Oklahoma to Allow Online SNAP Food Purchasing

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  • Oklahoma to Allow Online SNAP Food Purchasing
    Oklahoma to Allow Online SNAP Food Purchasing
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On May 20, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the approval of a request from Oklahoma to provide online purchasing of food to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program households.

“Even before the current coronavirus pandemic, Congress recognized the changing needs of families and individuals as advances in technology further shaped our society. As I shepherded the 2014 Farm Bill, my colleagues and I saw the need to ensure that SNAP customers have access to these innovative tools that are changing the retail industry… this new pilot program will help Oklahomans continue to stay safe as they order their groceries online and use curbside pick-up safely and responsibly.” said Congressman Frank Lucas.

The USDA SNAP online purchasing pilot program will allow Oklahomans to be able to purchase food online with their SNAP benefits. This action is to address temporary food needs due to pandemic-related economic conditions of the COVID-19 virus. On April 18, 2019, Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the launch of the two-year SNAP online purchasing pilot that began in New York before being rolled out to additional states. “This is fantastic news for

“This is fantastic news for our SNAP customers,” said OKDHS Adult and Family Services Director Patrick Klein. “Like so many Oklahomans, it is much safer during this pandemic for SNAP recipients to be able to order groceries online and pick them up curbside instead of going inside a grocery store. The pilot program has been successful in other states and we are excited it is now available in Oklahoma.”

OKDHS continues to work with potential retailers to test and implement the online purchasing using SNAP benefits.

Lakeria Kelley can be reached at Intern@WatongaRepublican.com