Leading eCommerce Platform Mercato Launches Thriving Community Programs to Increase Healthy Food Access

The nation's top eCommerce platform for independent grocers, Mercato, has unveiled a new effort to increase access to healthy foods and promote financial stability in low-income neighborhoods.

In order to increase the number of grocery stores using the eGrocery platform and enable them to digitize their inventory, provide delivery, and enable SNAP enrollment and utilization online, Thriving Communities collaborates with local governments, nonprofits, and private funders.

It generates what founder and CEO Bobby Brannigan refers to as "The Mercato Effect," in which grocers coming online provide residents with access to healthy, culturally appropriate foods as well as the option to redeem public/private food benefits, resulting in additional jobs, increased grocer sales, and dollars circulating throughout the community.

"As the son of an independent grocer in Brooklyn, I know first-hand how critical these independent, local grocers are to the economic and social well-being of their communities. They are the lifeline for so many residents to get fresh, healthy, culturally relevant foods without having to travel far or wait weeks to go to the market. By giving local grocers the tools and technologies to operate online, they can increase their own revenue and fuel healthier ecosystems throughout the country," says the founder and CEO, Brannigan. 

The first city to collaborate with Mercato was New York City, which used Thriving Communities to test a technological pilot that provided a group of New Yorkers with subsidized groceries. 

"The pandemic challenged food security in unprecedented ways. Mercato's innovative work piloting online grocery benefits making healthy, affordable groceries accessible to all New Yorkers, no matter where they live. New York City is proud to innovate with technology and public benefits, and we are thrilled that Mercato recognizes this too," said the executive director at New York City Mayor’s Office of Food Policy, Kate MacKenzie. 

"Getting onto the Mercato platform was game-changing for our store and our shoppers. Our sales are increasing literally every day, especially fresh produce, and the technology and service Mercato provides enables us to fulfill orders seamlessly and with the same personal attention and care that our shoppers need and deserve. It feels incredible to be feeding and helping low-income residents in our community,” said Bronx Key Food Stadium’s, Gustavo Rodriguez.

By discovering and engaging with partners in more locations including Chicago, Baltimore, Boston, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia, Mercato hopes to grow Thriving Communities.