What Food Places Take EBT? Stores, Restaurants & Online

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) serves as the system through which Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are delivered to eligible individuals and families. This electronic method replaced traditional paper food stamps, streamlining the process of providing food assistance. The primary purpose of SNAP, facilitated by EBT, is to supplement the food budget for low-income households, enabling them to purchase nutritious food items. SNAP benefits are issued on a debit-like card, making transactions secure and efficient.

Traditional Food Retailers Accepting EBT

Many common brick-and-mortar establishments across the United States accept EBT cards for grocery purchases. Supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, and even farmers’ markets are among the types of retailers authorized to accept SNAP benefits. These retailers must be approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to participate in the SNAP program. This authorization ensures they meet specific criteria, including stocking a variety of staple foods.

Using an EBT card at a physical store is similar to using a standard debit card. Customers swipe or insert their EBT card into a point-of-sale (POS) terminal and then enter their PIN. The system then verifies the PIN and checks the account balance, deducting the purchase amount if sufficient funds are available. The retailer’s account is credited, typically within two banking days.

Online EBT Shopping Options

The ability to use EBT for online grocery purchases has expanded significantly, offering convenience and accessibility, particularly for those with limited mobility or transportation. Many major retailers and grocery delivery services now participate in the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot program. This includes large online platforms and numerous regional grocery chains. The online purchasing option is currently available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

When shopping online with an EBT card, the process typically involves using the EBT benefits for eligible food items. However, any non-SNAP eligible items, such as delivery fees or non-food products, require a separate payment method, like a debit or credit card. The online system usually requires secure entry of the EBT card information and PIN to complete the transaction. This digital approach provides a valuable alternative for SNAP recipients to access food from their homes.

The Restaurant Meals Program

The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) offers a specific and limited avenue for certain SNAP recipients to use their EBT benefits for prepared meals at authorized restaurants. This program is not available nationwide; instead, it is implemented in a handful of states that have opted to participate.

The RMP is designed to assist individuals who may face challenges in preparing meals for themselves, such as the elderly (aged 60 or older), people with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness. Spouses of eligible individuals within these categories may also qualify.

Participating restaurants often display signage indicating their participation. Eligibility for the RMP is encoded onto an individual’s EBT card by the state, meaning the card will automatically be accepted or declined at participating restaurants. Examples of restaurants that may participate in the RMP include fast-food chains and local eateries.

What You Can and Cannot Buy with EBT

SNAP benefits, accessed via an EBT card, are intended for purchasing food items for home preparation and consumption. This includes a wide array of staple foods such as fruits, vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned), meats, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads, and cereals. Non-alcoholic beverages, snack foods, and seeds and plants used to grow food for the household are also eligible purchases.

Many items are excluded from purchase with EBT benefits. These ineligible products include alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and vitamins, medicines, or supplements. Hot prepared foods ready for immediate consumption, such as rotisserie chicken or hot deli items, cannot be bought with EBT benefits unless through the Restaurant Meals Program in an authorized state. Non-food household supplies like cleaning products, paper goods, pet food, and hygiene items are also excluded.

Locating EBT-Accepting Merchants

Finding stores and restaurants that accept EBT is straightforward, with several resources available to recipients. Many authorized retailers display signage, such as “EBT Accepted” or “SNAP Accepted” logos, at their entrances or checkout lanes. For a comprehensive search, the USDA offers a SNAP Retailer Locator tool on its Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) website, where users can input an address or zip code to find nearby authorized locations. This online tool provides details and directions to various retailers.

Many store websites and online grocery platforms offer information indicating EBT acceptance for both in-store and online shopping options. For those enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program, state SNAP agencies or local social service offices can provide lists of participating restaurants. Third-party applications also help locate EBT-accepting merchants, including those participating in the RMP.