Instacart and WellTheory have announced a new partnership aimed at improving access to anti-inflammatory and nutritious foods for individuals living with autoimmune diseases. The collaboration integrates Instacart Health’s Fresh Funds program with WellTheory’s platform, giving nearly 300,000 patients in the WellTheory network direct access to grocery stipends for clinically recommended food purchases.
Addressing a Critical Need
The partnership responds to a growing recognition of the central role nutrition plays in managing autoimmune conditions. Autoimmune diseases, which are on the rise, often lack definitive cures, forcing patients to carefully manage lifestyle factors such as diet. Many studies have shown that nutrition management is a key means by which conditions can be managed.
WellTheory, recently bolstered by a $14 million Series A funding round led by General Catalyst, provides holistic care for autoimmune patients through employer-based plans and direct-to-consumer support. This includes dietitian consultations, personalized care plans, and symptom-focused testing. The company claims that its approach can yield significant cost savings – up to $9,400 per member annually – along with a 64% reduction in emergency room visits and 91% patient-reported symptom relief.
How the Partnership Works
Instacart’s Fresh Funds program will enable WellTheory patients to purchase recommended foods directly through the Instacart platform, reducing barriers to access. The widespread reach of Instacart ensures that this program will benefit patients in communities of all sizes and locations.
Claire Rudolph, co-founder and head of product at WellTheory, emphasized the importance of nutrition in the autoimmune journey. Sarah Mastrorocco, vice president and general manager of health at Instacart, agreed, stating that their mission is to improve access to timely groceries and convenience.
A Growing Trend in Autoimmune Care
This partnership is part of a broader trend toward specialized care for autoimmune patients. Other companies, like kyverna (developing cell therapies) and Attune Health (focused on autoimmune research), are also entering the space. Healthcare organizations are increasingly investing in specialty clinics, such as rheumatology, to meet the unique needs of this patient population.
The rising prevalence of autoimmune disease underscores the urgent need for increased advocacy, awareness, education, and research.
This collaboration between Instacart and WellTheory represents a practical step toward addressing a critical gap in autoimmune care: ensuring that patients have convenient, affordable access to the nutrition they need to manage their conditions effectively.
