USDA proposes allowing SNAP delivery services
July 13, 2015 |11:35 AM
In an effort to to improve access to groceries for homebound seniors and people with disabilities who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the Agriculture Department today proposed for the first time permitting grocery purchasing and delivery services run by government and nonprofit organizations to accept SNAP benefits as payment.
The proposal, which was made in a Federal Register rule notice, would allow for home delivery to those unable to shop for food, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a speech at the White House Conference on Aging.
“Home delivery of groceries is an important step forward in serving the needs of these vulnerable populations,” Vilsack said.
“Allowing homebound seniors and people with disabilities to use their SNAP benefits through government and nonprofit home delivery services will help ensure they have access to healthy foods,” he said, noting that one in five SNAP participants is either elderly or disabled.
“This issue has a particular importance for seniors living in rural areas, as America’s rural population is older than the nation overall and rural seniors experience higher poverty than seniors nationwide.”
USDA noted in a news release that the proposed rule was authorized by the 2014 farm bill. The rule outlines eligibility and participation criteria for purchasing and delivery services serving the homebound elderly and disabled, and seeks comment from stakeholders.
In addition, USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service will soon begin seeking up to 20 food purchasing and delivery services to participate in a one-year pilot program, Vilsack said.
In conjunction with the White House Conference on Aging, USDA also released a fact sheet about USDA’s assistance to elderly people.
The proposal, which was made in a Federal Register rule notice, would allow for home delivery to those unable to shop for food, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a speech at the White House Conference on Aging.
“Home delivery of groceries is an important step forward in serving the needs of these vulnerable populations,” Vilsack said.
“Allowing homebound seniors and people with disabilities to use their SNAP benefits through government and nonprofit home delivery services will help ensure they have access to healthy foods,” he said, noting that one in five SNAP participants is either elderly or disabled.
“This issue has a particular importance for seniors living in rural areas, as America’s rural population is older than the nation overall and rural seniors experience higher poverty than seniors nationwide.”
USDA noted in a news release that the proposed rule was authorized by the 2014 farm bill. The rule outlines eligibility and participation criteria for purchasing and delivery services serving the homebound elderly and disabled, and seeks comment from stakeholders.
In addition, USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service will soon begin seeking up to 20 food purchasing and delivery services to participate in a one-year pilot program, Vilsack said.
In conjunction with the White House Conference on Aging, USDA also released a fact sheet about USDA’s assistance to elderly people.
