At the end of last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved the state government’s request to let Floridians using SNAP benefits to buy groceries online.
U.S. Agriculture Sec. Sonny Perdue approved Florida’s and Idaho’s requests to let SNAP recipients use those benefits online.
“This approval will allow the States to expedite the implementation of online purchasing with currently authorized SNAP online retailers with a target start date later this month. Florida’s SNAP participation is nearly 3 million individuals, about 1.5 million households, and totals nearly $4 billion annually in federal funding,” the USDA noted.
“I thank the USDA and Secretary Perdue for granting the state’s request to bring safer grocery options to Florida’s families in need,” said Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried on Friday.
“Through this innovative pilot program, SNAP households can purchase food online and pay using their EBT card at pickup, among other options. This reduces shopping risk from COVID-19, helps fulfill consumer demand, and keeps Florida-grown products moving to families,” Fried added.
“The Florida Department of Children and Families will ultimately determine the structure of the SNAP online program in Florida, through flexibility authorized by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service,” Fried’s office noted. “The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is also collaborating with the Department of Children and Families to implement the Pandemic EBT program, which will allow families whose children and eligible for free and reduced-price school lunch to receive SNAP benefits.”
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
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