WASHINGTON –Representatives Marcia Fudge (OH-11), Chair of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight and Department Operations, Jahana Hayes (CT-5), and Joe Neguse (CO-2) on Friday introduced the Increasing Access to SNAP Delivery During COVID-19 Act.  The bill would ensure SNAP participants, especially seniors and immunocompromised individuals, have access to home food delivery and curbside pickup during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

“As millions have lost their jobs or wages as a result of the current pandemic, many Americans are turning to nutrition assistance programs, like SNAP, to feed their families.  However, social distancing guidelines and stay at home orders have made it difficult and dangerous for many seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those who rely on public transit to travel to grocery stores,” said Rep. Fudge.  “During this public health crisis, we must ensure people who rely on SNAP are not forced to jeopardize their health or the health of their loved ones to receive daily meals.  I am proud to join Congresswoman Hayes in introducing this legislation to expand delivery options to vulnerable SNAP recipients.”

“As this pandemic continues, more households across Connecticut are struggling with food insecurity.  These families are facing financial constraint and must endure the stress of risking exposure every time they are forced to shop in person because they cannot afford to pay delivery fees for groceries,” said Rep. Hayes.  “This is even more of a concern for seniors, immunocompromised individuals, or recipients who are living in food deserts and must travel to purchase groceries.  Our legislation will offer critical funding to serve SNAP recipients while promoting social distancing.  We will continue to push for the inclusion of delivery provisions in upcoming COVID-19 response packages.”

“As rising unemployment and economic uncertainty have caused many more to turn to nutrition assistance to get by, it is critical that families throughout Colorado and throughout the country who rely on food security programs like SNAP be able to easily access their benefits,” said Rep. Neguse.   “It is imperative that we adapt the rules of these benefits to meet the pressing realities of our time and ensure our most vulnerable communities can access SNAP delivery services in order to get the items they need without risking exposure.  I’m proud to introduce the Increasing Access to SNAP Delivery During COVID-19 Act to ensure that families across Colorado can keep food on the table and are properly equipped to weather this economic crisis.”

The Increasing Access to SNAP Delivery During COVID-19 Act improves SNAP recipients’ access to delivery services by requiring USDA to implement the following:

• Require USDA to promote alternative delivery options for SNAP participants;
• Provide $500 million in funding to support retailers in delivery expansion;
• Coordinate states’ plans to expand delivery options; and
• Require a report to Congress regarding funding utilization.

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