Massachusetts residents can now use SNAP benefits to buy food online from BJs
BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that Massachusetts residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can now use their SNAP EBT benefits to buy groceries online from participating BJs stores for pickup and delivery. BJs is the seventh SNAP online retailer in the Commonwealth, joining Stop & Shop, Walmart and Amazon, as well as ALDI, Hannaford, Price Chopper and Stop & Shop via Instacart. Across retailers,’ residents have spent over $122 million in SNAP benefits to-date buying groceries online.
“SNAP online purchasing is one of several tools the Administration has utilized, alongside the continuation of SNAP Emergency Allotments, to combat food insecurity for Massachusetts individuals and families,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders. “BJs participation in this program will help expand safe shopping options for households who utilize SNAP to help buy nutritious and culturally accessible food.”
“SNAP remains an important tool to help fight food insecurity by putting money directly into the hands of over 590,000 households and supporting our local communities, retailers and their employees,” said Department of Transitional Assistance Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “Expanding approved online retailers promotes equity and safety for our residents receiving SNAP, allowing low-income households access to the same purchasing choices as other shoppers.”
All BJs clubs accept SNAP and now also accept SNAP EBT payments on BJs.com for in-Club curbside pickup, shipment to home and same day delivery. Similar to using SNAP benefits to purchase food in a store, benefits can be used to buy SNAP-eligible foods online, including fresh produce, frozen foods, dairy and eggs. For more information on the Massachusetts program, visit www.Mass.gov/SNAPOnline.
“We’re committed to providing our members with essential products and fresh food for their families at an unbeatable value,” said Monica Schwartz, executive vice president, chief digital officer, BJ’s Wholesale Club. “BJ’s is pleased to help increase access to SNAP-eligible foods through BJs.com, offering members across Massachusetts more flexibility to shop their way.”
SNAP benefits cannot be used to pay for fees, like delivery fees. Economic assistance programs benefits received through DTA, which include Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC), Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC), and State Supplement Payments (SSP) cannot be used to purchase items online at this time. The USDA approves all retailers for participation in this program. Interested retailers can visit: www.FNS.USDA.gov/SNAP.
Residents can check their SNAP eligibility and apply online at www.DTAConnect.com or on the DTA Assistance Line at (877) 382-2363. SNAP is not considered in a public charge test. If one is not a US citizen or eligible immigrant, it is safe for them to get SNAP for an eligible family member (like a US citizen child). Currently, households are temporarily receiving increased SNAP benefit amounts and it is now easier than ever to apply.
About DTA
DTA assists and empowers low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long term economic self-sufficiency. DTA serves one in seven residents of the Commonwealth with direct economic assistance and food assistance, as well as workforce training opportunities.
About BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.
Headquartered in Westborough, Massachusetts, BJ’s Wholesale Club is a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs in the Eastern United States. The company currently operates 225 clubs and 155 BJ’s Gas® locations in 17 states. The Company’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BJ).
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BJs Media Contact:
Kyle Byrnes
Corporate Communications & Community Affairs
860-874-4396