WASHINGTON, D.C. –On Wednesday, U.S. Reps. Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11), Joyce Beatty (OH-3), Marcy Kaptur (OH-9), Tim Ryan (OH-13) and Steve Stivers (OH-15), and U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), members of Ohio's 18- member congressional delegation, applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for approving Ohio’s request to participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-and formerly known as food stamps) Online Purchasing Pilot.

The announcement comes as Congress debates a $3 trillion COVID-19 relief bill that narrowly passed the Democratically -controlled House and faces stiff opposition in the Republican-dominated U.S. Senate, CARES 2 legislation that is the fifth coronavirus relief package offered by Congress and that includes relief for SNAP recipients during a pandemic that has some families struggling to put food on the table.

Approval of Ohio’s request will enable SNAP recipients across the state to utilize SNAP EBT cards to purchase groceries online at authorized online retailers, including at Amazon and Walmart, the two companies Ohio will use to implement its program, which will begin sometime this summer.

While a majority of SNAP recipients in Ohio and nationwide are White, Blacks are disproportionately represented as recipients and the current coronavirus emergency has had its greatest impact on people of color as Blacks are dying of the deadly virus at a rate two to five times higher than their White counterparts in America.

“As this public health and economic crisis continues, many families across Ohio are struggling to put food on the table,” said Rep. Fudge in a press release.

A Warrensville Heights Democrat and former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Fudge's largely Black 11th congressional district includes Cleveland and several of its eastern suburbs of Cuyahoga County, and a majority of her constituents live below the poverty line.

“SNAP is our nation’s first line of defense against hunger," the congresswoman said.

The 2018 Farm Bill authorized the USDA to scale the Online Purchasing Pilot and expand its availability nationwide.

In addition to Ohio, the USDA on Wednesday approved 12 other states to provide online purchasing to SNAP households.

The pilot, which began in New York in April 2019, now includes 18 participating states, with several additional states in the planning phase of adding online SNAP as a shopping option at authorized grocers.

In addition to Ohio, the USDA on Wednesday approved 12 other states to provide online purchasing to SNAP households.

Once those states become operational, online purchasing will be available in 36 states and the District of Columbia, covering more than 90 percent of all SNAP participants.

On April 8, Rep. Fudge joined her congressional colleagues in sending a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue urging USDA to expand online SNAP purchasing, given the need for expanded grocery delivery options for people in need during the pandemic.

Fudge said that  for many who rely on the program, many of them elderly, it may be difficult or dangerous to go shopping during the current pandemic.

"Providing Ohio families the ability to purchase groceries online," said Fudge, "will help ensure SNAP is working for the people who need direct delivery of healthy foods the most during this challenging time.”

Rep Beatty, one of two Blacks in Congress from Ohio along with Fudge, agreed.

“Giving Ohio SNAP recipients the flexibility to purchase food online is sorely needed during these unprecedented times, giving many of my constituents an opportunity to focus more on their health and well-being,” said Rep. Beatty, a Columbus Democrat.  “USDA’s decision is long overdue but welcome news for the over 1.4 million Ohioans who rely on SNAP for nutritious meals to feed themselves and their families.”

A Cleveland Democrat and seasoned federal lawmaker, U.S. Sen Sherrod Brown said that expanding SNAP online during the coronavirus outbreak is prudent at best.

“In this time of economic uncertainty and high unemployment, Ohio families need flexibility to safely buy their groceries,” said Senator Brown.  “Expanding SNAP online purchasing options will help keep families safe and ensure they are getting the meals they need during this pandemic.”

Likewise, Congresswoman Kaptur, a Toledo Democrat whose ninth congressional district extends from Toledo to Cleveland and the longest serving woman in Congress, said she is pleased with the initiative, and Ohio's participation.

“I am pleased with USDA’s approval of Ohio to join the SNAP online pilot purchasing program and thank Chairwoman Fudge’s noble leadership on the issue,” said Rep. Kaptur.  “During this most difficult time, our constituents need opportunities to purchase food as safely as possible and this program will deliver that ability."

Former presidential candidate Tim Ryan, a Youngstown area Democrat, said it is crucial that poor Ohioans and those victimized economically by COVID-19 can put food on the table during the coronavirus pandemic.

“As our state continues to struggle to overcome this crisis, it is more important than ever for Ohioans to be able to safely put food on the table," said Congressman Ryan. " This program allows Ohioan families to use their SNAP benefits to buy groceries online."

Rep. Stivers,  a Republican whose 15th congressional district includes southern portions of Ohio and chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, joined Ohio's Democratic congressional delegation in stressing the importance of the SNAP program.

“The SNAP program is a lifeline for many Ohioans, but unfortunately throughout this pandemic, it’s forced vulnerable individuals to face unnecessary risk just to get the essentials,” said Rep. Stivers. “Today’s announcement of an online SNAP purchasing option is a huge win for seniors and other at-risk individuals who will be able to stay home and stay safe without having to worry about their grocery list.”

Ohio's congressional delegation consists of 16 U.S. representatives, four Democrats and 12 Republicans, and two senators, the Democrat Sherrod Brown, and Sen Rob Portman, a Cincinnati Republican.

Ohio has reported more than 28,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and 1,720 deaths.

The state's unemployment rate jumped to 5.5% in March from 4.1. % in February, and since the coronavirus outbreak hit the state some two months ago, Ohio has lost more than 40,000 jobs.

As of May 20 all 50 states will have begun reopening their economies.

The deadly virus for which there is no vaccine has spread to all 50 states and Washington, D.C. and the nation has nearly 1.5 million reported cases and some 93,000 people dead, worldwide figures regarding the pandemic showing that there are 5 million cases globally and more than 328,000 deaths.

The U.S. remains the hardest hit country.

Clevelandurbannews.com and Kathywraycolemanonlinenewsblog.com, Ohio's most read Black digital newspaper and Black blog, both also top in Black digital news in the Midwest.Tel: (216) 659-0473 and Email: editor@clevelandurbannews.com. We interviewed former president Barack Obama one-on-one when he was campaigning for president. As to the Obama interview, CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE AT CLEVELAND URBAN NEWS.COM, OHIO'S LEADER IN BLACK DIGITAL NEWS.