USDA announces volunteers for SNAP online pilot

The US Dept. of Agriculture has authorized online ordering in a few locations for participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The initiative is part of a two-year pilot program scheduled to begin this summer.  Retailer volunteers for the pilot program represent a cross-section of store types, including national online retailers as well as large grocery chains and smaller, regional networks. Firms selected include: • Amazon - Maryland, New Jersey, New York, • FreshDirect - New York, • Safeway - Maryland, Oregon, Washington, • ShopRite - Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, • Hy-Vee, Inc. - Iowa
• Hart’s Local Grocers - New York (based in Rochester), • Dash’s Market - New York (based in Buffalo).
Albertsons Companies, which operates Safeway, Vons, Tom Thumb and numerous other grocery retail stores, also provides online shopping and home delivery in 12 states and the District of Columbia.