Hernandez Applauds Addition of Online Grocery Options for SNAP Recipients

AURORA, Ill. – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to create hardships for families, state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, is highlighting Illinois’ plan to enable 1.8 million Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to purchase food from participating grocery retailers online.

“During these difficult times, grocery delivery services are great alternatives to shopping in-person, but until now, many families who receive SNAP benefits have not had the luxury of these services,” said Hernandez. “I applaud Governor Pritzker for taking action to increase equity in food access and to ensure families can put food on their tables while remaining safe and healthy.”

The Illinois Department of Human Services’ SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Online implementation plan will begin on June 2 and will remain a permanent part of the SNAP landscape, allowing all SNAP recipients to order groceries online from participating stores. Currently, Walmart and Amazon have agreed to accept online orders in Illinois once the program launches and additional grocery retailers are welcome to join EBT Online. Any retailers interested in the program can find more information and apply at http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/online-purchasing-pilot.

“The SNAP online plan is one more way we can keep our families safe during this public health crisis, no matter their income,” said Hernandez. “I encourage other retailers to participate in this program and provide grocery delivery services to SNAP recipients, so that no person in Illinois has to worry about where their next meal will come from.”

For more information, please contact Hernandez’s constituent services office at RepBarbaraHernandez@gmail.com.