Illinois SNAP recipients will be able to shop for groceries online come June
People who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will soon be able to buy food online.
Governor J.B. Pritzker’s office announced Wednesday that beginning Tuesday, June 2, Illinois’ 1.8 million SNAP recipients will be able to purchase food from certain grocery retailers online. The state’s plan was approved by the federal government.
“To keep more families safe and healthy, my administration is expanding the ways in which SNAP recipients can acquire groceries to include online purchasing,” Pritzker said in a statement. “The best part is that in addition to helping families shop a little easier and safer during this pandemic, this is a permanent new feature of the SNAP landscape in Illinois that will support our residents for many years to come.”
According to a statement from Pritzker’s office, all Link customers will be alerted when use of their Link cards is available for use online. The plan was supported by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, both Democrats.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture gave the OK on IDHS’ SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer Online implementation plan, which will allow SNAP customers the ability to enter their SNAP PIN to order groceries online.
Grocers in the plan include Walmart and Amazon, which according to Pritzker’s office have agreed to accept orders in Illinois once the program site launches. Retailers interested in the program can find more information r apply at www.fns.usda.gov/snap
This story was originally published May 20, 2020 at 1:34 PM.