Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about how our grocery assistance program works.
We know this program is new and you may have questions.
Here’s how Find a Grocery Buddy safely connects donors and families in need — and how we ensure every grocery order is handled with transparency and care.
About the Program
What is Find a Grocery Buddy?
Find a Grocery Buddy is a community-powered platform that connects donors with families facing temporary food insecurity.
When you choose to help, you pay for a verified grocery order through PayPal, and our team places the Instacart order directly on your behalf.
Who can apply for assistance?
Anyone in the United States who is experiencing food insecurity may apply, including:
- Current or former SNAP recipients
- Government employees affected by a shutdown
- Anyone facing temporary financial hardship such as job loss, reduced hours, or medical bills
Each applicant must provide documentation or proof of need. All submissions are manually reviewed before approval.
Are you a nonprofit?
We currently operate as a for-profit company with a social mission.
Program support fees cover technology, verification, and administrative costs — not profit.
If the platform grows, we plan to transition into a registered nonprofit organization.
Do you handle SNAP or government benefits?
No.
We do not buy, sell, or exchange SNAP or any form of government assistance.
All purchases are voluntary grocery orders funded by donors and placed through Instacart.
For Donors
How does the donation process work?
- Choose a verified recipient profile.
- Pay the full grocery amount (including delivery tip) securely through PayPal.
- We add a Program Support Fee (3.5% + $4.95) to cover PayPal and administrative costs.
- Our team places the order through Instacart and confirms delivery.
- You receive a confirmation email and a screenshot of the completed order.
Can I see where my money goes?
Yes. You’ll receive proof of every completed order, and redacted receipts are later featured in our Impact Gallery.
We also send donors an email confirmation and follow-up showing that their order was placed successfully.
Is my payment secure?
Yes. All payments are processed through PayPal, using industry-standard encryption.
We never store credit card or payment information on our servers.
Are payments refundable?
All payments are final once an Instacart order has been placed.
Refunds are only issued if an order cannot be fulfilled (for example, if a store cancels the order or items are unavailable).
Do I communicate directly with recipients?
No.
Recipient identities remain private. You’ll never need to coordinate delivery or share personal information — our team handles everything on your behalf.
For Recipients
What documents do I need to apply?
You’ll be asked to upload:
- Your Instacart share link
- Your grocery store brand
- Proof of need, such as:
- SNAP card and benefit letter
- Government ID or proof of furlough
- Short written statement or document showing temporary hardship
All documents are reviewed and securely deleted after verification.
How long does it take to be approved?
Most applications are reviewed within 48–72 hours.
Once approved, your profile will appear anonymously on the website until a donor funds your grocery order.
How do I receive my groceries?
When a donor funds your order, our team places the Instacart order for you and manages the entire process.
You’ll receive a delivery notification once your groceries are scheduled.
Privacy & Security
Is my personal information shared?
Never.
Recipients’ names, addresses, and contact details are hidden from donors and the public.
Only our internal team accesses the information necessary to complete your order.
How are donations verified?
Each order is verified through:
- The donor’s PayPal payment confirmation
- The Instacart order completion screenshot
- Optional redacted receipts featured in our Impact Gallery
Only real, completed deliveries are published.
Technical & Support
What if I have trouble with the website or uploads?
If you experience issues with your application or donation, contact us at [email protected].
Our team responds within one business day.
Who do I contact for questions about my donation or application?
Please reach out to [email protected] with your name, email, and a short summary of your question.
We’ll review and respond as quickly as possible.
Our Commitment
We exist to make food assistance simple, safe, and human again.
Every donation helps a real person — and every order proves that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.