Snap Delivery Modernization Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 6135

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Agriculture and Food

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-01-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture.

Last Updated

2026-05-16T08:07:17Z

AI-Generated Summary

H.R. 6135: Snap Delivery Modernization Act of 2025

Purpose

This bill aims to improve access to food for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps) by allowing them to use their benefits to cover fees associated with food delivery services. It updates federal rules to reflect modern shopping options like online ordering and delivery, making it easier for eligible individuals to obtain groceries without needing to visit stores in person.

Key Provisions

• New Definition: Adds a definition for "delivery platform or delivery services provider" in the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. This includes any entity that helps sell or deliver food online from retail stores or handles the physical delivery of food bought from those stores, whether through their own service or by partnering with others.
• Amendments to SNAP Eligibility and Restrictions:
• Modifies section 3(o)(5) to remove certain limits on how SNAP benefits can be used for orders, specifically excluding delivery fees from prohibitions (while still barring other non-food costs).
• Updates section 7(k) to allow SNAP benefits to cover delivery fees charged by retail stores or delivery providers, excluding these fees from rules that restrict benefit use for non-food items or services.
• These changes ensure that SNAP funds can pay for the food itself and the related delivery costs, but not unrelated fees.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Under current law, SNAP benefits are limited to purchasing eligible food items directly and cannot cover service fees like delivery charges, which has restricted options for online or delivered groceries.
• The bill removes these barriers by explicitly excluding delivery fees from existing restrictions on benefit use, effectively permitting SNAP recipients to use benefits for delivery costs tied to approved food purchases. This modernizes the program to align with e-commerce trends without expanding what counts as "food."

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: SNAP recipients, especially those with disabilities, in rural areas, or facing transportation challenges, will have better access to nutritious food without added out-of-pocket costs for delivery. This could reduce food insecurity and promote healthier eating.
• On Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees SNAP, may need to update guidance, systems, and partnerships with retailers to implement delivery options, potentially increasing administrative workload but also program efficiency.
• On Businesses: Retail food stores and delivery services will see expanded SNAP usage, boosting their revenue from low-income customers and encouraging more participation in the program.
• No direct impacts on international relations are anticipated, as this is a domestic nutrition policy.

Main Stakeholders

• SNAP Recipients: Primary beneficiaries, gaining easier access to food.
• Retail Food Stores: Supermarkets and grocers that accept SNAP and partner with delivery services.
• Delivery Platforms and Services: Companies like Instacart, DoorDash, or Uber Eats that facilitate food delivery.
• Government Entities: USDA and state agencies administering SNAP, responsible for enforcement and oversight.
• Advocacy Groups: Organizations focused on hunger relief, disability rights, and rural development, which may support or monitor implementation.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: The changes are straightforward amendments to an existing statute (Food and Nutrition Act of 2008), with no apparent conflicts with broader federal laws. It clarifies benefit usage without altering core eligibility rules, reducing potential for legal challenges over program misuse.
• Constitutional: No significant issues; the bill supports Congress's authority under the Spending Clause to regulate welfare programs and promote general welfare.
• Political: This could appeal across party lines by addressing food access in a practical, tech-forward way, but it might spark debates on program costs (estimated increases in SNAP spending) or equity in digital access. As an introduced bill in the 119th Congress, its passage would depend on committee approval and broader farm bill negotiations.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Fields, Cleo [D-LA-6]

Recent Actions

• 2026-01-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture.
• 2025-11-19: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
• 2025-11-19: Introduced in House
• 2025-11-19: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Snap Delivery Modernization Act of 2025 — issued 2025-11-19 — PDF (3 pages)