On Tuesday, Oregon senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley called on the USDA to immediately work to ensure those that receive SNAP benefits, can receive home food delivery as well as curbside pickup during the coronavirus pandemic. The letter was signed by 26 senators, primarily democrats.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented rise in unemployment and a subsequent increase in demand for food assistance," the letter stated. "At the same time, social distancing guidelines and stay at home orders have made it challenging—and unsafe—for many individuals to travel to purchase food. This is especially true for seniors and immunocompromised individuals who are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, as well as individuals with disabilities and families who lack reliable transportation. We believe that no individual or family should be disadvantaged simply because they rely on SNAP benefits to access the food they need.”

USDA’s SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot makes it possible for SNAP participants to purchase grocery deliveries, but its availability remains limited to the states and retailers who have opted in to the program. In addition to expanding the Online Purchasing Pilot, the senators urged USDA to answer key questions and to maximize the alternative mechanisms that exist to facilitate delivery for SNAP participants.

Click Here to read this week's letter.

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