Shipt announced on Apr. 14 the selection of ten new fresh food organizations for its fourth LadderUp Accelerator Program cohort. The program will provide each participant with a $5,000 grant, mentorship, education, and opportunities to connect with other community leaders over an eight-week period.
The initiative aims to support local groups working to improve food access in their communities. According to Shipt, more than 48 million people in the United States face food insecurity, making these efforts especially important.
Participants include organizations such as E. Warren Development Corp and Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation from Detroit; Edgewood Community Farm from Washington, D.C.; Growing Hope from Ypsilanti; Southside Market and Cafe Cooperative from Chicago; Uptown & Boogie Healthy Project from New York; Batter and Bloom Food Incubator from Birmingham; People’s Food Co-op from Ann Arbor; Mother Carr’s Farm from Lynwood; and Hope Village Farmers Market in Detroit. These groups operate farmers markets, co-ops, mini stores, CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture), and urban farms focused on increasing access to nutritious foods while supporting local economies.
Shipt said that past participants found value not only in the financial support but also in the peer learning environment provided by the program. Campbell’s Market Basket of East Lansing previously said: “This program opened our eyes to just how much there is to learn — in the best way possible. It was a valuable reminder that growth as a small business depends on staying curious, continuously learning, and keeping an open mind about industry trends and changes.”
In addition to LadderUp, Shipt has launched other initiatives aimed at expanding food access. The company recently announced a Garden Grants program with Target that supports garden projects across several cities including Chicago and Detroit. Winners will be named in May alongside new applications opening for Community Impact Grants.
Shipt also accepts SNAP EBT payments for marketplace orders through its website and app at participating retailers.
