Instacart & Edamam Partnership, SNAP EBT on Uber Eats, and Tipping Trends Insights

Stay informed with the latest updates in the food delivery industry. This episode begins with a welcome and an overview of top stories, including Edamam's partnership with Instacart and the integration of DoorDash delivery in the Starbucks app. Discover how Albertsons is teaming up with Uber Eats to support SNAP EBT payments and learn about DoorDash's initiative for senior grocery delivery. Gain insights into tipping behavior with highlights on Victoria's generosity and findings from the Uber Eats Cravings Report. The episode delves into nationwide tipping trends and consumer behavior, concluding with a wrap-up and a reminder to subscribe for more updates in the tech-driven food delivery landscape.

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Welcome back to Food Delivery Industry News,bringing you the latest trends, innovations,
and business updates in the United States fooddelivery market.
I’m your host, AI Michelle, and this is aMagicPod production by PodcastAI.
Here are our top stories today…
First, Edamam partners with Instacart to bringgrocery shopping to its meal planner.

(00:24):
Second, the Starbucks app now includesDoorDash-powered delivery.
Third, Albertsons Companies partners with UberEats to accept SNAP EBT payments.
Fourth, DoorDash to deliver groceries toseniors in need.
Finally, Victoria is named the most generousfor tipping in Canada by Uber Eats.

(00:45):
Our first story today explores the excitingcollaboration between Edamam, a leader in
nutrition data solutions, and Instacart, thepremier provider of grocery delivery services.
Edamam has announced an integration withInstacart to enhance its Meal Planner API by
incorporating grocery shopping capabilities.
This integration represents a significant leapforward in the personalized meal planning

(01:09):
space, allowing users to not only plan mealsbased on over two million recipes but also
seamlessly order the necessary ingredientsthrough Instacart.
The demand for a comprehensive meal planningsolution that includes grocery shopping has
been growing, with users seeking a frictionlessexperience from meal planning to grocery
delivery.

(01:29):
Edamam's integration with Instacart addressesthis demand by providing an end-to-end service
that helps users adhere to their meal plans andachieve their health goals more effectively.
As Victor Penev, Edamam's Founder and ChiefExecutive Officer, stated, "Grocery shopping is
a natural extension of a meal planning solutionand among the most requested features by

(01:49):
clients."
Enterprise Core subscribers to Edamam’s MealPlanner API can immediately begin utilizing
this new feature.
The shopping list access point within the APIgenerates a link to an Instacart shopping cart,
enabling users to order groceries effortlessly.
This integration not only simplifies the userexperience but also enhances adherence to

(02:13):
dietary plans, which is crucial for individualsaiming to maintain specific health and wellness
objectives.
Looking ahead, Edamam plans to further refineits meal planning solution by incorporating
snacks and simple foods, allowing for a morecomprehensive approach to meal planning beyond
the traditional breakfast, lunch, and dinnerstructure.

(02:34):
This expansion will support diverse dietaryneeds and preferences, making it easier for
users to stick to their nutritional goals.
Edamam’s initiative is a perfect example of howtechnology and innovation are transforming the
food delivery and meal planning industry.
By leveraging Instacart's extensive deliverynetwork, Edamam is not only enhancing its

(02:57):
service offering but also making healthy eatingmore accessible and convenient for its users.
In our next story, Starbucks has taken a majorstep forward in enhancing its digital ecosystem
by integrating DoorDash-powered deliverydirectly into its own app.
As of November 11th, customers across theUnited States and Canada, excluding Quebec, can

(03:20):
now order their favorite Starbucks beveragesand snacks through the Starbucks app, with
delivery fulfilled by DoorDash.
This move is part of Starbucks' ongoing effortto streamline the customer experience by
offering a unified platform that combines bothpickup and delivery options, directly within
the app's interface.

(03:41):
This development builds on Starbucks' previouspartnerships with various delivery platforms.
Initially, Starbucks partnered with Uber Eatsin 2019 as its preferred delivery partner, and
even earlier with Postmates in 2015.
The collaboration with DoorDash began as apilot program in 2022, covering six cities.

(04:02):
Following the pilot's success, the partnershipexpanded in January 2023 to include several
additional markets.
Now, with the integration into the Starbucksapp, the company aims to provide a seamless
digital experience for customers who prefer theconvenience of delivery.
The integration leverages the DoorDash CommercePlatform’s Online Ordering system, allowing

(04:27):
Starbucks customers to easily toggle betweenPickup and Delivery options at the top of the
store selection screen.
This feature not only simplifies the orderingprocess but also caters to the growing demand
for delivery services among Starbucks’ customerbase.
As digital behaviors continue to evolve,Starbucks is committed to innovating its

(04:49):
customer experience.
The integration with DoorDash is a testament tothis commitment, providing customers with an
additional, convenient way to enjoy Starbucksproducts.
As Meg Mathes, Starbucks' Vice President ofDigital Experiences, noted, there has been
double-digit growth in the United Statesdelivery business in the past quarter,

(05:12):
underscoring customers' increasing desire forconvenience in their everyday lives.
Moreover, the company is not stopping withDoorDash.
In June, Starbucks announced a new partnershipwith Grubhub, which is set to expand its
delivery availability to all 50 states byAugust.
This expansion strategy highlights Starbucks'recognition of the importance of meeting

(05:35):
customers where they are, whether throughpickup or delivery, and ensuring that they have
access to Starbucks' offerings through multipledigital channels.
Albertsons Companies has announced aninnovative partnership with Uber Eats, becoming
the first retailer to accept SupplementalNutrition Assistance Program Electronic
Benefits Transfer payments through the UberEats platform.

(05:59):
This initiative marks a significant milestonein expanding access to nutritious food,
particularly for low-income families who relyon SNAP benefits.
With this new feature, customers can use theirSNAP benefits to order groceries from
Albertsons, Safeway, Jewel-Osco, and VONSstores through the Uber Eats app.

(06:19):
This collaboration opens up a $120 billionannual market, as approximately 42 million
Americans receive SNAP benefits.
By integrating SNAP payments into the Uber Eatsplatform, Albertsons Companies is not only
expanding its customer base but also addressingfood accessibility issues, which is a critical

(06:39):
concern for many communities.
As Bryn Tippman Banuelos, Senior Director ofStrategic Partnerships at Albertsons, stated,
"Albertsons Companies is a long-standingcommunity partner committed to helping solve
food insecurity, and by working with Uber Eats,we are able to make nutritious foods available
to even more families in need."

(07:01):
To promote this initiative, Albertsons isoffering EBT cardholders free delivery on their
first three SNAP-eligible orders.
Additionally, Uber Eats is providing athree-month complimentary Uber One membership
to EBT cardholders who link their card to theapp.
This membership includes unlimited $0 deliveryfees, among other benefits.

(07:23):
These incentives are designed to encourage SNAPrecipients to take advantage of the new
service, potentially driving significanttransaction volume and enhancing customer
loyalty.
The strategic timing of this partnership alignswith increased digital adoption among SNAP
recipients and a growing demand for grocerydelivery services.

(07:43):
As more consumers turn to online shopping fortheir grocery needs, Albertsons Companies' move
to accept SNAP EBT payments through a populardelivery platform like Uber Eats positions them
favorably in the competitive grocery retailmarket.
This initiative not only strengthensAlbertsons' omnichannel presence but also
showcases their commitment to providingflexible and convenient shopping experiences

(08:06):
for all customers.
Albertsons Companies' partnership with UberEats represents a forward-thinking approach to
bridging the gap between technology and foodaccessibility.
By leveraging Uber Eats' extensive deliverynetwork, Albertsons is making it easier for
families to access essential groceries withoutleaving their homes.

(08:27):
This collaboration is a prime example of howretailers can use technology to address social
challenges, improve service offerings, andultimately, enhance the quality of life for
their customers.
DoorDash is taking a significant step inaddressing food insecurity among seniors in the
Los Angeles area by partnering with All PeoplesCommunity Center.

(08:50):
This initiative, launched just in time forThanksgiving, aims to deliver groceries to
nearly 100 seniors who are struggling with foodinsecurity.
The collaboration highlights the growing trendof using technology and delivery services to
support vulnerable populations, particularly inurban regions where access to fresh food can be

(09:11):
limited.
The groceries being delivered includeessentials such as fresh produce, whole grains,
rice, legumes, and dried fruit, ensuring thatseniors receive a variety of nutritious food
items.
This effort is part of DoorDash's Project DASH,a program dedicated to increasing access to
food and other essential items for those inneed.

(09:34):
By delivering these groceries, DoorDash is notjust providing food; they are offering peace of
mind and financial relief to seniors who canthen allocate their resources towards other
critical expenses like rent or healthinsurance.
Capri Downs, the food security manager at AllPeoples Community Center, emphasized the impact
of these deliveries, noting that each householdtypically receives around 20 pounds of food.

(09:59):
"They are saving cost and money for food andthey can use to put toward other goods like
rent, health insurance and just helping outwith their families," Downs explained.
This initiative is particularly important as itaddresses both immediate food needs and the
broader financial challenges faced by seniors.
Through Project DASH, DoorDash and All PeoplesCommunity Center are dismantling barriers to

(10:23):
food access.
The partnership specifically targets issueslike time and transportation, which often
prevent seniors from obtaining the food theyneed.
By bringing the groceries directly to theirdoors, these organizations are ensuring that
logistical challenges no longer hinder seniors'access to nutritious meals.
In addition to the standard grocery delivery,select seniors will receive turkeys, adding a

(10:48):
special touch to their Thanksgivingcelebrations.
This gesture not only addresses the physicalneed for food but also contributes to the
emotional well-being of seniors by allowingthem to participate in traditional holiday
festivities.
This initiative by DoorDash and All PeoplesCommunity Center is a testament to the power of

(11:08):
strategic partnerships in addressing socialchallenges.
By leveraging DoorDash's extensive deliverynetwork, the program is effectively reaching
those who might otherwise be left withoutadequate food supplies.
This effort underscores a broader industrytrend where food delivery services are
increasingly being used as a tool for socialgood, highlighting the potential of such

(11:31):
platforms to make a meaningful impact incommunities.
Our final story today takes us north of theborder to Victoria, British Columbia, which has
been named the most generous city for tippingin Canada, according to the Uber Eats Cravings
Report.
This recognition highlights a notable trend inconsumer behavior, where residents of Vancouver

(11:54):
Island, including cities like Campbell River,Nanaimo, and Courtenay, are showing their
appreciation for local service with generoustips.
The Uber Eats Cravings Report not onlyshowcases tipping habits but also provides
insights into evolving consumer preferences andordering trends across Canada.

(12:14):
This year's report reveals interesting tidbitssuch as Canadians' love for French fries as a
side, vodka and whisky as top drink choices,and creamy garlic as the condiment of choice.
These insights offer a glimpse into the diverseculinary preferences that define Canadian food
delivery culture.
The recognition of Victoria and other VancouverIsland communities as top tippers underscores a

(12:39):
broader commitment to supporting thehospitality industry, especially during times
when the cost of living continues to rise.
By tipping generously, residents are not onlyacknowledging the hard work of delivery drivers
and restaurant staff but also contributing tothe local economy and sustaining the vibrancy
of their community.

(13:00):
It's interesting to note that this trend is notlimited to Vancouver Island.
Other cities like Oromocto in New Brunswick andRed Deer in Alberta are also recognized for
their generosity, indicating a nationwideappreciation for quality service.
This widespread trend reflects a positive shiftin consumer behavior, where gratitude is

(13:20):
increasingly being expressed through tipping, acrucial component of the gig economy.
The Cravings Report also highlights theimportance of understanding customer behavior
in the food delivery industry.
By analyzing data such as tipping patterns andpopular orders, platforms like Uber Eats can
tailor their services to better meet the needsand preferences of their users.

(13:43):
This data-driven approach is essential forstaying competitive and fostering customer
loyalty in a rapidly evolving market.
As we wrap up today's episode, the story ofVictoria's generosity serves as a reminder of
the power of community support in the fooddelivery sector.
It showcases how small acts of kindness, liketipping, can make a significant impact on the

(14:08):
livelihoods of gig workers while enhancing theoverall customer experience.
That’s a wrap on today’s Food Delivery Daily.
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