The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest hunger safety net program in America, helping older adults buy the groceries they need to stay healthy and independent. There are approximately 248,000 retailers across the U.S. that participate in this vital food assistance program. These stores must comply with certain federal standards to take part in SNAP. They are overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure SNAP continues to meet the needs of the people who use it.
Which stores take SNAP benefits?
You may be surprised at the number of stores around you that welcome SNAP EBT payments. Use your card to access your benefits wherever you see the Quest® logo (even if you don’t see the Quest® logo, you may still be able to use your EBT card—always ask first). SNAP benefits are widely accepted for eligible food items at:
- Grocery stores and supermarkets
- Superstores (e.g. Walmart, Target)
- Wholesale stores (e.g. Costco, Sam's Club, BJ's)
- Amazon
- Specialty stores
- Farmers markets
- Local food co-ops
- Convenience stores / corner stores
- Pharmacies (e.g., CVS, Walgreens)
- Gas stations
Nationwide, more than 80% of SNAP benefits are used at larger retailers. The USDA offers a SNAP Retailer Locator tool to help you easily find stores that accept SNAP EBT near your home.
Grocery stores
From neighborhood mom-and-pop stores to wholesale clubs and sprawling mega-markets, most grocery stores participate in SNAP. Here are just a few major grocery retailers that accept SNAP EBT cards:
- Albertsons
- ALDI
- Big Y Foods
- BJ's Wholesale Club
- Costco
- City Market
- Family Food Stores
- Foodland
- Food Lion
- Friendly Foods
- Harris Teeter
- H-E-B
- Hy-Vee
- Hometown Foods
- Jubilee Foods
- Kroger
- Market Basket
- Piggly Wiggly
- Publix
- Safeway
- Sam’s Club
- Schwan's Fine Food
- Sprouts
- Save-A-Lot
- Shop N Save
- Shop Rite
- Stop & Shop
- Trader Joe's
What stores accept EBT online? Some stores—including Albertson's, ALDI, and Kroger—allow you to order and pay for grocery pickup and delivery on their website using your EBT card.
You can also use your EBT card with Instacart, an online grocery delivery service, to buy groceries at SNAP-participating stores for delivery or pickup. Since DoorDash provides grocery pickup and delivery services, this app-based service welcomes SNAP payments for eligible items as well.
Superstores
Large retailers like Walmart and Target are popular destinations for older adults who want to get their groceries, household goods, and other essentials all in one place. And luckily, these large retailers accept SNAP benefits in-store for eligible food items.
Don't have the time or ability to shop in the store? Walmart and Target also accetpEBT payments online for grocery pickup and delivery orders. Thse are convenient ways to stock your fridge if your mobility is limited or you’re unable to drive. Visit the Walmart and Target websites for more information on their pickup and delivery services.
Farmers markets
Did you know you can use your SNAP benefits at local farmers markets? Farmers markets are great places to buy fresh, healthy foods—with the added bonus of supporting community-based farmers and the local economy.
Some states even offer healthy-food incentive programs at farmers markets to help people with low income eat better while supporting the local economy. These incentive programs match SNAP dollars spent at farmers markets on locally grown produce. For example, Massachusetts has the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP), which gives SNAP beneficiaries $1 back on their EBT card for each dollar spent on eligible fruits and vegetables (up to a monthly limit). HIP retailers in MA include certain farmers markets, farm stands, mobile markets, and community supported agriculture (CSA) farm share programs. Check with your local SNAP office to see if a healthy-food incentive program is available in your area.
What can you buy with your SNAP EBT card on Amazon?
If you're a frequent Amazon shopper, you'll be glad to know that the online retailer accepts SNAP EBT cards for qualifying grocery items. Groceries are available through two distinct Amazon services:
- Groceries on Amazon:In theGrocery and Gourmet Food sectionon Amazon.com, you’ll find a broad selection ofEBT-eligible, non-perishable pantry staples and shelf-stable food items. Look for items labeled "SNAP EBT Eligible.”
- Amazon Fresh:Available only in select cities across the U.S.,Amazon Freshis more comparable to a traditional grocery store. You’ll find perishable items such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, poultry, and more. You can schedule your EBT grocery delivery within a one- to two-hour delivery timeframe.
What can you buy with SNAP benefits at participating stores?
Not sure what foods are covered under SNAP? This program is designed to cover staple foods that people need for a nourishing, well-balanced diet. Food items eligible for purchase with your SNAP EBT card include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Snack foods and desserts
- Spices, condiments, sweeteners
- Drinking water
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants to grow food for your household
Your SNAP benefits can’t be used to buy prepared hot foods, alcohol and tobacco products, vitamins and supplements, pet food, cleaning products, paper goods, and other nonfood items.
Do meal delivery services accept SNAP?
Most meal delivery services do not accept SNAP at this time. Somegrocery delivery servicesaccept SNAP for groceries, but SNAP benefits don't cover the delivery fee.
Stretch your SNAP dollars further
SNAP provides critical assistance to older adults who have trouble getting enough healthy food to eat. A great example is Mr. Chang, age 63. Chang has a Social Security Disability benefit of $978 per month. After paying rent and bills, there was nothing left for food. Fortunately, his $204 per month SNAP benefit has changed that.
Now I can eat healthier," Chang told NCOA. "Not only does SNAP provide food; it provides mental relief and allows me to lead a more comfortable life."
The minimum monthly SNAP benefit is $23. Thismay not sound like much. But with some savvy shopping, you can boost your purchasing power and fill your fridge with healthy, delicious food. Here’s what you can buy with SNAP for about $23.
Want to know more about SNAP assistance?
Roughlythree out of fiveolder adults who qualify for SNAP do not claim their benefits—that’s an estimated five million people! Don’t pass up life-changing assistance that can help you eat healthy and stay active and independent.
NCOA offers a free, easy-to-use online resource that can help you learn more about SNAP and find information to apply. VisitBenefitsCheckUp.organd enter your ZIP code to get started.
