Amazon offers discounted Prime membership to food stamp, WIC users
Amazon is deep in an attempt to help the shopping experience evolve and step away from the brick-and-mortar ways of old. With Amazon Prime, subscribers are able to gain free two-day shipping and, in some cases, same-day shipping. However, a study revealed that this service was disproportionately lacking in poorer neighborhoods of color.
To remedy this glaring misstep and to make their products even more accessible, Amazon is offering discounted Prime subscriptions to customers who use certain forms of government assistance.
“We designed this membership option for customers receiving government assistance to make our everyday selection and savings more accessible, including the many conveniences and entertainment benefits of Prime,” said Greg Greeley, Vice President of Amazon Prime.
Al.com reports that Amazon is offering $5.99 monthly subscriptions, up to a year, for people who use EBT cards. The standard Prime membership costs $99 for a yearly subscription or $10.99 a month.
EBT cards are used by anyone subscribed to food stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition program (WIC). These customers will be able to reapply for the discounted price once a year for four years.
Gaining the benefit of free same-day or two-day shipping could save families money and resources they’d otherwise use going to stores for supplies. And, as an added bonus, they’ll also gain the benefit of Amazon’s music and video streaming services.