Sponsors (2)
The bill expands and standardizes nationwide SNAP online purchasing to improve convenience and food access for low-income households, but risks widening disparities for those without internet or digital literacy and increases costs and compliance burdens for governments and small retailers unless regulations and supports address equity and implementation costs.
Low-income individuals nationwide will get permanent access to SNAP online purchasing, making it easier to buy groceries remotely and improving food access.
Parents and caregivers will save time and gain convenience through online ordering, delivery, or pickup options for SNAP-eligible groceries.
State agencies and retailers will gain clearer rules and a predictable transition timeline (start within 120 days, final regulations in two years), reducing regulatory uncertainty.
Households without reliable internet access or digital skills (especially low-income and rural families) may be left behind if equitable access measures are insufficient.
Taxpayers and state budgets could face higher administrative and implementation costs to create and enforce nationwide online SNAP systems, potentially diverting funds from other programs.
Small retailers may incur compliance and technology costs to participate in online SNAP purchasing, which could reduce retailer participation and limit options for SNAP users in some communities.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Makes SNAP online purchasing permanent nationwide and requires USDA to issue implementing regulations within two years and report stakeholder recommendations to Congress.
Creates a permanent, nationwide authority for SNAP online purchasing and directs USDA to stop treating online SNAP as a pilot and transition it into regular program operations. The USDA must start the transition within 120 days, issue implementing regulations within two years that address integrity, consumer protections, and equitable access, hold stakeholder consultations using lessons learned from 2014–2025, and report recommendations to the House and Senate Agriculture Committees within 120 days of the new rule's effective date.
Official title: To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 authorize the use of benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program for online grocery purchases, and for other purposes.
Introduced February 10, 2026 by Mark B. Messmer · Last progress February 10, 2026