Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) and Rep. Adam Gray (D-CA) introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives Feb. 10 to permanently authorize Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to purchase groceries online, converting a pilot program launched in 2019 into a permanent feature of the federal nutrition assistance program.
The SNAP Online Access Act would end the temporary status of online purchasing, which has expanded from eight retailers in eight states to hundreds of grocers nationwide. The program allows recipients of SNAP benefits to buy groceries through online platforms and delivery services.
“The SNAP Online Access Act makes grocery shopping more convenient for families that are working hard to support themselves,” Messmer said. “Giving this program permanence encourages retailers, state agencies and customer advocates to support SNAP participants with a more modern approach to feeding their families.”
The legislation addresses regulatory uncertainty that has limited retailer investment in online SNAP infrastructure. Without permanent authorization, grocers and technology platforms have operated under temporary guidelines that could expire.
“I am proud to take part in efforts to provide families and businesses certainty in a time when they need it most,” Gray said. “This bill will provide retailers with the regulatory clarity they need to best serve both our rural and urban communities and ensure families can continue to access the services they depend on.”
Industry support spans retail segments
Trade associations representing independent grocers, convenience stores and food retailers backed the legislation, citing the need for consistent regulatory frameworks.
“Making SNAP online purchasing permanent provides certainty for families who rely on the program to access essential food, while giving retailers the confidence to invest in and expand online services,” said Stephanie Johnson, VP of government relations for the National Grocers Association (NGA).
“Independent grocers have been central partners in modernizing EBT, strengthening program integrity and delivering SNAP benefits at the community level. As this critical legislation moves forward, clear and consistent USDA guidance will be essential to ensure retailers can offer SNAP online purchasing reliably and efficiently in the communities they serve.”
FMI – The Food Industry Association emphasized how permanence would enable long-term technology investments.
“Making SNAP Online permanent will give retailers the certainty they need to invest and innovate, while ensuring SNAP participants – especially those in working households and communities where grocery access may be limited – can access food in ways that fit their lives,” said Jennifer Hatcher, chief public policy officer for FMI.
“FMI is grateful to Reps. Messmer and Gray for leading this important effort to establish SNAP Online as a permanent option for millions of American households to meet their grocery needs.”
Margaret Mannion, director of government relations for the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), said permanent status would support continued infrastructure development.
“SNAP online purchasing has become an essential part of how families access food today,” Mannion said. “NACS strongly supports the SNAP Online Access Act and making the program permanent so SNAP retailers will have the regulatory clarity needed to keep investing in and improving this service to strengthen food access across the country.”
Platform operators report strong adoption
Delivery platforms have processed millions of SNAP transactions since gaining pilot program access. DoorDash reports nearly 3 million people currently use SNAP benefits on its platform.
“Nearly 3 million people are using SNAP on DoorDash today, and two-thirds of customers using SNAP on our platform said it has helped change their eating habits,” said Max Rettig, VP and head of global public policy for DoorDash.
“This bill is about meeting those people where they are and making sure they can keep putting nutritious food on the table. We’re proud to stand with Reps. Gray and Messmer on this opportunity to lock in a solution that’s already working.”
Instacart highlighted benefits for smaller retailers using its platform to serve SNAP customers.
“Making this program permanent through the Online SNAP Access Act would provide greater certainty for those families, while creating clearer and more consistent opportunities for retailers – including the many small and regional grocers on our platform – to use technology to serve their communities,” said Casey Aden-Wansbury, VP and head of global public policy for Instacart.
“We thank Representatives Messmer and Gray for their bipartisan leadership, and we’re proud to have long advocated for greater certainty and permanence for online SNAP to support families and the retailers that serve them.”
Program shows behavioral changes
Anti-hunger advocates pointed to data showing online SNAP purchases may influence food choices.
“Allowing SNAP recipients to purchase groceries online has been revolutionary,” said Minerva Delgado, director of coalitions and advocacy for the Alliance to End Hunger.
“Its advantages include greater convenience and time-savings, reduction in stigma and it even has resulted in increased purchases of fruits and vegetables compared to in-store shoppers. It’s time for USDA to make this pilot program permanent. The Messmer-Gray SNAP Online Access Act calls for permanence and importantly, recognizes the importance of stakeholder consultation which may lead to even greater program improvements.”
The bill includes provisions requiring the U.S. Department of Agriculture to maintain oversight parameters for online SNAP transactions. The legislation moves forward as grocery retailers face pressure to expand digital services while managing infrastructure costs.
[RELATED: Instacart Introduces SNAP Eligibility Screener To Educate Consumers]