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Residents can now use SNAP benefits to buy food online from additional Commonwealth-based retailers.
The Baker-Polito Administration announced today that Massachusetts residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can now use their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) SNAP benefits to buy groceries online from Shaw’s and Star Market, two supermarket chains based in Massachusetts.
Shaw’s and Star Market are the latest retailers in the Commonwealth to accept EBT SNAP online. Other retailers include Amazon, BJs, Daily Table, Geissler’s Supermarket, Stop & Shop, and Walmart, as well as ALDI, Brothers Marketplace, Hannaford, McKinnon’s Supermarkets, Price Chopper, Price Rite Marketplace, Roche Bros., Sudbury Farms, and Wegmans via Instacart. Across all eligible retailers, residents have spent more than $219 million in SNAP benefits to-date buying groceries online. For more information on the Massachusetts program, visit www.Mass.gov/SNAPOnline.
“SNAP online purchasing is one of several tools the Administration has utilized, alongside the continuation of SNAP Emergency Allotments, to combat food insecurity for Massachusetts individuals and families,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders. “The addition of more locally based retailers in the program will not only support households who receive SNAP, but also bring economic support to our local businesses and communities.”
“The SNAP online purchasing program is a critical part of the Administration’s work to address equitable access to groceries across the state, providing more than 600,000 low-income households the same purchasing choices as other shoppers,” said Department of Transitional Assistance Acting Commissioner Mary Sheehan. “SNAP online purchasing is another important tool in our efforts to help people shop safely for food. We are grateful for the expansion of this program to more retailers, as well as retailers’ partnership in protecting SNAP clients and their benefits from skimming scams.”
Individuals and families can shop online at Shaws.com or Starmarket.com. The Shaw’s Deals & Delivery App or the Star Market Deals & Delivery App are also available for placing orders from mobile devices. Similar to using SNAP benefits to purchase food in a store, benefits can be used to buy SNAP-eligible foods online, including fresh produce, frozen foods, dairy and eggs.
“As a trusted neighborhood grocer in Massachusetts, we are committed to helping solve food insecurity and providing healthier food options to those at risk,” said Shaw’s and Star Market President Rob Backus. “This program gives customers a flexible and convenient shopping experience by allowing shoppers to use their EBT cards to make online purchases for home delivery or free store pickup.”
SNAP benefits cannot be used to pay for any added fees, like delivery fees. Economic assistance received through DTA, which include Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC), cannot be used to purchase items online at this time. The USDA approves all retailers for participation in this program. Interested retailers can visit: www.FNS.USDA.gov/SNAP.
DTA has issued warnings to residents of skimming scams that have impacted some DTA clients. These scams are aimed at obtaining credit, debit and EBT card information and Personal Identification Numbers (PINs). Skimming is the use of an electronic device to steal card information from a card reader and create a fake card to steal money or benefits. SNAP online purchasing may provide a safer way for people to shop for groceries. The agency is strongly encouraging clients to change the PIN on their EBT cards before each time they get their benefits. Families who get TAFDC or EAEDC can also call their case manager to ask about having their benefits deposited to their bank account. Learn more at Mass.gov/ProtectYourEBT.
Residents can check their SNAP eligibility and apply online at www.DTAConnect.com or on the DTA Assistance Line at 877-382-2363. SNAP is not considered in a public charge test. If one is not a US citizen or eligible immigrant, it is safe for them to get SNAP for an eligible family member (like a US citizen child). Currently, households are temporarily receiving increased SNAP benefit amounts and it is now easier than ever to apply.
