'This is a necessity': Pick 'N Save expands grocery delivery service to FoodShare beneficiaries

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Grocery stores in southeastern Wisconsin are teaming up with Feeding America. to make grocery shopping more efficient for those most in need.

Pick 'N Save and Metro Market are expanding their grocery delivery services to those who use FoodShare benefits.

"The new piece here is that we're able to accept that QUEST card payment, which is an incredible opportunity to expand our food access," said Emilie Williamson, the corporate affairs manager for Pick 'N Save/Metro Market.

The intent is to remove transportation barriers for those with food insecurity, and for those living in food deserts.

"As we think about people who have mobility issues, people as they're aging, this is not a luxury. This is a necessity," said Jamie Kuhn, Medicaid director for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

"If you live in a neighborhood where there isn't a grocery store within a mile, we've got options for you," Williamson said.

The Kroger-branded trucks can make deliveries in Wisconsin as far north as Belgium, as far west as Oconomowoc, and south to the Illinois border.

The inside of each truck is fully temperature-controlled.

"Your refrigerated items are refrigerated from door to door, your frozen items are frozen door to door," Williamson said.

As part of the launch, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin is giving $10 Pick 'N Save gift cards to 500 families on food assistance, meant to cover the delivery fee.

"We're really looking at, how can we get these cards out to the most people, and those who need it the most," said Patti Habeck, President/CEO of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin.

It's of many efforts to tackle food insecurity in Wisconsin, while scrubbing the stigma around assistance.

"No one knows what their situation is going to be, and it's really important for us to make sure that we understand this could happen to anyone," said Kuhn. "Meeting individuals where they're at is beneficial to everyone."

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