Food and Nutrition Delivery Safety Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2]
- Committees
- Agriculture Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 24, 2026
Bottom line
This bill mandates new federal standards for online and delivery services used by SNAP participants, focusing on user safety, data security, worker conditions, and food integrity, with non-compliance leading to loss of SNAP authorization.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to require the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to establish new federal standards for online and delivery services utilized by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants. These standards must address digital privacy and cybersecurity for online platforms, as well as fair and safe working conditions (including prevailing wages) and food safety for delivery services. Retailers failing to comply with these standards would lose their authorization to participate in SNAP.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that the bill protects vulnerable SNAP participants from digital privacy and cybersecurity risks when using online platforms, ensures food safety during delivery, and promotes fair labor practices for delivery workers, aligning SNAP with modern retail trends while safeguarding beneficiaries and workers.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that these new standards, particularly those related to prevailing wages and reporting requirements, could impose significant compliance burdens and costs on retail food stores and wholesale food concerns, potentially limiting their participation in SNAP online/delivery services or increasing costs for consumers. Some might also argue that setting prevailing wages for delivery services is outside the scope of food and nutrition assistance.
The bill is very short and can be read quickly, allowing ample time for evaluation.
Section 2, amending Section 9 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2018) by adding subsection (k).
Mandate for Online and Delivery Standards for SNAP Retailers
This provision requires the Administrator of the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), in consultation with other federal agencies and relevant stakeholders, to establish two sets of standards within 18 months of the bill's enactment. First, standards for the safe and secure online use of platforms by SNAP participants, covering digital privacy and cybersecurity. Second, delivery standards for foods purchased with SNAP benefits, aimed at promoting fair and safe working conditions for delivery employees (including prevailing wages) and ensuring food safety and security during transit.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision modernizes SNAP regulations to address the growing trend of online grocery shopping and delivery, ensuring that vulnerable populations are protected from digital risks and receive safe food, while also promoting equitable labor practices for delivery workers.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that mandating specific labor standards like "prevailing wages" for delivery services through a food assistance program is an overreach of federal authority and could increase operational costs for retailers, potentially leading to fewer online/delivery options for SNAP users or higher prices.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the desire to protect SNAP participants and delivery workers with potential increased compliance burdens and costs for retailers, which could impact the availability or cost of online/delivery services.
Section 2, adding paragraphs (2) and (3) to Section 9(k) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008.
Compliance Reporting and Loss of SNAP Authorization for Noncompliance
Within 18 months after the FNS establishes the new online and delivery standards, the Secretary of Agriculture is required to promulgate regulations. These regulations will mandate that retail food stores and wholesale food concerns seeking or maintaining SNAP authorization for online/delivery services must submit reports detailing their compliance with the established standards. Furthermore, if a retailer fails to comply with these standards, they will lose their authorization to participate in the SNAP program, though they may reapply once they demonstrate compliance.
The delivery standards established by the Food and Nutrition Service must aim "to promote fair and safe working conditions for the employees of that delivery service, including paying prevailing wages."
Section 2, amending Section 9(k)(1)(B)(i) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008.
Why it matters:While not overtly hidden, the inclusion of a specific labor policy like prevailing wages within a food assistance bill's delivery standards could be seen as a significant policy expansion. Placing it within a broader, more generally accepted goal of "fair and safe working conditions" might make it less conspicuous than if it were a standalone provision.
Case for: Proponents argue that ensuring prevailing wages for delivery workers is crucial for promoting economic fairness and preventing exploitation in a rapidly growing sector, especially when these services are supported by federal programs like SNAP. It aligns with the broader goal of fair working conditions and ensures that federal funds do not inadvertently support substandard labor practices.
Case against: Opponents might argue that mandating prevailing wages for delivery services through a food assistance bill is an inappropriate mechanism for federal labor policy, could significantly increase costs for retailers and consumers, and might be difficult to implement consistently across diverse local markets, potentially leading to reduced service availability.
Estimated impact: Potentially significant impact on the compensation structure for delivery workers employed by SNAP-authorized retailers, and on the operational costs for those retailers. The scale depends on how "prevailing wages" are defined and enforced by FNS.