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Floridians will be able to use SNAP benefits to buy groceries online based on a pilot program that rolls out tomorrow. The program will begin at five Walmart stores in Tallahassee before expanding statewide Monday.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s Kelly Quintero says people will be able to use their EBT cards to buy food online and pick it up curbside.

Quintero says it will take some of the demand off local food banks while maintaining social distancing.

“Again, it’s going to really encourage that social distancing a little bit more because ultimately we don’t want anybody to put themselves in danger if they don’t need to especially if they’re food insecure.”

Florida Retail Federation spokeswoman Amanda Bevis says the program is also good for local businesses.

“And we want Florida families to support the Florida retail stores. And so, providing additional ways for them to use their benefits to purchase what they need from Florida retailers seemed like a really good solution.”

SNAP benefits can only be used to buy eligible food items. They cannot be used to pay for home delivery.

Governor Ron DeSantis waived work requirements for SNAP and WIC recipients during the coronavirus pandemic.

Today, DCF announced that Florida will pilot a program for SNAP customers to purchase groceries online using their EBT cards. The pilot program will begin with an initial launch in Tallahassee on April 16, expanding statewide on April 21. https://t.co/vFTr77fUJi

— Florida Department of Children and Families (@MyFLFamilies) April 14, 2020

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