With the rise of online shopping, many families are now opting to get their groceries online then going to the store. Starting this summer, more families will be able to take advantage of this growing market. Fresh Direct and other online grocers will accept food stamps in a pilot program done in partnership with the USDA that starts this summer.
SNAP recipients will now be able to use EBT online at Fresh Direct to purchase eligible food items. If you aren’t already familiar with Fresh Direct, they are an online grocer that specializes in fresh, high-quality food and meals, as well as supermarket brand favorites.
The Fresh Direct pilot program launches this summer in the following states: Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington, Iowa, and Oregon. More retailers and states are expected to be added to the online EBT program after the pilot.
Other companies that are also piloting the use of food stamps online include Amazon, Safeway, ShopRite, Dash’s Market and Hart’s Local Grocers.