BOISE, Idaho — Albertsons Cos. on Monday announced the deployment of an online service for Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) recipients shopping at its Albertsons, Safeway, Jewel-Osco, Vons, and Pavilions banners.

The integration of EBT services enables SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) customers to use their benefits when purchasing groceries via the company’s websites, apps or its virtual stores on the Instacart app.

“This program allows shoppers to use their EBT cards to make online purchases for home delivery or free store pickup, which is a critical part of our ongoing efforts to create a flexible and convenient shopping experience for all customers,” Susan Morris, chief operating officer for Albertsons, said in a statement. “Research shows that a large percentage of EBT recipients face mobility challenges due to a disability, lack of transportation or caring for young children, which can prevent them from physically shopping a store. As a trusted community grocer committed to helping solve food insecurity, we want to make healthy foods available to those at risk by offering multiple private, secure and convenient shopping options.”

Albertsons said that for added value, customers shopping its banner stores will have the flexibility to use multiple payment forms on their order, which allows EBT SNAP customers to use credit or debit cards for non-SNAP eligible items. EBT SNAP customers can also now access their online accounts to view and track their balance, the company said.

“At Instacart, providing access to healthy and nutritious food is core to our mission, and we deeply believe that online grocery shouldn’t be a luxury. We’re proud to expand our partnership with Albertsons Cos. to provide families who depend on EBT SNAP benefits a convenient way to get their fresh foods and pantry staples delivered,” said Sarah Mastrorocco, vice president of access to food and nutrition for the company. “We’re dedicated to continuing to break down barriers to access so more customers across the country can use same-day grocery delivery as an affordable and reliable way to feed their families.”