CHICAGO, Sept. 6, 2023 – Luminaries, the first non-profit survivorship program delivering free self-care kits to cancer survivors’ doorsteps, and Instacart, the leading grocery technology company in North America, today announced a pilot program that will increase access to healthy and nutritious foods for cancer survivors facing health inequities. More than one in 10 Americans don’t have reliable access to nutritious food today¹, and the number of cancer survivors in the U.S. is projected to increase by 24.4%, to 22.5 million, by 2032.²  

Luminaries’ core mission is to break down barriers and empower survivors by providing the tools to allow them to progress in their survivorship with strength, good health, and a positive mindset. In addition to the self-care kits, the new Luminaries and Instacart partnership aims to close the gap for millions of cancer survivors facing food insecurity by providing fresh, nutritious food options from local grocers using Instacart Health Fresh Funds, allowing for the delivery of items directly to survivors’ doorsteps. 

“A healthy diet is a vital part of a cancer survivor’s journey during and after treatment,” said Luminaries co-founder and cancer survivor, Laura Hendricks. She continues, “Today, Instacart has significant reach, and this aligns with Luminaries' innovative approach to reach the growing population of geographically and socioeconomic disadvantaged cancer survivors with guidance and hands-on tools to help greater well-being after diagnosis.”

Luminaries’ current and alum members that qualify will be provided complimentary Instacart+ membership and $50 per month for three consecutive months of Fresh Funds stipends to purchase healthy foods from local grocers on Instacart. With Instacart+, survivors will receive free delivery and pickup on orders over $35, 5% credit back on pickup orders, and reduced service fees on every order. Through a curated Luminaries virtual storefront on Instacart, survivors can also easily access a selection of nutritious foods recommended by Luminaries. 

“Instacart Health was designed to deliver the ingredients for healthier living using the power of our platform, products and partnerships. Today, Instacart reaches more than 95% of U.S. households and 93% of people living in food deserts, and our technology helps partners like Luminaries expand and scale food access programs that can help members thrive,” said Sarah Mastrorocco, Vice President and General Manager of Instacart Health. “We know the foods we eat can have a direct affect on health, and we’re proud to partner with Luminaries to connect survivors across the country with fresh and nutritious food.”  

“When Luminaries helps cancer survivors respond to challenges after diagnosis by adopting positive mental and physical habits that help survivors thrive, what we’re really doing is facilitating access to solutions and better health outcomes after diagnosis,” said Hendricks. She adds, “The Instacart and Luminaries partnership provides nutritious foods to survivors that can help lessen common side effects of cancer treatment, empowering them to savor each healthy meal with intention through survivorship– all from the comfort of their home.”

To learn more about the Instacart Health and Luminaries partnership and the services it will provide, visit www.luminaries.life/instacart. 

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