Not every place accepts food stamps, but there’s good news! Many major retailers across the United States are now welcoming payments via the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) card, both in their physical stores and for online orders.
The list of retailers accepting Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card payments continues to grow each year. Even delivery services are jumping on board. Uber Eats, for instance, recently revealed that starting in 2024, SNAP recipients will have the option to pay for groceries using the Uber Eats app. Furthermore, Instacart made waves in August by becoming the very first online grocery marketplace to embrace SNAP payments in all 50 states and Washington D.C.
Major retailers in the list for used SNAP
- 7-Eleven is a convenience store chain known for its wide range of products, from snacks and beverages to household essentials. Many 7-Eleven locations participate in the SNAP program, making it a convenient choice for EBT recipients looking to purchase groceries and other necessities.
- Albertsons is a well-established grocery store chain with a strong presence across the United States. They offer a variety of fresh produce, meat, dairy products, and pantry staples. EBT cardholders can shop here to access a broad selection of affordable and high-quality groceries.
- Aldi is a popular discount supermarket chain that prides itself on offering affordable groceries. With its commitment to providing value, Aldi is an excellent choice for EBT recipients seeking to maximize their SNAP benefits while still enjoying a diverse range of food items.
- BJ’s Wholesale Club is a membership-based warehouse store offering bulk purchases at competitive prices. EBT cardholders can benefit from buying in bulk, which can be particularly advantageous for larger households or those looking to stock up on essentials.
- Costco is another membership-based warehouse store known for its extensive selection of products. EBT users can shop here for a wide range of groceries, electronics, and household items, taking advantage of the store’s savings and quality offerings.
- CVS is a nationwide pharmacy and convenience store chain that accepts EBT for eligible food items. In addition to prescription medications, CVS stocks groceries, personal care products, and over-the-counter medications, providing a convenient one-stop-shop for EBT beneficiaries.
- Your EBT card is also welcome in Dollar General and Family Dollar, two nationwide discount stores that provide affordable options to American families.
Which other supermarkets accept SNAP benefits in the US?
H-E-B, short for Howard E. Butt Grocery Company, is a beloved supermarket chain primarily located in the southwestern United States. Known for its commitment to quality and customer service, H-E-B has been a go-to destination for shoppers looking to make the most of their SNAP benefits.
Kroger is one of the largest supermarket chains in the United States, operating under various brand names across the country. Kroger stores are well-known for their extensive selection of products and competitive prices, making them an excellent choice for SNAP benefit users.
You’ll also find in the list another countrywide retailers such as:
- Meijer
- Publix
- Safeway
- Sam’s Club
- Target
- Walgreens
- Walmart
- Whole Foods
Don’t forget that SNAP benefits cannot be used for non-food items like cleaning products or pet food, and they definitely cannot be used for alcohol or tobacco products. The program aims to ensure that everyone has access to the basics of a healthy diet, promoting the well-being of recipients and their communities.
What types of foods can I buy with my SNAP benefits?
With SNAP benefits, individuals and families can purchase a variety of nutritious foods to put on their tables. These benefits cover a wide range of items, including fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meats, poultry, fish, and even non-alcoholic beverages. Additionally, SNAP can be used to buy bread, cereals, and snacks. Approximately 248,000 retailers across the United States are actively engaged in the SNAP program, and they accept payments with EBT cards.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, allows recipients to buy a wide variety of food items. These benefits are typically delivered through an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card and can be used to purchase almost any food item for human consumption.
Here’s a list of what you can buy with your SNAP benefits:
- Staple food items: This includes bread, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, and dairy productsdhs.ri.gov.
- Snacks and junk food: Despite concerns about nutrition, SNAP benefits can be used to purchase items like chips, candy, snack crackers, ice cream, and soft drinks.
- Seeds and plants: You can use your SNAP benefits to buy seeds and plants that produce food. This includes seeds and seedlings that produce vegetables, fruits, and herbs.
- Prepared meals at certain restaurants: Some states participate in the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), which allows some enrollees to use their benefits to purchase prepared meals at certain restaurants. This program is available to those who are aged 60 or older, have a disability, or are experiencing homelessness.
- Food online: SNAP benefits can be used to buy eligible items online from participating retailers. However, the benefits can only be used for the food and not for delivery, shipping, or other fees.
- Bakery cakes and edible food decorations: You can use your EBT card to pay for edible food decorations as well as a cake from a bakery, as long as nonedible decorations account for no more than half the cake’s cost.
- Gift baskets: SNAP benefits can be used to pay for gift baskets, as long as eligible food items make up at least 50% of the cost.
- Live seafood: You can buy live seafood with your SNAP benefits. This includes live shellfish such as lobster, shrimp, and clams, as well as live fish removed from water.