The USDA launched a test of online grocery shopping for food stamp recipients in New York State on Thursday, with plans to expand the pilot to nine states across the nation. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said the trial, mandated by a 2014 law, would test if the USDA can provide the same options for SNAP recipients as other food shoppers and whether it can improve food access “specifically for those who may experience challenges in visiting brick-and-mortar stores.”
On opening day of the test, Amazon provided online service in the New York City area and Walmart offered service in upstate New York. ShopRite is scheduled to join Amazon next week in serving the New York City area. SNAP recipients will be required to pay delivery fees and any associated charges when they shop online for groceries.
The pilot will eventually expand to other parts of New York State, as well as to Alabama, Iowa, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington State. Eight retailers will take part, ranging from grocery giants such as Walmart and Safeway to regional and local operators. The pilot will ensure that transactions are processed safely. The USDA anticipates that eventually any retailer that can meet the requirements for processing SNAP transactions online will be able to participate.