SOCIETY
SNAP benefits: Supermarkets that accept food stamps or EBT cards
There are a number of stores that are happy to take the stamps or the electronic benefit transfer cards, so know where and what you can buy with them.
Each month, state governments send or deposit benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, onto the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.
SNAP is a federal program that, in coordination with state authorities, provides monthly financial assistance to certain low-income individuals to purchase food. This aid is deposited onto the EBT card, which functions like a debit card for purchasing specific foods at authorized retail stores. Below we take a look at how much money is sent, where the EBT card can be used, and what it can be used to purchase.
SNAP benefits: how much money is deposited on EBT card each month?
The amounts sent vary depending on household size, as well as other income-related factors and requirements. From October 1 to September 30, 2024, here are the maximum amounts granted in the 48 contiguous states of the United States and the District of Columbia, depending on the number of family members:
- 1 household member: $291
- 2 members: $535
- 3 members: $766
- 4 members: $973
- 5 members: $1,155
- 6 members: $1,386
- 7 members: $1,532
- 8 members: $1,1751
- Additional member: +$219
Note, for example, that the maximum allowances for a family of four range from $1,248 to $1,937 in Alaska. The maximum allowances for a family of four in Hawaii are $1,759. You can find the complete and up-to-date payment tables here.
Supermarkets that accept food stamps or EBT cards
According to the Food and Nutrition Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the EBT card can be used at any location that accepts food stamps or SNAP.
Some of the most recognized supermarkets that accept EBT card purchases include:
- Albertsons
- Aldi
- BJ's Wholesale Club
- Costco
- City Market
- Food Lion
- Harris Teeter
- Kroger
- Market Basket
- Piggly Wiggly
- Publix
- Safeway
- Schwan's Fine Food
- Sprouts
- Save A Lot
- Target
- Stop & Shop
- Trader Joe's
- Walmart
To find all the SNAP-associated establishments that accept the EBT card in your state, visit the Food and Nutrition Service’s website. Depending on the jurisdiction, you may also be able to use the EBT card on Amazon.
What can you buy with the EBT card?
According to the Food and Nutrition Service website, you can buy any household food items, such as:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Other foods such as snacks and non-alcoholic drinks
- Seeds and plants, which produce food for the home
On the other hand, recipients cannot use food stamps or the EBT card to purchase: beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco, vitamins, medications, and supplements, live animals, hot foods at the point of sale, and any non-food items.
For more information, please refer to the SNAP website of the Department of Agriculture or contact the state agency responsible for administering the program in your state. Here is the directory for reference.