Online Purchasing Now Available for New Mexico SNAP Households

(Following a news release from the Human Services Department)

The Human Services Department is pleased to announce that New Mexico families who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are now able to use an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to purchase eligible foods online starting today, May 20.

In early May, The USDA approved New Mexico’s application for the online program, Amazon and Walmart are the authorized online SNAP retailers for all states.

Getting Started

To get started with online purchasing, SNAP participants just need to connect directly with the online retailer. It is important to note SNAP benefits can be used to purchase eligible food items, however, benefits cannot be used to pay for other associated charges such as delivery fees.

“Allowing SNAP households to purchase eligible foods online will relieve some of the stress New Mexicans face related to COVID-19,” said Human Services Department Deputy Secretary Angela Medrano. “It also means that more New Mexicans can stay home and help slow the spread of COVID-19.”

The Human Services Department applied for the new online purchasing program from USDA Food and Nutrition Service to strengthen food security for New Mexico families during the “stay at home” directives while the state fights the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Many of our SNAP recipients are at risk and face tremendous difficulty finding and purchasing food and New Mexico is continuing to find better ways to serve them,” said Karmela Martinez, Income Support Division director.

Need Assistance?

New Mexicans in need of food assistance, cash assistance or health insurance can apply for benefits online. To check the status of your case on YESNM website, click “Check My Benefits” or call 1-855-309-3766. To speak to a customer service representative, you can call the Customer Service Center at 1-800-283-4465.

The Human Services Department provides services and benefits to more than 1 million New Mexicans through several programs including: the Medicaid Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Child Support Program, and several Behavioral Health Services.