Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. issued the following statement regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Online Purchasing Pilot Program, which was launched today in New York State by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“This pilot program has the potential to dramatically diminish food deserts while also increasing choice and lowering costs for some of our most vulnerable, food-insecure communities. Shoppers will now be able to use their SNAP benefits to shop for food at certain online vendors, just like they would use a credit or debit card. This pilot program could lead to lower prices and greater options for all New Yorkers.
“My office has been working with Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney other partners at all levels to facilitate this program for several years, and I am happy to see it implemented. I look forward to working with the USDA, vendors, hunger advocates and other stakeholders to examine this pilot program as it moves forward and to improve access to healthy foods to all communities,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
More information on the USDA’s launch of the pilot program can be found at https://bit.ly/2Xn1x5e.