The New Mexico Human Services Department (DHS), in collaboration with the NM Aging & Long-Term Services, is offering additional food support this month to people over the age of 60 and adults with disabilities participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP benefits).
For the entire month of June, 11,834 new Mexicans will receive an additional $135 in their SNAP benefits. This unique benefit will be granted to seniors and adults with disabilities who received the State SNAP Supplement in February 2024. This extra food support is part of the state’s efforts to reduce food insecurity in New Mexico.
NM Senior, Disabled SNAP Beneficiaries to Get Extra Money This Month
“We are very grateful to partner with HSD again to provide additional relief to older New Mexicans and adults with disabilities,” said ALTSD Cabinet Secretary Jen Paul Schroer. “This initiative underscores our commitment to ensuring that New Mexicans have the necessary resources to continue buying nutritious food.”
The money earmarked for this increase comes from the state general fund, thanks to the efforts of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and state legislators. This support will help New Mexicans in need to purchase additional food.
SNAP Beneficiaries Can Use Their Benefits Online at Several Popular Retailers
“Through this collaboration, we are providing much-needed additional food support for New Mexicans facing significant barriers,” said Kyra Ochoa, assistant secretary of the cabinet of the New Mexico State Department of Human Services.
“The use of state general funds to create extra benefits for seniors and people with disabilities is a great example of how to work together to build strong interdepartmental partnerships that can better serve the New Mexicans who need it most.”
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP benefits), popularly known as food stamps, provides monthly benefits to low- or no-income households to help with food purchases. Administered by the federal government, the food benefit is paid by state and local authorities to U.S. citizens who would otherwise struggle to achieve adequate nutrition levels with their own income.
Benefits are credited to prepaid benefit transfer EBT cards, similar to a bank debit or credit card, which beneficiaries can use in stores nationwide or for online purchases. In 2017, an online shopping pilot plan was implemented and expanded to all 50 U.S. states by 2023, so online shopping is now available to all SNAP recipients in the country.
Where Are SNAP Benefits Available?
Currently, SNAP online is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia; only two U.S. territories (Guam and the Virgin Islands) have not yet implemented online shopping, a USDA spokesperson said.
According to the USDA website, the following major retailers accept SNAP payments for online grocery orders:
Aldi, Amazon, Costco, Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), Hy-Vee, Jewel-Osco, New Pioneer Food Co-op, Ramsey’s Market, Sam’s Club Scan and Go, Target, Walgreens, Walmart, Whole Foods.