Albertsons Cos. has partnered with WinnCompanies, a national housing manager, to deliver groceries and prescriptions right to the doorsteps of seniors and families living in residential and affordable housing communities.
The collaboration with WinnCompanies has the potential to bring key services to more than 133,000 residents across 520 properties nationwide, Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons said Thursday. In addition to prescription drop-off and mail and food delivery, the project will also make available to seniors and their families on-site immunizations administered by Albertsons Cos. pharmacy staff.
Albertsons noted that WinnCompanies is national leader in multi-family housing, with 103,000 residential and military apartment homes under management. The retailer said the long-term partnership marks a first in providing residents with a means for fulfilling essential needs through a single provider.
The nation’s second-largest supermarket operator, Albertsons noted that the plan will reduce accessibility barriers and bolster its commitment to support the health and well-being of the communities it serves.
“We recognize that many people in our communities face challenges that prevent them from shopping in our stores,” according to Omer Gajial, chief digital officer and executive vice president of health at Albertsons Cos., which operates nearly 2,300 stores — including 1,700-plus pharmacies — under 20 banners in 34 states and the District of Columbia. “As a neighborhood grocer, we’re privileged to partner with WinnCompanies to make nutrition, wellness and pharmacy services more accessible and convenient for WinnCompanies’ residents.”
Vaccinations available through Albertsons Cos pharmacies include the COVID-19 bivalent vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech plus shots for seasonal flu, shingles, pneumonia, tetanus and hepatitis A/B. Besides on-site immunization and health clinics, residents also have access to care at the retailer’s pharmacy location, including at Safeway, Albertsons, Shaw’s, Star Market and Jewel-Osco stores. Also, EBT SNAP benefits were recently integrated into Albertsons Cos.’ websites and apps for same-day grocery delivery and curbside pickup orders.
Albertsons Cos. and Boston-based WinnCompanies launched a pilot program in Massachusetts in late 2021. That initial success led to the initiative’s expansion to all WinnCompanies communities where Albertsons Cos. serves, including locations in California, D.C., Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and Virginia.
Both companies have a long history of forming partnerships to help mitigate longstanding food and healthcare inequalities, Albertsons added.
“This collaboration with Albertsons Cos. reinforces our commitment to have a positive and lasting impact on the quality of life of the residents at our apartment communities,” stated Trevor Samios, senior vice president of connected communities at WinnCompanies. “We’re grateful to find a partner who shares this mission and is willing to join us in committing important resources to the health and safety of thousands of individuals and families across the country.”
