INDIANAPOLIS — Hoosiers will soon be able to use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to order food online.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday 13 states, including Indiana, will be use the benefits to buy food through select stores.
The pilot program is also expanding to include independently owned and operated retail stores, according to a press release from the USDA.
“We are expanding new flexibilities and innovative programs to make sure Americans across this country have safe and nutritious food during this national emergency,” USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue said in the release. “Enabling people to purchase foods online will go a long way in helping Americans follow CDC social distancing guidelines and help slow the spread of the coronavirus. USDA is mandated with the noble goal of feeding Americans when they need it most, and we are fulfilling that mission with new innovative programs during this national emergency.”
Walmart customers in Indiana will be able to use SNAP benefits for its grocery pick up and delivery service, according to a press release from Walmart.
“We continue to be excited to be part of the USDA’s pilot program and to be able to make our Grocery Pickup and Delivery service available to more and more people, regardless of their payment method," a statement from Walmart read. "Now more than ever, customers are relying on our pickup and delivery services to give them access to quality, fresh groceries, and we believe that shouldn’t be dictated by how you pay.”
Customers can also place an online order through Walmart and use their EBT benefit card for payment when they pick up the groceries, according to the release.
