Kroger Houston today announced the acceptance of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for Pickup. The low-contact, convenient service allows customers to shop online for groceries on Kroger.com or the Kroger app and pick up their order curbside at a nearby Kroger store. The announcement also shares the updated store hours of 7am – 11pm in Houston area stores starting Monday, April 27.

“As part of our commitment to serve our customers and communities, we are pleased to announce our expanded store hours of 7am – 11pm starting next week,” said Joe Kelley, President of Kroger Houston. “We understand that many essential workers continue to work late hours, and Kroger is committed to meet the needs of those on the front lines by staying open later than any other Houston grocery retailer. This is in addition to rolling out SNAP and EBT payment through our Pickup service, offering the no-fee, low-contact service to more families looking for fresh, affordable food while maintaining physical distancing.”

Kroger is currently waiving the fee for all customers on free same or next day pickup at Kroger locations across the Houston area, offering groceries for the same low prices as in-store. HEB today shared that they are reinstating the $4.95 fee for Curbside Pickup.

How Kroger Pickup Works:

1. Choose your preferred store location on Kroger.com or the Kroger app

2. Shop and place your order for groceries on Kroger.com or the Kroger app

3. Select a pickup date and time and SNAP/EBT as the payment method. If you’re using an EBT card, you’ll present your payment method at the time of pick up

4. An associate shops for your order

5. When it’s time to pick up your order, look for the pickup signs in the store’s parking lot and pull into your parking spot then call the number on the sign to let an associate know you’ve arrived

6. An associate will bring your order out and load it into your car. At this time, EBT card customers can complete their transaction via a mobile point-of-sale system and pay for ineligible EBT purchases or any remaining balance with their debit or credit card

Kroger has also recently expanded the following helpful services and programs to benefit customers and associates:

Kroger Pay

Kroger Pay is another capability within the Kroger mobile app that provides a contactless payment solution, simplifying the checkout and payment process for customers. The capability is available in several markets.

Waived Check Cashing Fee for Government-Issued Checks

Starting April 24, the Kroger Family of Companies is supporting the CARES Act by temporarily waiving the check-cashing fee for government-issued checks for customers and associates.

Extension of $2 per Hour Premium for Hourly Frontline Associates through May 2

The Kroger Family of Companies has extended the Hero Bonus for hourly frontline grocery, supply chain, manufacturing, pharmacy and call center associates. The $2 premium above associates’ standard base rate of pay is being applied to hours worked March 29 through May 2. The premium is disbursed weekly to ensure associates have access to additional cash.

Emergency Personnel Designation for Frontline Associates

The Kroger Family of Companies and the UFCW are calling on federal and state government leaders to take swift action to designate associates at grocery stores as "extended first responders" or "emergency personnel" to help receive priority access to protective masks and other benefits.