Harper Highlights New Ability for SNAP Recipients to Purchase Food Online

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Starting June 2, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) users will be able to purchase groceries online following the adoption of new rules for the program pushed by state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago.

“Since the beginning of this pandemic, I have pressed to allow families using SNAP to purchase their food online,” Harper said. “Residents are appropriately concerned about the risks of visiting the grocery store, and they should not be forced to put themselves potentially in harm’s way because they are on SNAP.”

Harper helped lead the fight to expand purchasing options for SNAP users, and as co-chair of the Illinois House of Representatives’ bipartisan Food Accessibility working group encouraged the governor and state agencies to prioritize making online SNAP purchases a reality as quickly as possible. This advocacy led to Wednesday’s announcement by the governor and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) that the state has received federal approval to enable 1.8 million SNAP recipients to purchase food from participating grocery retailers online starting June 2.

Walmart and Amazon are among the retailers that have agreed to accept online orders in Illinois once the program site launches. Retailers interested in participating can learn more information and apply at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/online-purchasing-pilot.

“In the midst of this terrible economic situation, we have to proactively give families options to keep themselves fed and healthy,” Harper said. “I’m glad to see this commonsense approach has been adopted. Let’s continue to help families in need during this crisis.”