Nearly 600 families in Montgomery Co. will receive up to $400 a month through 'MC Groceries'

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — Montgomery County and Instacart partnered together to create an innovative program aimed at increasing food security across the county. The program is called "MC Groceries" and it will provide 600 families with a monthly stipend to use on Instacart Health Fresh Funds. 

“The program demonstrates the County’s leadership in pursuing solutions that connect families with essential financial support while addressing the gaps and access barriers underscored by post-pandemic shifts in federal resources,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Our collaboration with Instacart is a model for public-private partnerships led by local government that leverage private sector technology and innovation to more effectively serve our residents.”

Each family will receive $100 per month/per child, up to a maximum of $400 for households with four or more children for a year. 

To qualify for the program, Montgomery County residents must have met the following criteria:

The MC Groceries program expands food access for households not eligible to receive SNAP benefits. SNAP benefits are available based on qualifying factors tied to household size and income. For example, a family of four making less than $58,000 per year would qualify for SNAP, but earning a raise or getting a higher-paying job may disqualify a family from federal assistance. 

“We’re proud to partner with Montgomery County to help launch this pioneering food access program, ensuring more families can access the nutritious food they need. Through public-private partnerships like these, we can help end childhood hunger and foster more equitable access to nutritious food in every community,” said Casey Aden-Wansbury, vice president of Policy & Government Affairs at Instacart. 

More than 80 groceries store in Montgomery County are available on Instacart and are included in the program.