H.R. 7469: SNAP Online Access Act of 2026

This bill, named the SNAP Online Access Act of 2026, proposes to enhance the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by making online grocery purchasing a permanent feature of the program. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements of the bill:

Permanent Online Purchasing Authority

The bill would authorize a nationwide program allowing SNAP beneficiaries to purchase groceries online. This would transition the current pilot project, which has been in effect since 2014, into a permanent program. The Secretary of Agriculture is directed to initiate this transition within 120 days after the bill's effective date.

Implementation and Regulations

The implementation process will involve:

• Regulations: The Secretary must establish rules to ensure the online purchasing operates smoothly, covering areas like program integrity and consumer protections. The goal is to have these regulations completed within two years.
• Stakeholder Consultation: A formal consultation process will be established involving various stakeholders such as state agencies, retailers, electronic benefit transfer processors, and consumer advocates. This will help incorporate experiences and lessons learned from the online purchasing initiative from 2014 to 2025.
• Reporting to Congress: The Secretary is required to report to congressional agriculture committees details about the consultation process and recommendations from stakeholders within 120 days of the bill's effective date.

Conclusion

The intent of this bill is to expand access to SNAP benefits by allowing more flexibility in how beneficiaries can purchase food, effectively adapting to changing shopping habits and increasing convenience for those relying on these benefits.

Relevant Companies

• AMZN (Amazon.com, Inc.): As a major online retailer, Amazon stands to benefit significantly from the expanded use of SNAP for online grocery purchases.
• WMT (Walmart Inc.): Walmart, with its substantial grocery offerings, would likely see increased sales from SNAP beneficiaries shopping online.
• TMUS (Delish Brands, Inc.): If applicable and involved in retail or grocery delivery, this company could see an uptick in business due to increased SNAP online purchases.