Instacart is broadening its food-as-medicine efforts

Healthcare operations with food-as-medicine programs may want to keep an eye on Instacart. To that end, the grocery delivery company is expanding its food-as-medicine efforts.

In March, the company announced two new initiatives—Fresh Funds, which allows patients to place Instacart orders from a selection of healthy food items curated by their healthcare provider, and Care Carts, which allows doctors to send custom grocery deliveries to their patients.

Now, the company is expanding its culinary medicine efforts with two new partnerships.

Instacart Health Fresh Funds are now available to recovering post operative and post-partum patients who are insured by a Mount Sinai Solutions customer health plan.

“Through Instacart Health, we’re using our reach and technology to create impactful access programs with leading providers and health plans that help solve real patient challenges,” said Sarah Mastrorocco, vice president and general manager of Instacart Health, in a statement.  “Our powerful platform offers patients the dignity of choice to use their health benefits to purchase groceries that meet their unique tastes, needs and budgets.”

In addition, the company has teamed up with Alignment Health to offer Instacart’s first Medicare Advantage Plan. The goal behind the initiative is to expand access to nutritious food for seniors with chronic illnesses throughout California and Nevada, according to a statement.

To enroll in a plan, patients must have a qualifying chronic illness. Those who enroll will receive $50-$100 in quarterly grocery allowances through Instacart, a complimentary Instacart membership and a curated Alignment Health Virtual Storefront where members can shop Alignment Healthcare’s recommended items.

“We recognize seniors face unique challenges, and Instacart helps overcome barriers to access, including mobility and transportation, by delivering groceries and over-the-counter goods directly from the retailers they trust,” said Mastrorocco.