Big Y now accepting SNAP benefits online

Springfield, Massachusetts-based Big Y announced on Monday that customers who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will now be able to use their Electronic Benefits Transfer SNAP benefits to purchase groceries online via Instacart.

“At Big Y, we are always striving to enhance the shopping experience for all of our customers,” said Christian D'Amour, director of e-commerce at Big Y Foods, in a statement. “We are so excited to now offer this valuable benefit and flexible shopping option to our customers and their families.”

Big Y is working to also accept SNAP payments through their online shopping app myPicks by early 2023. The Electronic Benefits Transfer SNAP system can only add one service at a time, explained D’Amour, according to local news source MassLive, so Big Y added Instacart first.

The benefits can be used by Big Y customers to buy SNAP-eligible foods online, including fresh produce, frozen foods, dairy and eggs by entering their EBT card as the form of payment on their Instacart account, and selecting items from the list of EBT SNAP-eligible products as part of their Big Y order.

“The online ordering is a convenience to those receiving the benefits,” D’Amour told MassLive. “Which before they were only allowed to use in the brick and mortar stores.”

According to Mass.gov—official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts—across all eligible retailers, Massachusetts residents have spent more than $240 million in SNAP benefits to-date, buying groceries online from eligible retailers. 

“SNAP online purchasing program is a critical part of the Administration’s work to address equitable access to groceries across the state, providing more than 600,000 low-income households the same purchasing choices as other shoppers,” said Department of Transitional Assistance Acting Commissioner Mary Sheehan in a statement. SNAP online purchasing is another important tool in our efforts to help people shop safely for food, at a reduced risk of skimming scams. We are grateful for the expansion of this program to more retailers, as well as retailers’ partnership in protecting SNAP clients and their benefits.”

Big Y joins other retailers such as Amazon, BJs, Stop & Shop, Walmart, Aldi and Wegmans in offering this service via Instacart. 

“Along with continuation of SNAP Emergency Allotments, SNAP online purchasing is one of several tools the Administration has utilized to combat food insecurity for Massachusetts individuals and families,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders in a statement. “More local retailers in the program both supports households that receive SNAP benefits and also brings economic support to our local businesses and communities.”

Big Y was established in 1936. The company operates 62 stores throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts.