Bringing Fresh Groceries to New Yorkers Living with HIV: Instacart Partners with Housing Works

At Instacart, we believe that access to nutritious food, at affordable prices, is a foundation of good health — and that our platform can help close the gap for communities that have historically been left behind.

Studies show that as many of 80% of people living with HIV struggle with food insecurity, compared to just 11% of the general U.S. population. And the consequences go beyond hunger: those living with HIV who don't have enough food are more likely to miss medical appointments, less likely to be on antiretroviral therapy (critical for managing HIV and enabling individuals to live long, healthy lives), and less likely to stick to their treatment those who do. That can translate directly into health outcome disparities.

That's why we're proud to announce a new partnership with Housing Works, a NYC-based nonprofit that has spent decades fighting to end the twin crises of homelessness and AIDS among low-income New Yorkers. Through this partnership, more than 130 Housing Works clients living with HIV/AIDS who are receiving housing services will each receive a one-time $150 Fresh Funds grocery stipend — allowing them to order fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy, seafood, pantry staples, and more, delivered directly to their doors. The Fresh Fund stipend can also be used to cover delivery fees and tips, and can be used alongside EBT dollars.

"For more than three decades, Housing Works has fought to ensure that people living with HIV have access to the care and services they need to thrive. This partnership is designed to bridge a critical gap in food access for New Yorkers facing food insecurity. We're grateful to Instacart for bringing their platform and resources to tackle this challenge — and for their shared commitment to the communities we serve,” said Matthew Bernardo, President of Housing Works, Inc.

This partnership also builds on Instacart’s decade-long experience partnering with many New York City nonprofits — from the Food Bank for NYC to City Harvest to the West Side Campaign to End Hunger to the Long Island Cares Food Bank — and work alongside City Council members to combat hunger and improve nutrition security throughout the City. We’ve been proud to serve communities across New York City for over a decade, and today, we partner with nearly 300 NYC-area retailers to power pickup and delivery services from approximately 1,800 stores, and are proud to reach 100 percent of SNAP households across the five boroughs.

“When public, private, and nonprofit partners come together to address food insecurity and health equity, it can make a real difference in people’s lives. This partnership between Instacart and Housing Works helps ensure New Yorkers most in need, including those living with HIV/AIDS, have greater access to healthy food and the support they need to thrive. I believe this is a strong start, and I hope it leads to continued conversations and action around long-term food justice and access,” said New York City Council Member Chris Banks.

“In Manhattan, too many New Yorkers living with HIV still face food insecurity, even as they work to stay healthy and stable. I’m grateful to Instacart and Housing Works for stepping up with a thoughtful partnership that meets people where they are and helps ensure access to the nutritious food they need to live with dignity. This is the kind of targeted, community-based support our borough needs,” said Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal.

We're grateful to Housing Works for their partnership and for the tireless work they do every day on behalf of New Yorkers. We shared their commitment to these important issues, and together, we believe this program will make a meaningful difference for these New Yorkers — one grocery order at a time.