*This offer is being accepting on a rolling basis and is valid one per account. Active Instacart+ members (on paid or trial memberships, including Family Account members) are not eligible for the offer. Instacart+ terms apply Other taxes, fees, and/or tips may apply. With Instacart+, the delivery fee will not be charged on orders over $35 per retailer. While supplies last. Non-transferrable.
GROCERY ACCESS PROGRAM (GAP)
If you live in a food desert and have trouble accessing groceries and home supplies, the City of Columbia is here to help with the GAP Program. The City of Columbia, in partnership with Instacart, brings you free grocery delivery on orders over $35 with a free year of Instacart+. If you are eligible, you could get food and home goods delivered without delivery fees on orders over $35 for one year.*
WHY APPLY?
If you live in a food desert, the GAP program can help. The City of Columbia, in partnership with Instacart, brings you accessible online grocery delivery*. If you are eligible, you could get food and home goods delivered without delivery fees for one year. Apply today!
HOW DOES IT WORK?
We score applicants based on their distance from a grocery store after verifying they qualify for needs-based assistance. Points are added for dependents and lack of vehicle ownership. The higher the score, the sooner you could benefit from this service.
ELIGIBILITY
If you live over 1 mile from a grocery store and are eligible for needs-based assistance, this program is for you.
SUPPORT
Office of the Mayor staff will verify eligibility, assist with applications, and provide technical assistance, if needed.
SIGN-UP
Visit any of the designated Parks and Recreation facilities for your district or apply online.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is Eligible?
If you’re living over one mile from a grocery store and are eligible for needs-based assistance, such as Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security Disability, this program is for you.
How Does It Work?
You can apply if you meet the program eligibility – live in a verified food desert (over one mile from a grocery store) and are eligible for needs-based assistance. You can check your eligibility with the GIS Verification Tool.
We will score applicants based on their distance from a grocery store, number of dependents, and ownership of a vehicle.
Why Should You Apply?
This one-of-a-kind program provides a solution to your grocery shopping needs. Get fresh groceries and home goods delivered right to your doorstep for a year through Instacart.
If you have a barrier to utilizing online grocery delivery, we have community partners ready to help. Please self-disclose difficulties you may have on the application. In addition, all accepted into the program will have the opportunity to attend an in-person training to learn how to get set up in the program. You can utilize an existing Instacart account OR create a new one.
Where Can You Shop With By Zip Code with Instacart?
| Zip Code | % Household Coverage | Retail Partners |
| 29223 | 100% | ALDI, Earth Fare Market, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Kroger, Lowes Foods, Piggly Wiggly Southeast, Publix, Target, The Fresh Market |
| 29061 | 100% | ALDI, Earth Fare Market, Food Lion, Kroger, Lowes Foods, Piggly Wiggly Southeast, Publix, Target, The Fresh Market |
| 29212 | 100% | ALDI, Earth Fare Market, Food Lion, Kroger, Lowes Foods, Piggly Wiggly Southeast, Publix, Target, The Fresh Market |
| 29206 | 100% | ALDI, Earth Fare Market, Food Lion, Kroger, Lowes Foods, Piggly Wiggly Southeast, Publix, Target, The Fresh Market |
| 29201 | 100% | ALDI, Earth Fare Market, Food Lion, Kroger, Lowes Foods, Piggly Wiggly Southeast, Publix, Target, The Fresh Market |
| 29063 | 100% | ALDI, Earth Fare Market, Food Lion, Kroger, Lowes Foods, Piggly Wiggly Southeast, Publix, Target, The Fresh Market |
| 29229 | 100% | ALDI, Earth Fare Market, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Kroger, Lowes Foods, Piggly Wiggly Southeast, Publix, Target, The Fresh Market |
| 29209 | 100% | ALDI, Earth Fare Market, Food Lion, Kroger, Lowes Foods, Piggly Wiggly Southeast, Publix, Target, The Fresh Market |
| 29045 | 100% | ALDI, Earth Fare Market, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Kroger, Lowes Foods, Piggly Wiggly Southeast, Publix, Save A Lot, Target, The Fresh Market |
| 29205 | 100% | ALDI, Earth Fare Market, Food Lion, Kroger, Lowes Foods, Piggly Wiggly Southeast, Publix, Target, The Fresh Market |
| 29208 | 100% | ALDI, Earth Fare Market, Food Lion, Kroger, Lowes Foods, Piggly Wiggly Southeast, Publix, Target, The Fresh Market |
| 29204 | 100% | ALDI, Earth Fare Market, Food Lion, Kroger, Lowes Foods, Piggly Wiggly Southeast, Publix, Target, The Fresh Market |
| 29210 | 100% | ALDI, Earth Fare Market, Food Lion, Kroger, Lowes Foods, Piggly Wiggly Southeast, Publix, Target, The Fresh Market |
| 29207 | 100% | ALDI, Earth Fare Market, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Kroger, Lowes Foods, Piggly Wiggly Southeast, Publix, Target, The Fresh Market |
| 29203 | 100% | ALDI, Earth Fare Market, Food Lion, Kroger, Lowes Foods, Piggly Wiggly Southeast, Publix, Target, The Fresh Market |
Can I Use My SNAP Benefits?
Yes! Instacart allows you to use your South Carolina SNAP benefits. If you are accepted into the program, you will receive instructions on how to sync your benefits.
Is the GAP Program Providing Groceries?
No. The program does not cover the cost of groceries or household goods. Participants receive one order per month with waived service and delivery fees through their Instacart+ membership. To qualify, orders must meet the minimum basket requirement of $10 (Costco orders require a $35 minimum) to unlock the waived delivery benefit. Participants are responsible for the cost of their groceries and any additional fees that may apply beyond the waived monthly order.
*Participants will receive a complimentary Instacart+ membership and one order per month with waived service and delivery fees.