust. Learn more here.

Want to learn more about healthy aging? Visit our Nutrition & Exercise resource library for the latest research and actionable tips for older adults.

Sources

1. USDA Economic Research Service. Percent of population receiving SNAP benefits in fiscal year 2023. July 22, 2024. Found on the internet at https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/chart-gallery/chart-detail?chartId=55416

2. USDA Economic Research Service. Food insecurity in U.S. households with older adults increased in 2022. December 12, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/charts-of-note/chart-detail?chartId=108066