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Monday, March 16, 2026
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Forage and Zip Collaborate to Offer Temporary Relief to Americans Impacted by Government Shutdown

With uncertainty surrounding November SNAP benefit and other government funding, Forage and Zip announced a plan to provide access to a temporary, no-fee installment payment option available to eligible recipients, enabling continued access to groceries.

Zip will waive all transaction fees in the app for eligible customers who need support with groceries. To receive the waiver, customers will fill out a simple form in the Zip app. Forage will further support this option by leveraging its technology and its vast network and relationships with grocers that accept EBT. All eligible households across Zip and Forage’s networks will be able to take advantage of this temporary relief.

In addition, the companies are mobilizing a national coalition of merchants and retail platforms to stand ready if federal benefit issuance is delayed. The goal: keep food accessible for households while policymakers finalize a solution.

“Our first priority is making sure the 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP can keep putting food on the table. We don’t control federal funding, but we do control how we respond,” said Ofek Lavian, Co-Founder and CEO of Forage. “If there’s a disruption, Forage is ready to work directly with grocers and states on creative, temporary solutions — from state-issued cards to alternate payment rails — to make sure people stay fed. We’re already in active discussions with several states and major grocery partners.”

“Showing up in ways our customers need us is in our DNA. We are grateful that through Forage’s expertise and network, we can support more Americans as the policymakers complete their work,” added Joe Heck, US CEO at Zip.

All repayments would use standard payment methods — never EBT funds — and the plan would include clear disclosures.

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