EBT Food Delivery 2023: In this article, we have covered what an EBT card is, food apps that accept EBT cards, apps that don’t accept EBT cards, and more.
Keep reading to learn more about it.
EBT Cards: A Primer
EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer card. It was initiated so people could take part in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). The EBT card is a magnetically encoded payment card, usually with monthly EBT payments of $125 a recipient.
It works as same as a debit card and has exchanged the food stamps of the past. Due to COVID-19, programs for EBT changed a little, and a new federal program named Pandemic EBT was started to help those families who couldn’t afford to purchase during COVID-19 shutdowns and economic change.
EBT Food Delivery: Can I Order Food Online With EBT?
Yes, you can order food online with EBT. Food delivery options are accessible at many grocery stores and primary retailers like Walmart.
However, below is the list of certain food items that you can purchase through EBT food delivery. These are:
- Bread and Cereals
- Dairy Products
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Snack foods
- Non-alcoholic drinks such as juice and lemonade
- Seeds and plants
- Red meat, poultry, and fish
The food items that you can’t purchase include:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco products
- Vitamins
- Medicines
- Cosmetic products
- Hygiene products
- Cleaning supplies
- Non-food items
Food Delivery Apps That Accept EBT Cards
Amazon, AmazonFresh, and AmazonPantry are some food delivery apps that accept EBT cards. All purchases on these mentioned apps are limited to food items only.
Moreover, SNAP recipients also get a good discount on Amazon Prime. You can also order food items through apps such as Walmart or Whole Foods.
Instacart
By late the year 2020, Instacart also started accepting SNAP benefits and EBT cards through food delivery services. Those distributors who accept SNAP benefits through Instacart comprise Whole Foods, Walmart, and ALDI. But these apps offer only uncooked items.
Also, Read | How to get Free Tablet with EBT Card [Try This!]
Food Delivery Apps That Don’t Accept EBT Cards
DoorDash, GrubHub, Uber Eats, and PostMates are some food delivery apps that don’t accept payment through EBT cards. These vendors offer restaurant-made food items, but those retailers that offer uncooked food items can accept payment through SNAP benefits.
If you want to purchase other cooked food items, you will have to pay yourself. Although, some states allow hot meals and restaurant-prepared food delivery and also accept payment through EBT cards. You can check out whether your state qualifies for the same or not via the USDA website.
Also, Read | How to Get a T-Mobile Free Tablet With EBT
Major Retailers That Accept EBT Cards and Provide Online Food Delivery
There are a large number of distributors and primary grocery stores that now accept SNAP benefits for the eligible ones. Some of the retailers are mentioned below:
- Walmart
Walmart provides curbside pickup for groceries and grocery delivery services for SNAP customers. It accepts EBT card payments in 44 states across the nation. You only need to pay online with your EBT card at checkout to get online food delivery.
- Amazon
There are Amazon apps such as AmazonFresh and Amazon Pantry that accept EBT card payments in every state except for Montana, Alaska, Louisiana, and Hawaii. You can buy food items such as fresh produce, meat, and beverages on Amazon. Besides, you can certify for free delivery after making a minimum amount of purchase.
- Food Lion
Food Lion accepts EBT card payments for online grocery deliveries and also for curbside pickup. More than 350 Food Lion stores in North Carolina accept SNAP benefits to reimburse for online grocery orders.
- Hy-Vee
Hy-Vee is also one of the retailers that offer curbside pickup of groceries for SNAP recipients. All Hy-Vee stores offering Hy-Vee Aisles online grocery pickup approve SNAP or EBT card payments.
You can order through its app or at Vee.com.
- Kroger
Kroger provides free curbside pickup for items that cost $35 or more. It accepts EBT card payments when you order items online.
- ShopRite
ShopRite accepts EBT payments for food delivery and grocery items as well. Though, this program is only accessible in Connecticut, New York, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delaware. The order can be made through the Shoprite.com website or its app, ShopRite.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Schwans accept food stamps when other online food delivery services didn’t?
Every vendor functions differently from the other. Schwans accept food stamps as they decided to take the additional expenses and inconvenience of applying to affirm EBT payments. On the other hand, other distributors are not interested in becoming SNAP customers as they don’t want to invest more in purchasing expensive food items or becoming major profligates in the future.
How can we get the USDA to expand EBT benefits to cover online ordering in every state?
You will have to send letters and schedule a meeting with USDA officials to expand EBT benefits to cover online orders.
What is SNAP? How can I apply?
SNAP which was earlier known as Food Stamps, offers a monthly benefit for purchasing healthy food. You can apply at DTAConnect.com or call the DTA Assistance Line at (877) 382-2363. Do check your eligibility before applying for the same.
Can I use my SNAP benefits to pay for the delivery fee?
No, According to its rules, you can only use your SNAP benefits to purchase SNAP-eligible food items.
What are the benefits of using your EBT cards to buy groceries online?
You can shop from anywhere with ease using your EBT cards.
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