Instacart in California
Expanding access and delivering opportunity to Californians
Instacart has proudly served California residents since 2012. Every day, we help California families access the nutritious food they need, and in the process, we’re creating economic opportunities for individuals and local businesses across the Golden State. Discover the impact below.
Jan 10, 2025
Instacart joins growing list of businesses offering a helping hand to SoCal wildfire victims
Read moreInstacart is waiving delivery fees for customers in LA County in response to the devastation caused by the wildfires that continue to burn across the region. For a limited time, delivery fees will be waived for all grocery and daily essentials orders of $10 or more. Instacart said in a statement that they are doing this to support the LA community.
Nov 21, 2024
Instacart Makes Getting Groceries Even More Accessible With New SNAP Eligibility Screener Tool
Read moreSan Francisco-based Instacart announced a new screener tool for determining SNAP eligibility. Instacart says the tool “lets people nationwide quickly and anonymously check whether they may be eligible for SNAP benefits in less than 60 seconds and easily find relevant state resources to streamline enrollment.”
Oct 6, 2023
Instacart and Kaiser Permanente Partner to Advance Food as Medicine
Read moreInstacart has partnered with California-based Kaiser Permanente to study how access to nutritious foods impacts health outcomes for Medi-Cal members with diet-related diseases. Using Instacart Health tools like Fresh Funds and the Virtual Storefront, participants can choose the foods that work best for them based on tailored nutrition advice from their doctor.
Expanding access to nutritious food for California families
We’re committed to ensuring every family and community in California can access the nutritious food they need. We now offer EBT SNAP payments for more than 3,000 stores across the state, covering nearly 95% of California households. We’re proud to partner with those retailers and local nonprofits to fight hunger and nutrition insecurity across the state.
We also believe in the power of food to improve health outcomes. In 2025, Instacart partnered with the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and Stanford Cancer Institute to support cancer survivors who are experiencing food insecurity. By utilizing Instacart’s Fresh Funds tool, the study aims to better understand the nutrition needs of cancer survivors and explore innovative approaches to improving nutrition security for underserved communities, aligning with UCSF's mission to enhance community health and well-being.
Helping local California businesses thrive
We build innovative technologies that help California grocers and retailers bring their businesses online and serve their local communities. We also work closely with emerging, entrepreneurial food brands across the state, helping them reach new customers. In the process, we’re helping Golden State businesses grow and create more jobs for Californians.
Delivering for the shopper community in California
Every day, across California hoppers help their communities share love through food. We’re committed to providing more than 96,000 Instacart shoppers in the state the same level of support they give customers every day. This includes:
- Flexibility to shop whenever and wherever is best for their schedule
- Rapid access to earnings with instant cashouts
- A first-of-its-kind zeroed-out tip protection program
- Real-time safety alerts and safety toolkits
- Cart Star rewards, featuring cash-back on gas and discounted backup care for children, pets or seniors
Shopping with Instacart is more than just work to me – it’s how I connect to people and serve the community. I’ve helped those stuck at home during the pandemic, as well as caretakers and busy parents who rely on delivery services for their families
Stephanie W.
Palm Springs CA
As a stay-at-home military wife, shopping with Instacart gives me the chance to earn extra income - because we’re constantly moving I don’t have to worry about finding a traditional job - and allows me to contribute to military work and events. I started shopping in 2019 and I’ve seen the difference Prop 22 makes every week. I continue shopping because of the flexibility and independence it offers.
Angela J.
San Diego CA
I started shopping on Instacart full time last year when I lost my job as a way to supplement my income. Now that I have no boss or mandatory start time, I’m so much less stressed. I love the flexibility shopping gives me, allowing me to be more present with my daughter. And to be an independent contractor and get access to healthcare is amazing.
Kevin M.
Temecula CA
Resources
Instacart Overview
Introduction to Instacart
A brief overview of Instacart’s mission, business and partnerships.
Instacart’s 2023 Economic Impact Report
An analysis of Instacart’s economic impact for retailers, brands, shoppers, and customers.
Expanding Access to Nutritious Food
Introduction to Instacart Health
A brief overview of the Instacart Health initiative and related products, partnerships and policy advocacy.
Instacart Health Policy Agenda
Instacart’s policy priorities and advocacy commitments related to hunger, nutrition and health.
Helping Local Business Thrive
Executive Summary: Study on Instacart’s Grocery Industry Impact
Summary of 2021 NERA research on the Instacart effect on grocer revenue and job creation
Instacart Business One-Pager
A brief overview of Instacart Business and Instacart's history of supporting small businesses
Delivering for the Shopper Community
National Shopper Survey
A brief overview of shopper demographics, sentiment, and motivations.