MDHS launches ‘Online Food Purchase Program’ for SNAP recipients

Mississippians enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program can now make food purchases online. 

After the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the program back in June, the Mississippi Department of Human Services has announced that you can now redeem SNAP benefits online through the two approved retailers — Amazon & Walmart. 

“This is a major step forward in eliminating the dilemma caused by food insecurity and food deserts in Mississippi,” MDHS Executive Director Robert G. “Bob” Anderson said. “We appreciate FNS providing oversight of such a necessary program, which will give Mississippians healthy eating options who otherwise might not have them.”

The MDHS did explain that SNAP funds cannot be used for shipping or delivery of online purchases. An alternate means of payment must be used for shipping and delivery charges.

Additionally, any local retailers who wish to apply for approval for receiving online purchases should review the FNS website https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-requirements-provide-online-purchasing to determine what information is needed to apply.

Mississippi’s SNAP participation is more than 420,000 individuals, more than 195,000 households, and totals approximately $800 million annually in federal benefits.

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