Eating healthy food should not be hard or expensive — and now, it’s becoming easier for many people. Ahold Delhaize USA, one of the biggest grocery retailers in the country, has joined hands with NationsBenefits®, a top company that helps people use healthcare benefits in simple ways.
This partnership will allow Medicare Advantage and Medicaid members to buy nutritious foods and wellness items using their Benefits Mastercard® Prepaid Flex Card in thousands of grocery stores across the East Coast.
What the Collaboration Means
The partnership covers well-known supermarket brands like Food Lion, Giant Food, The GIANT Company, Hannaford, and Stop & Shop. Together, these stores have over 2,000 locations, making healthy options more accessible to millions of families.
Marc Stolzman, Chief Sustainability Officer at Ahold Delhaize USA, said this move supports their mission of promoting healthier living. “It’s not just about offering another way to pay,” he explained. “It’s about helping more families find affordable, nutritious food easily.”
How the Benefits Card Works
Members can use their Benefits Mastercard® Prepaid Flex Card to pay for selected fresh produce, pantry staples, and over-the-counter wellness items.
The technology behind this system, called Basket Adjudication Service (BAS) by NationsBenefits, checks each item at the register in real time. That means:
- Members instantly know which items are eligible.
- Health plans can manage benefits easily.
- There’s no confusion about what can or cannot be purchased.
This makes grocery shopping faster and simpler for people who depend on healthcare benefits to maintain a balanced diet.
Why This Initiative Matters
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only about 10% of adults in the U.S. eat enough fruits and vegetables daily. That’s a worrying number — but this new system can help change it.
By allowing people to use their benefit cards directly at grocery stores, the partnership helps them buy healthy and culturally meaningful foods that support better long-term health.
Michael Parker, Co-CEO of NationsBenefits, said, “Grocery stores are where everyday health decisions happen.” He believes that this program will give people a simpler path to good nutrition and better health outcomes.
Nutrition, Technology, and Community Connection
Ahold Delhaize USA’s brands already promote healthy eating through their Guiding Stars nutrition rating system, which helps customers easily identify nutritious products.
They also work with many local food organizations that provide meals to families in need.
This new collaboration with NationsBenefits adds another layer of support by combining modern payment technology with public health goals.
Key Details of the Partnership
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Partners | Ahold Delhaize USA & NationsBenefits® |
| Eligible Users | Medicare Advantage and Medicaid members |
| Payment Method | Benefits Mastercard® Prepaid Flex Card |
| Stores Included | Food Lion, Giant Food, The GIANT Company, Hannaford, Stop & Shop |
| Number of Stores | Over 2,000 across the East Coast |
| Main Benefits | Easier access to healthy foods, faster checkout, and better nutrition awareness |
About Ahold Delhaize USA
Ahold Delhaize USA is part of the global food retailer Ahold Delhaize. It operates five popular grocery brands and serves millions of customers every week. Together, these brands make up the largest grocery retail group on the East Coast and the fourth largest in the nation.
About NationsBenefits®
NationsBenefits® is a leader in healthcare benefits and fintech solutions. It partners with managed care organizations to make healthcare more effective, lower costs, and improve members’ experiences.
By using smart technology and data insights, NationsBenefits helps people access supplemental benefits that support better nutrition, prevention, and overall well-being.
This partnership between Ahold Delhaize USA and NationsBenefits® shows how technology and healthcare can come together to make a real difference. It helps families choose fresh, nutritious food, improves access to wellness products, and builds stronger, healthier communities.
By making healthy choices more convenient, this initiative is paving the way for a healthier America.
FAQs
What can I buy with the Benefits Mastercard® Prepaid Flex Card?
You can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, pantry essentials, and approved wellness items at participating stores.
Which grocery stores accept this card?
You can use the card at Food Lion, Giant Food, The GIANT Company, Hannaford, and Stop & Shop locations on the East Coast.
Who qualifies to use this benefit card?
It’s available for eligible Medicare Advantage and Medicaid members under participating health plans.
