Nick Reisman is reporting for State of Politics Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Tue., Dec. 15, signed into law a measure that expands an existing pilot program allowing people who receive benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP to buy groceries online. Lawmakers approved the bill as another tool in limiting the spread of COVID-19, especially for vulnerable people. State Sen. Todd Kaminsky said, “Thanks to this new law, we will be able to expand access to online groceries for SNAP recipients while fighting the troubling trend of food insecurity head-on." Under the new law, the state will be required to develop a plan meant to increase the participation of retailers in the order program and work toward federal approvals to ensure the benefits are used at as many stores as possible. Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi, who sponsored the bill in that chamber, "The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated food insecurity; it is crucial that we use every available resource to ensure that safe, easily accessible, nutritious food is available to every New Yorker." Read the full story at nystateofpolitics [dot] com.