TRENTON, NJ – The Assembly Human Services Committee has favorably reported Assembly Bill No. 2040, a significant step towards enhancing accessibility for SNAP beneficiaries. This bill urges the Commissioner of Human Services to request the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service to allow the use of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits for covering grocery delivery fees.
Currently, SNAP funds cannot be used to pay for the delivery charges associated with home grocery deliveries. This bill aims to change that, making it easier for low-income households to access food without the added burden of delivery costs.
In March 2020, New Jersey’s SNAP participants were included in a USDA pilot program for online grocery purchasing. This initiative allowed them to buy groceries online from various retailers, including Amazon and 17 other statewide stores. However, the inability to use SNAP benefits for delivery fees has remained a limitation.
SNAP, a vital nutrition assistance program, is regulated by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service and is designed to support low-income households in meeting their nutritional needs. At the state level, SNAP is administered by county welfare agencies under the supervision of the Department of Human Services’ Division of Family Development (DFD).
Assembly Bill No. 2040, prepared for introduction in the 2022-2023 session, includes revisions from a technical review. If approved, this bill could significantly ease the process of obtaining groceries for many SNAP beneficiaries, particularly those with limited mobility or those living in areas with fewer grocery stores.