Klarides-Ditria: State, USDA, retailers team to implement SNAP online purchases

Dear Friend, Earlier this year, I received an email from a constituent suffering from "Intractable Epilepsy" asking if I would consider submitting a bill that would allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to be used for food delivery to him and others who may have difficulty getting to stores to purchase food.  His email was very informative and included the fact that companies like Amazon Prime Pantry were accepting SNAP payments from New York but not Connecticut. I submitted a bill in February based on this email which ultimately became Raised Bill No. 5308. I am very happy to announce that the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) recently announced it was working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, the state’s electronic benefit transfer (EBT) vendor, and participating food retailers to implement SNAP online purchasing in Connecticut. Federal approval of the state’s plan was received May 20, and the beginning of online food purchasing is tentatively scheduled for June 2. When activated, enrollees will be able to use SNAP benefits on their EBT card to purchase eligible food items online for delivery or curbside pickup at participating food retailers. Current participating food retailers are Amazon, including Amazon Pantry and Amazon Fresh; 12 Walmart stores (click here for list); and Wakefern Food Corp., which has 22 participating ShopRite stores in state (click here for list).  While many people think at times that government may not be functioning properly or that regular people do not have a voice, this is an example of how government works for the people who need it the most. I am very proud and honored to be your State Representative and to be your voice in Hartford. If you have questions or concerns on any issue concerning state government, please contact me at Nicole.Klarides-Ditria@housegop.ct.gov or call 860-240-8700.  Sincerely,