Almost 40 million Americans live in areas where access to affordable, nutritious food is limited. As a technology company that powers grocery delivery across the country, we believe that our platform is uniquely positioned to help reduce barriers to food access in partnership with local communities. That’s why in its third year, LadderUp, Shipt's eight-week accelerator program will focus on investing in local fresh-food organizations.

Applications are open now through February 28th for local grocers, food co-ops, farmers markets, and CSAs (community-supported agriculture). If accepted to the program, these organizations will receive e-commerce education from industry leaders, digital marketing coaching, learn how to access capital to scale, and receive a $5k grant. 

We’ve heard firsthand from small business owners across the country that one of their biggest challenges is staying up to speed in the ever-evolving modern marketplace, which is now a necessity for growing and serving communities and creating sustainable change. That’s what we’ve specifically designed LadderUp to address.

Fresh Houwse Grocery, a 2023 LadderUp participant whose farmer-owned grocery stores serve two historically black neighborhoods in Houston, Texas, shared how the program enhanced their ability to serve their community.  

“LadderUp was a great opportunity for us to learn firsthand, skills and techniques from leaders from Shipt and how to utilize these resources to bring more opportunity to our community,” said Ivy Walls, owner of Fresh Houwse Grocery. “If you’re a small business thinking of applying and you are ready to expand your reach and your knowledge of retail, LadderUp is for you.”

This year’sLadderUp™ initiative launches as part of Shipt’s work toward a future where fresh and nutritious food is accessible, regardless of zip code. This initiative drives change by:  investing directly into community-led projects and partners, leveraging our logistical infrastructure to connect people to food, and contributing to research and advocacy work. 

This social impact work builds on more than a decade of initiatives to combat hunger, including Shipt’s acceptance of SNAP EBT on the app. With human connection at the core of what we do here at Shipt, we know the power of people and communities coming together. 

These values have shone through in moments like volunteering with Jones Valley Teaching Farm in Birmingham, Alabama, participating in the University of Michigan’s research studies into diabetes management, and investing in our grant program, where organizations like Appetite for Change are working to use food as a tool to build social change. 

“Shipt aspires to a future where fresh, nutritious food is accessible - regardless of a person’s zip code,” said Khadijah Abdullah, Vice President of Economic and Social Impact. “We believe in the strength of communities and local solutions and are proud to help small businesses across the country grow and thrive in pursuit of this shared goal. We look forward to meeting this year’s LadderUp class and learning about their story, what drives them, and about the communities they serve.”

The need for affordable, nutritious food across the country is substantial, and we’re proud to be part of creating some meaningful change.  

To learn more about Shipt’s efforts to fight food insecurity nationwide, visit https://www.shipt.com/community. To learn more about LadderUp and apply by February 28, 2025, visit https://www.shipt.com/ladderup.