The state of Florida launched a new pilot for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that allows current recipients to order groceries online either for delivery or pick up. All current SNAP recipients are automatically eligible to participate and do not need to apply for this pilot.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has started approving similar pilot programs in states across the country in response to COVID-19 as a way to increase social distancing efforts for everyone, including SNAP recipients. The pilot will kick-off on April 16th in Tallahassee to be tested at Walmart locations in the area, and will become a statewide pilot starting April 20th.
So far, Walmart and Amazon are the only two retailers signed up for this pilot, but the state of Florida is working to increase that number to increase access. The Florida Retail Federation said that the program is also good for local businesses during this economic downturn.
SNAP recipients can pay with their electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card at pick-up, but delivery fees are not SNAP approved fees and must be paid separately.
For every meal that food banks, like Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, put into the community, SNAP puts out the equivalent of 9 meals. Safety increasing access for our neediest neighbors is crucial during this time.
Read more about the pilot SNAP program from WMFE here: Floridians will be able to use SNAP benefits to buy groceries online pick them up curbside starting Monday
