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SNAP recipients will soon be able to buy food online

Access to be provided automatically to all existing Link card holders beginning June 2

information provided by the Illinois Department of Human Services

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (May 22, 2020) – The state’s plan to enable 1.8 million SNAP recipients to purchase food from participating grocery retailers online has been approved by the federal government. Customers will not need to call or visit an office to be approved for the change. Traditional SNAP purchasing will continue.

This new purchasing option will begin on June 2. All Link customers will be alerted when they can use their card to make food orders online.

“To keep more families safe and healthy, my administration is expanding the ways in which SNAP recipients can acquire groceries to include online purchasing,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The best part is that in addition to helping families shop a little easier and safer during this pandemic, this is a permanent new feature of the SNAP landscape in Illinois that will support our residents for many years to come.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved IDHS’ SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Online implementation plan, which gives SNAP customers the ability to enter their Personal Identification Number (PIN) to order groceries online. All SNAP recipients with Link cards in Illinois will be able to participate.

Walmart and Amazon have agreed to accept online orders in Illinois once the program site launches. Additional grocery retailers are welcome to join EBT Online. Any retailers interested in the program can find more information and apply at http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/online-purchasing-pilot.

“We are so pleased the USDA approved our request so that we can soon begin offering online purchasing to all SNAP recipients in Illinois,” said IDHS Secretary Grace B. Hou. “This is one more way we can make the lives of our customers a little easier during this difficult time.”

Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx
The Department of Human Services is one of Illinois' largest agencies, with more than 13,000 employees. IDHS provides residents with streamlined access to integrated services, especially those who face challenges to self-sufficiency. IDHS sends news releases to The Lansing Journal, and we publish those that are informative for our readers.