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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
Photo by David Dermer /AP
Residents from the City of Chelsea have received early access to free COVID-19 rapid tests that the federal government is distributing nationwide.
To order these free tests, residents can utilize one of two options:
– Visit https://nachw.org/covidtests/ , input your zip code, and complete a short form to have four free tests mailed to your residence. This website is also available in Spanish here: https://nachw.org/covidtests-es/
– Call the CDC Call Center at 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489). Operators will be prepared to help you through the process of receiving four free rapid COVID-19 tests.
These rapid tests will remain available to Chelsea residents after today, but the opportunity to receive these tests will expand to United States residents nationwide beginning tomorrow.
Los residentes de la ciudad de Chelsea han recibido acceso anticipado a las pruebas rápidas gratuitas de COVID-19 que el gobierno federal está distribuyendo en todo el país.
Para solicitar estas pruebas gratuitas, los residentes pueden utilizar una de dos opciones:
– Visite https://nachw.org/covidtests-es/, ingrese su código postal y complete un breve formulario para que le envíen cuatro pruebas gratuitas a su residencia.
Este sitio web también está disponible en inglés aquí: https://nachw.org/covidtests/
– Llame a la línea de asistencia de los CDC al 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489). Los operadores estarán preparados para ayudarlo durante el proceso de recibir cuatro pruebas rápidas gratuitas de COVID-19.
Join Us As We Work With Our Partners At Chelsea Community Connections & Harbor COV
Everyday families struggle with basic needs, including the need for diapers for children. The demand can be overwhelming for families, and so we wanted to help. Our community partners need diapers in sizes 4, 5 & 6.
We have Two ways to help:
You can donate direct to us at the link below and 100% of your funds your donate in January will go to purchase diapers for our drive. You can DONATE HERE
You can also purchase diapers direct and have them shipped to our Diaper Drive Warehouse @ Kayem Foods.
The Delivery address is :
Kayem Foods
75 Arlington Street
Chelsea, MA 02150
Attn: Tricia Williams
You can order online through some of these great vendors
| The T’s Youth Pass offers half-priced fares for young people between the ages of 18 and 25. This includes $30 monthly LinkPasses! If you’re a Chelsea resident, please email us at youthpass@greenrootschelsea.org to see if you qualify. |
The Youth Pass Program offers reduced fares on bus, subway, Commuter Rail, Express Bus, and ferry to young adults with low income. The program is a partnership between the T and participating cities and towns.
Youth Pass CharlieCards can be loaded with cash value for roughly 50% reduced one-way fares, or $30 monthly LinkPasses for unlimited bus, subway, and Fairmount Line Zone 1A travel. You can also use your card for reduced one-way fares on Commuter Rail and ferry.
You may be eligible for a Youth Pass if you meet these requirements:
Youth Passes for the 2022 program year are valid from November 1, 2021 through October 31, 2022. You can now apply online.
Note: Youth Pass CharlieCards expire on November 1 each year, regardless of when they were received. You’ll need to re-apply each year to get a new card.
Use your Youth Pass CharlieCard for reduced one-way fares and monthly passes on bus and subway, or for reduced one-way fares on Commuter Rail and ferry.
Youth Pass riders should always keep their Youth Pass CharlieCard with them when they ride the T to present as proof of program membership.
First, check to make sure you live in a participating city or town, then, review the eligibility criteria to see if you qualify.
Please contact your city or town for more information about eligibility and how to apply to the Youth Pass program.
