SPRINGFIELD – To help families shop more safely during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, SNAP recipients in Illinois will be able to use their benefits to purchase groceries online beginning June 2, State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview) announced Thursday.

“Being able to order groceries online is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic, but this new function will allow SNAP recipients to shop safely and conveniently for years to come,” said Fine. “I’m glad to see our benefits programs responding not only to current events, but to the changing times.”

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly called food stamps, currently serves 1.8 million Illinoisans. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved the SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Online implementation plan, an initiative from the Illinois Department of Human Services which gives SNAP customers the ability to enter their Personal Identification Number to order groceries online.

All SNAP recipients in Illinois will be able to participate in the program, and Link cardholders will be alerted when they can use the card to order groceries online. Customers will not need to call or visit an office, and traditional SNAP purchasing will continue.

“Families shouldn’t have to risk their health to access affordable food,” said Fine. “I’m glad to see that households receiving SNAP benefits will have the same options as any other household to maintain social distancing and keep themselves safe.”

Walmart and Amazon have agreed to accept online orders in Illinois when the program site launches. Any additional grocery retailers interested in joining the EBT Online program can find more information and apply at http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/online-purchasing-pilot.