DeCA Now Accepts Online SNAP/EBT Payments
The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) is making some changes this month, aimed at improving food accessibility and sustainability. Earlier in March, the agency announced that it is now accepting SNAP/EBT payments online and in its app.
This is a change from its previous service, which required customers to enter stores to use their EBT/SNAP benefit to buy groceries. DeCA worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Treasury Department to add the capability in the United States.
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“The EBT/SNAP online payment program makes it even easier for our patrons to make their food dollar go farther with the convenience of online ordering, curbside pickup and payment using their SNAP EBT – all from the convenience of their mobile device,” explained John Hall, DeCA director and CEO.
Also this month, commissaries in Hawaii will no longer provide single-used shopping bags after April 30. The state banned such bags in a move to encourage and enhance sustainability. “DeCA is committed to complying with applicable local, territorial and state laws restricting the use of plastic and paper single-use bags,” Hall remarked. “We plan to implement a phased approach to eliminate single-use bags that takes into account our patrons’ needs and logistical limitations.”
In other news, the agency shared the winners of the 2023 Best Commissary Awards. Hall presented the awards during the DeCA’s store operations conference held Feb. 26 through March 1.
This year’s winners include the following commissaries:
U.S. Best Small Commissary – Richard Paget Award
- 1st place: Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona
- 2nd place: U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona
Overseas Best Small Commissary – L. Mendel Rivers Award
- 1st place: Lajes Field, Portugal
- 2nd place: Marine Corp Base Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan
U.S. Best Large Commissary – Bill Nichols Award
- 1st place: Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia
- 2nd place: Fort Wainwright, Alaska
Overseas Best Large Commissary – Dan Daniel Award
- 1st place: Camp Humphreys, South Korea
- 2nd place: Grafenwoehr, Germany
U.S. Best Super Commissary – Director's Award
- 1st place: Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado
- 2nd place: Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi.
Winners were evaluated in several criteria, as judges looked for friendly environments, cohesive teams, sales, customer feedback, cleanliness, safety, product portfolio and safety, among other factors.
"This year's winners put a lot of hard work into providing the best benefit for our patrons," said Robert Bunch, DeCA’s acting deputy/COO and executive director for store operations. "We have a lot of great employees at store level, and these awards are a testament to their commitment to their patrons."
DeCA operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families. Commissaries provide a military benefit, saving authorized patrons thousands of dollars annually on their purchases compared to similar products at commercial retailers. The discounted prices include a 5% surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones.
