Fresh Funds: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Sign Up Questions
What are the steps to participating?
- In November, you will sign up to participate on PHA’s website.
- Then you will create an account at Instacart.com if you do not already have one.
- On December 1, PHA will send you an email with a unique link to activate Instacart’s Fresh Funds. It’s important that you do not forward or share this link with anyone else. Doing so will prevent you from being able to redeem your benefits.
- Once your code is active, you will receive $60/month from December 2023 to February 2024 to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at any grocery store available on Instacart.
- As part of the program, you will also receive a complimentary Instacart+ membership that is valid for four months, starting on the day you activate your Fresh Funds code.
What is the enrollment period?
The enrollment period is from November 1-30, 2023. Space is limited. If registration is full, you will be put on a waitlist.
What information do I need to provide to register?
- Full Name
- Email Address
- Zip Code
- Phone number
Do I have to provide an email address?
Yes, an email address is required to participate. This is how you will receive your promo code for your monthly $60 Fresh Funds and Instacart+ membership.
What information do I need to provide to sign up and place an order at Instacart.com?
- Full Name
- Valid Delivery Address
- Backup payment information (credit, debit, and/or PayPal)
For more information on how to create an Instacart account and place your first order, watch this video:
Can other people in my family sign up?
No. So that we can serve as many families as possible, only one person per household is allowed to sign up.
Can I have two or more accounts?
Your Fresh Funds can only be linked to one account. If you already have an Instacart account, you do not need to create a new one for this program, you may use your existing one.
Program Questions
What are Fresh Funds?
Fresh Funds are credits that can be used on Instacart.com to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. Participants of this program will receive $60 in Fresh Funds each month for three months, and a free Instacart+ membership for 4 months. This is a program to promote a healthy habit of produce consumption.
What is an Instacart+ membership?
Instacart+ memberships are FREE to GFA participants and include:
- Free home delivery on orders over $35
- Reduced service fees* (The service fee covers a broad range of operating costs including shopper operations, insurance, background checks, and Instacart Care.)
- *Your Fresh Funds may be used to cover any remaining service fees.
As part of this program, you will receive four months free of Instacart+ for one account. Your membership will be activated on the day you redeem your Fresh Funds Code. This offer is non-transferable. BY REDEEMING FRESH FUNDS, YOU AGREE TO THE INSTACART+ TERMS. Your Instacart+ membership and associated benefits will terminate at the end of your trial period.
How do I redeem my Fresh Funds?
You can redeem your Fresh Funds by clicking on the unique link that PHA will send to your email on December 1. To check if your Fresh Funds have been successfully redeemed, all you have to do is:
- Go to Instacart.com
- Click the 3 horizontal lines in the top left-hand corner
- Click Add promo or gift card
- Check your balance under Fresh Funds
Watch this video for a tutorial:
For more information, visit the Fresh Funds help center.
Do the Fresh Funds rollover from month to month?
No, the $60 must be spent in that month. Any remaining balance will expire at the end of the month.
What can I spend the $60/month on?
Fresh Funds can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at any retailer available on Instacart.com. You can also use your Fresh Funds to pay for service and delivery fees and tips for your personal shopper.
How long will I receive the $60/month benefit?
You will receive $60 per month from December 2023 through February 2024. Your Instacart+ membership, which provides free delivery on orders over $35, is valid for 4 months, starting on the day you redeem your Fresh Funds code.
When can I start using my Fresh Funds at Instacart.com?
You can start using your Fresh Funds on December 1, 2023. From there on, your $60 benefit will be automatically deposited to your account at the beginning of each month (January 2nd and February 1st).
Can I use my SNAP benefits on Instacart?
In addition to using Fresh Funds to shop on Instacart, you can also use your SNAP benefits. For information on how to add your EBT card to Instacart, watch this video:
How do I shop online?
- First, create an account at Instacart.com (if you do not already have one). To do that, you will need to provide your: Full name, Valid delivery address, Email, and Payment information (credit, debit, and/or PayPal).
- Then select the grocery store you want to shop at
- And add all items to your cart that you would like to purchase.
- At checkout, your available Fresh Funds credits will be automatically applied to cover the cost of fresh fruits and vegetables, plus any service and delivery fees. You can also use your Fresh Funds to give your personal shopper a tip. You may add other items to your Instacart basket, but please note these will not be covered by Fresh Funds and will be charged to the backup payment method you provided when creating your account.
Do I need to add a backup payment to check out, even if my total is covered by my Fresh Funds code?
Yes, you need to add a backup payment to check out. Acceptable forms of backup payment include a debit card, credit card or Paypal account. Your backup payment will only be charged if your total is greater than the amount remaining on your Fresh Funds code and/or if you purchased non-eligible Fresh Funds items (eg. meats, household items, drinks etc).
I added a backup payment, but I still can’t check out.
If your total is greater than the amount remaining on your Fresh Funds code, you will need to make sure there are sufficient funds in your backup payment to check out. If you don’t have sufficient funds in your backup payment to cover the remaining balance, you will not be able to check out.
I’m seeing an unexpected charge on my backup payment. Why?
After you place an order on Instacart, you may see a charge or temporary hold on your credit or debit card that you didn’t expect. Instacart places these holds to account for potential changes to the final total that may occur if an item is unavailable or replaced at a different price. Authorization hold amounts vary but are typically only about 15% higher than your estimated order total.
This hold will be released after your order is delivered, and you will only get charged for the items you receive. Please note that it can take up to 7 days for the pending charge to drop, depending on your bank. For more information on authorization holds, click here.
My order was canceled. What should I do?
Please contact 1.844.981.3433 and an Instacart agent will be happy to assist you.
How does delivery work?
You can schedule delivery for as fast as 30 minutes, or for later in the day or week to fit your schedule. Delivery is available from 9 am to 12am (midnight), depending on each stores’ operating hours.
You can choose to meet your shopper at the door when they arrive or simply have them leave your groceries on your doorstep. You can also leave specific delivery instructions for your shopper at checkout.
Can I pick up my order instead?
Yes, just select a pickup time at checkout, then pick up your groceries at the store when they’re ready. Please note that pick up is only available at select locations.
Have questions, concerns, or feedback?
Please contact Instacart Fresh Funds support at 1-844-981-3433.