Posted: | May 11, 2020 04:08 PM |
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From: | Senator Sharif Street |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Online Grocery Purchases for SNAP Recipients |
In the near future, I will introduce a resolution urging the Department of Human Services to submit an application to the United States Department of Agriculture in order for Pennsylvania to join the existing online purchasing pilot program for SNAP recipients. The 2014 Farm Bill authorized the U.S. Department of Agriculture to launch an online purchasing pilot program for SNAP recipients. Officially launched in 2019, the pilot program allows SNAP recipients to purchase groceries from certain retailers online for delivery using their SNAP benefits. A number of states have joined the program, and the onset of the COVID-19 crisis has only accelerated this process. Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, states have encouraged residents to stay home and social distance. However, for many families relying on their SNAP benefits, this has not been an option. In the midst of a global pandemic, no one should be forced to choose between putting themselves and their communities in danger or going hungry. Grocery delivery is a useful tool for mitigation and should be available to all residents of Pennsylvania. I urge the Commonwealth to join the USDA’s online purchasing pilot program as soon as possible. Please join me as a co-sponsor of this important resolution. If you have any questions, please contact my Policy Director, Micah Mahjoubian, at micah.mahjoubian@pasenate.com. |
Introduced as SR328