Ohio shoppers can use SNAP benefits for online grocery purchases starting this summer, USDA decides

Ohio consumers will be able to use SNAP benefits for online purchases

FILE - In this file photo, a customer checks out the ready made food section at a grocery store in Cincinnati, Ohio. (AP Photo/Al Behrman, File)AP

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday announced that households in 13 states including Ohio will be able to use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for online food purchases starting this summer.

A statement from Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said an existing pilot program is being expanded to multiple states “to make sure Americans across this country have safe and nutritious food during this national emergency.”

“Enabling people to purchase foods online will go a long way in helping Americans follow CDC social distancing guidelines and help slow the spread of the coronavirus," said Perdue. “USDA is mandated with the noble goal of feeding Americans when they need it most, and we are fulfilling that mission with new innovative programs during this national emergency.”

Several members of Ohio’s congressional delegation applauded the agriculture department’s approval of Ohio’s request to participate in the program. They said Ohio plans to implement the program statewide this summer with two online SNAP retailers, Walmart and Amazon.

“As this public health and economic crisis continues, many families across Ohio are struggling to put food on the table,” said a statement from Warrensville Heights Democratic Rep. Marcia Fudge, who chairs the House Agriculture subcommittee that oversees the SNAP program. “SNAP is our nation’s first line of defense against hunger. Yet for many who rely on the program, it may be difficult or dangerous to go shopping during the current pandemic. By providing Ohio families the ability to purchase groceries online, this initiative will help ensure SNAP is working for the people who need direct delivery of healthy foods the most during this challenging time.”

Columbus Republican Rep. Steve Stivers called the decision “a huge win for seniors and other at-risk individuals who will be able to stay home and stay safe without having to worry about their grocery list,” while Niles-area Republican Rep. Tim Ryan said the new program “will give over 1.4 million Ohioans safer, healthier, and more diverse options to do their grocery shopping.” Toledo Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur said she hopes the program will eventually be expanded to include more "local grocer options, such as farmers markets, from which participants may shop.”

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