You can now use your Electronic Benefit Transfer card, or EBT card, to buy groceries online from specific retailers. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has partnered with a handful of online grocery retailers to make this possible. You will need to create an account with the online grocery retailer and link your EBT card to your account. Once your EBT card is linked, you can start shopping for groceries online. The online grocery retailer will deliver your groceries to your home or you can pick them up at a designated location.
Types of Online Food Retailers
SNAP recipients now have the convenience of using their benefits online to purchase food at selected retailers. These retailers usually offer a wide selection of food items, including fresh produce, meat, dairy, and other grocery items. Some of the most popular online food retailers that accept SNAP benefits include:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Instacart
- ShopRite
- Target
To use SNAP benefits online, you will need to create an account with the retailer and link your EBT card. Once your account is set up, you can add items to your cart and checkout using your SNAP benefits. The retailer will then deliver your groceries to your door.
Online shopping can be a great way for SNAP recipients to save time and money. By using SNAP benefits online, you can compare prices from multiple retailers and find the best deals on the food you need. You can also avoid the hassle of going to the store and waiting in line.
However, it is important to note that not all online food retailers accept SNAP benefits. Additionally, there are some restrictions on what types of food can be purchased with SNAP benefits. For more information, visit the USDA’s website.
| Retailer | SNAP Delivery Fee | Minimum Order Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $9.95 | $35 |
| Walmart | $7.95 | $35 |
| Instacart | $3.99 | $10 |
| ShopRite | $4.99 | $30 |
| Target | $7.99 | $35 |
Restrictions on Eligible Purchases
When using SNAP benefits online, there are certain restrictions on what you can purchase. These restrictions are in place to ensure that the benefits are used for food and non-food items that are essential for a healthy diet.
- Eligible Food Items: SNAP benefits can be used to purchase a wide variety of food items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and bread. You can also use your benefits to purchase seeds and plants that produce food.
- Non-Eligible Food Items: SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase items such as alcohol, tobacco, pet food, vitamins, and supplements. You also cannot use your benefits to purchase hot or prepared foods, unless you are purchasing them from a restaurant or food service establishment that is authorized to accept SNAP benefits.
- Non-Food Items: SNAP benefits can be used to purchase certain non-food items that are essential for a healthy diet. These items include cooking oil, salt, and spices. You can also use your benefits to purchase paper products, such as toilet paper and paper towels. However, you cannot use your benefits to purchase items such as clothing, furniture, or electronics.
| Eligible Purchases | Non-Eligible Purchases |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Alcohol |
| Vegetables | Tobacco |
| Meat | Pet food |
| Poultry | Vitamins and supplements |
| Fish | Hot or prepared foods (unless purchased from an authorized restaurant or food service establishment) |
| Dairy products | Clothing |
| Bread | Furniture |
| Seeds and plants that produce food | Electronics |
| Cooking oil | |
| Salt | |
| Spices | |
| Paper products (e.g., toilet paper, paper towels) |
SNAP benefits are an important resource for millions of Americans. By understanding the restrictions on eligible purchases, you can use your benefits wisely and ensure that you are getting the most out of them.
SNAP EBT Card Eligibility
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a government-funded program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. SNAP benefits are distributed electronically through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers.
To be eligible for SNAP benefits, you must meet certain criteria, including:
- Income limits: Your household income must be below a certain level, which varies depending on your state and household size.
- Asset limits: Your household assets, such as bank accounts and vehicles, must also be below a certain level.
- Work requirements: Able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 49 without dependents must meet certain work requirements to be eligible for SNAP benefits.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for SNAP benefits at your local social services office. Once you are approved, you will receive an EBT card that you can use to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers.
Using Your SNAP EBT Card Online
In addition to using your SNAP EBT card at authorized retailers, you can also use it to purchase eligible food items online from certain retailers. To use your SNAP EBT card online, you will need to find a retailer that accepts SNAP EBT cards online and create an account with that retailer.
Once you have created an account, you can add eligible food items to your shopping cart and checkout using your SNAP EBT card. The retailer will deduct the amount of your purchase from your SNAP EBT card balance.
SNAP EBT Card Online Retailers
The following is a list of some of the retailers that accept SNAP EBT cards online:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
- Kroger
- Safeway
Note that the availability of SNAP EBT card online shopping may vary by state. To find out if SNAP EBT card online shopping is available in your state, you can contact your local social services office.
| State | SNAP EBT Card Online Shopping Available |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes |
| Alaska | No |
| Arizona | Yes |
Can I Use Food Stamps Online?
Yes, in certain states, you can use your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to purchase groceries online. However, the availability of online shopping with EBT varies by state and retailer. To find out if your state participates in online EBT shopping and which retailers accept EBT cards, visit the USDA’s SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot Program website.
Alternative Methods to Purchase Food Online
- SNAP-authorized retailers: Many major grocery stores and online retailers accept EBT cards for online purchases. To find a retailer that accepts EBT cards, visit the USDA’s SNAP Retailer Locator website.
- Third-party delivery services: Some third-party delivery services, such as Instacart and DoorDash, allow you to use your EBT card to purchase groceries online. However, these services may charge additional fees.
- Farmers markets: Many farmers markets accept EBT cards. To find a farmers market that accepts EBT cards, visit the USDA’s National Farmers Market Directory website.
| State | Start Date |
|---|---|
| California | April 2020 |
| Alabama | June 2020 |
| Arizona | July 2020 |
| Colorado | August 2020 |
| Connecticut | September 2020 |
Alright, that’s all there is to it! Now you know everything you need to about using food stamps online. Thanks so much for taking the time to read, I hope this article was helpful. Now get out there and stay fed! If you have any other questions or want to learn more, be sure to check back later for new articles and updates. Happy shopping!