One lawmaker wants more online access for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants to purchase groceries online. 

U.S. Representative Sanford Bishop, a Democrat from Georgia, says he is “concerned with the lack of approved retailers nationwide.” 

The Department of Agriculture recently announced that 37 states will be able to use SNAP benefits to buy groceries online. 

However, the number of approved retailers is limited. While the number of states participating is increasing, Bishop says the vendors remain primarily in the northeastern area of the United States. 

Currently, only seven retailers have been approved to provide online purchasing service, limiting access for SNAP participants to purchase groceries online. 

Bishop says, “It is imperative USDA expands the list of approved grocers, particularly in rural communities.” 

His comments were included in a letter sent to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue last week. 

Bishop also urged Secretary Perdue to consider ways to help SNAP participants avoid any fees associated with online grocery shopping.

Story Courtesy of the NAFB News Service