CHERRY HILL, NJ – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will allow households in 13 new states, including New Jersey, the ability to order groceries online with their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Beginning next week, New Jerseyans on SNAP will be able to shop for groceries online from Amazon starting May 27 and participating Walmarts, ShopRites and The Fresh Grocers starting on May 28. Once operational, online purchasing will be available in 36 states and the District of Columbia, home to more than 90% of SNAP participants.

Last month, Norcross joined in urging USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue to expand online purchases for the SNAP to all states and additional retailers.

“Across the country, millions of people are struggling to safely put food on the table as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take a devastating toll on health, employment and the economy,” said Congressman Norcross. “Today’s news means that families will be able to use their SNAP benefits to order groceries online, which will keep families – especially those with high-risk members in their households – safe while social distancing measures are still in place. I will continue fighting at all levels to ensure South Jersey families have secure access to nutrition assistance.”

NJ SNAP currently serves about 700,000 New Jerseyans in 356,000 households, with the monthly SNAP benefit based on household size and income. Recipients will be able to use their Families First Electronic Benefits Transfer card to purchase eligible groceries from the participating retailers. Under federal rules, SNAP benefits cannot be used to pay for delivery fees.

“Online grocery shopping is another important step in our efforts to get affordable groceries to New Jerseyans during this public health emergency,” said Carole Johnson, NJ Department of Human Services Commissioner. “Having the option to order groceries online is more important than ever, as we all work together to stay-at-home as much as possible.  We hope that the launch of SNAP online grocery shopping promotes equity by providing participants access to a convenient tool that many New Jerseyans are already using to comply with the stay-at-home order.”

To read the full release put out by the New Jersey Department of Health, click here.

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Contact: Carrie Healey, Communications Director
carrie.healey@mail.house.gov