Can You Use Food Stamps at Starbucks in Target

Starbucks is a popular coffee shop chain that has locations inside many Target stores. Target accepts Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, also known as food stamps, for purchases made in-store and online. This means that customers can use their EBT cards to buy eligible food and beverage items at Starbucks inside Target. However, it’s important to note that Starbucks menu items are not considered staple foods, and therefore not all items can be purchased using EBT. Only food items that can be consumed without preparation, such as ready-to-eat salads, sandwiches, and fruit, are eligible for purchase with EBT. Additionally, EBT cannot be used to purchase Starbucks gift cards or other non-food items.

Accepted Payment Options at Target

Target accepts a wide range of payment options, both in-store and online. These include:

  • Cash
  • Debit cards
  • Credit cards
  • Target gift cards
  • Target RedCard
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • PayPal
  • Venmo
  • EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) cards, including SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits

Some payment options may not be accepted at all Target stores or for all types of purchases. For example, EBT cards are not accepted at Target optical centers or for the purchase of alcohol or tobacco products.

You can find more information about Target’s accepted payment options on the Target website or by asking a customer service representative at your local Target store.

Using EBT Cards at Target

EBT cards can be used to purchase eligible food items at Target. To use your EBT card at Target, follow these steps:

  1. Select the items you wish to purchase and bring them to the checkout counter.
  2. Separate the eligible food items from any non-eligible items.
  3. Insert your EBT card into the card reader at the checkout counter.
  4. Enter your PIN number.
  5. Select the EBT option on the payment screen.
  6. The cashier will scan the items and calculate the total cost of your purchase.
  7. Swipe your EBT card again to complete the transaction.

You will receive a receipt for your purchase. The receipt will show the amount of SNAP benefits you used and the remaining balance on your EBT card.

EBT-eligible food items at Target
Food GroupExamples
FruitsFresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruits
VegetablesFresh, frozen, canned, or dried vegetables
Meat and poultryFresh, frozen, or canned meat and poultry
Fish and seafoodFresh, frozen, or canned fish and seafood
Dairy productsMilk, yogurt, cheese, and eggs
Breads and grainsBread, pasta, rice, and cereal
SnacksFruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds
OtherInfant formula, baby food, and pet food

Using Food Stamps at Target

Target is a popular retail store that sells various items, including food and beverages. Some people wonder if they can use their food stamps at Target to purchase these items. The answer is yes, but with some restrictions.

What Food Stamps Can Be Used to Purchase

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Meat, fish, and poultry
  • Dairy products
  • Bread and cereals
  • Other food items, such as snacks and condiments
  • Non-food items, such as diapers and hygiene products

What Food Stamps Cannot Be Used to Purchase

  • Alcohol
  • Tobacco products
  • Pet food
  • Prepared foods, such as meals from the deli or bakery
  • Hot foods, such as coffee and pizza

How to Use Food Stamps at Target

  1. Find a participating Target store. Not all Target stores accept food stamps. You can find a list of participating stores on the USDA website.
  2. Shop for eligible food items.
  3. When you are ready to checkout, let the cashier know that you would like to use your food stamps.
  4. Swipe your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card at the checkout terminal.
  5. Enter your PIN number.
  6. The cashier will process your transaction.

Additional Information

  • You can use your food stamps to purchase food items at Target’s Starbucks. However, you cannot use your food stamps to purchase non-food items, such as coffee mugs or t-shirts.
  • Target offers a variety of programs and discounts for food stamp recipients. For example, Target offers a 5% discount on all food purchases made with an EBT card.
  • If you have any questions about using food stamps at Target, you can contact the USDA’s National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY or visit the USDA’s website.
Target Food Stamp Discounts
DiscountEligibility
5% off all food purchasesSNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients
10% off fruits and vegetablesWIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) recipients
15% off baby foodWIC recipients

Starbucks as a Third-Party Retailer

Starbucks is a privately owned coffeehouse chain and is not a government-run organization. Even though it’s located inside Target, it operates as a separate entity and is considered a third-party retailer. Therefore, the acceptance of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, also known as food stamps, at Starbucks inside Target depends on Target’s policies and the retailer’s agreement with Starbucks.

Generally, Starbucks, as an individual business, does not accept EBT cards directly. However, Target offers a wide range of food and beverage items, including Starbucks products, in its grocery section. And since Target accepts EBT cards, customers can purchase Starbucks items using their EBT cards at the Target checkout counters.

Understanding EBT Card Usage at Starbucks in Target

  • Starbucks as a Standalone Store: If there’s a standalone Starbucks store inside Target, it’s considered a separate entity, independent of Target’s grocery section. In this case, EBT cards cannot be used to purchase Starbucks products directly. Customers must use other payment methods like cash, credit/debit cards, or Starbucks gift cards.
  • Starbucks Products in Target Grocery Section: When Starbucks products like coffee beans, ground coffee, and ready-to-drink beverages are sold within Target’s grocery aisles, they can be purchased using EBT cards. This is because Target accepts EBT cards for food and beverage items sold in its grocery department.
  • EBT-Eligible Items: In general, EBT cards can be used to purchase food and beverage items that are considered eligible under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) guidelines. These typically include basic food items, fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, bread, and non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Ineligible Items: Hot prepared foods, such as sandwiches, salads, and pastries, are generally not eligible for purchase with EBT cards. Additionally, alcohol, tobacco products, pet food, vitamins, and supplements are also not eligible for purchase using EBT cards.

Additional Factors to Consider:

  • Target’s policy on EBT card usage may vary from store to store.
  • Some Target stores may have designated registers or self-checkout lanes specifically for EBT transactions.
  • Customers are advised to check with the Target store management or customer service desk for specific EBT usage policies in their respective stores.

That’s all folks! I hope this article has cleared up whether or not you can use your food stamps at Starbucks in Target. Remember, the rules and regulations surrounding food stamp usage can change, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local authorities or visit the USDA website for the most up-to-date information. Thanks for reading, and be sure to stop by again soon for more informative and interesting articles like this one!