Electronic Benefits Transfer, or EBT, is a government assistance program that distributes money once per month that grants underprivileged individuals the opportunity to buy hot or cold food.
But does EBT cover Instacart? The answer is no, Instacart does not take EBT or SNAP benefits. In 2014, the U.S. Department of Agriculture – or USDA – created a preliminary program for online grocery orders via government assistant programs, however, Instacart has yet to implement it into their system for purchasing food.
But there may be other grocery and food entities that accept EBT. So, in this article, we’ll be looking at large companies that accept or do not accept EBT.
Can You Use EBT for Grocery Delivery?
In most states, you can use your EBT benefits to order groceries online for delivery. Some companies may not allow it, so you will have to search for grocery stores or general stores that do.
Additionally, when it comes to grocery delivery with your EBT card, there may be a few stipulations. For example, depending on the store that you order from, you may have to spend a certain amount, maybe 25 or 30 dollars.
However, the upside to this is by spending the designated amount of money, you could save money on the delivery fee! What determines if you can use your EBT card for grocery delivery is the specific store itself.
There are many that will accept your EBT card because they have the proper protocol for accepting the government assistance.
Does Meijer Grocery Delivery Accept EBT?
No, Meijer Grocery does not accept EBT for delivery; their system does not support electronic benefit transfers for their delivery service or curbside pick-up service program.
However, you can use your EBT card for in-store purchases! The store does have their system automated to only accept forms of government assistance programs, such as SNAP and EBT, when the card is physically used in the store to buy food and drinks.
You can also use your EBT card for Meijer’s pick-up service, but once again, you have to use the card and pay inside of the store. As their system evolves, Meijer may plan on integrating their curbside and online delivery system with government assistance programs.
Can You Get Walmart Delivery With EBT?
As of now, you can use your EBT card to purchase both hot and cold food from Walmart in store. You may also use your EBT card online for grocery store pick up and curbside services whether you use the EBT on the internet or in the store, if that service is available in your state.
However, when it comes to food delivery from the store to your house, this service is currently only available in the state of New York.
In the future, Walmart may have the capabilities to expand and provide their grocery delivery options in different states across the country, but for now, the alternative of shopping in-store or using their curbside pick up are the best options.
Can You Use EBT on Amazon Fresh?
Yes, you can use EBT on Amazon Fresh! According to Amazon, You can use SNAP or EBT cards from participating stores in certain states within the U.S. It can be used as a permanent payment method via Amazon.com.
Also, you can use your SNAP or EBT and gain full access to Amazon Fresh. Since their headquarters is localized, they do offer free shipping on Amazon Pantry; the only condition is that you have to spend 35 dollars or more in order to qualify for this special feature.
Once your EBT card is established and connected to Amazon.com, it will automatically be connected to Amazon Fresh and Amazon Pantry for delivery as well as shipping.
Does Uber Eats Accept EBT?
Unfortunately, Uber Eats does not accept EBT, and here’s why. First, Uber Eats is not a restaurant, nor is it a place where you can go and buy groceries. It is simply a delivery service that distributes food from restaurants and grocery stores. Also, Uber Eats does not have a license for the food industry, they simply deliver it.
The second reason as to why Uber Eats does not accept EBT is because since you would have to order the food directly from the website of the restaurant, and they don’t accept EBT because they don’t have an EBT license, UberEats can’t accept it either.
Additionally, as previously stated, you cannot order prepared hot food with EBT, which takes away all restaurants, and Uber Eats as well.
Does HelloFresh Take EBT?
As of now, HelloFresh does not accept EBT, as stated in the Help Center section of their company website. The reason for this is because Electronic Benefits Transfer is a part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) which is also not accepted by HelloFresh.
Another reason as to why HelloFresh does not accept EBT is because a lot of their food is prepared, which you cannot purchase with EBT because it goes against the conditions and rules of using the benefits. HelloFresh also does not offer curbside delivery or regular delivery that can accept EBT at this time.
HelloFresh currently accepts all major debit and credit cards, as well as PayPal.
Does GrubHub Take EBT?
GrubHub is a food market service that allows you to order food from various restaurants in your neighborhood. Whether GrubHub takes EBT depends on the restaurant itself.
If GrubHub decides to partner with Amazon, then yes, GrubHub will accept EBT as a payment. If GrubHub decides to partner with a restaurant and obtain the same EBT license as them, then yes, they will be able to deliver food to you with EBT as the payment method.
However, across most other platforms, GrubHub does not take EBT for the same reason as Uber Eats; it’s a delivery service that has to partner with restaurants that most likely do not have an EBT license.
Can You Use EBT For Kroger Delivery?
Kroger has expanded to start accepting EBT as a solid form of payment for in-store, curbside service, as well as online delivery service! SNAP beneficiaries can now shop online for groceries at Kroger.com or via Kroger telephone.
The main reason as to why they are stretching out their services is to support all families and their associates in finding and purchasing food for their overall healthy lifestyle. The patrons using an EBT card for curbside or delivery services must be present at the time of pick-up or delivery as proof of purchase.
Another reason as to why you can use EBT for Kroger delivery is because Kroger is partnered with Shipt for online grocery delivery service, and they have an EBT license.
Can You Use EBT at Aldi?
Yes, you can use your EBT card at Aldi. They have many different brands of food from around the country, which allows for a wide spread of payments to be accepted.
In addition to EBT and SNAP benefits, Aldi also accepts cash, most debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, DIscover, American Express, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Although you can use your EBT in-store at Aldi, you may not use it for Aldi Delivery. The reason as to why is because Aldi uses Instacart for its delivery service, and unfortunately, Instacart is not Part of the USDA pilot program that allows online purchases for EBT patrons.
Does Dominos Accept EBT?
Across the country, most Dominos do not accept EBT because their food is considered hot and prepared, which you cannot buy with EBT.
But, there are a select few locations that do accept EBT since they are in compliance with a state-run entity called Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), a program that allows restaurants to join a movement to allow underprivileged people access to their food.
What you should know is that RMPs allow select EBT cardholders – such as the elderly, disabled, or homeless – to purchase hot meals at the restaurant.
Can You Buy Rotisserie Chicken With EBT?
When it comes to buying rotisserie chicken with your EBT benefits, the answer is both yes and no.
Yes, you can buy rotisserie chicken with your EBT card if the chicken is cold and unprepared with other seasonings. This is because you are not allowed to buy hot and prepped food with EBT; the food must be unprepped, boxed, or cold.
With that being said, you cannot buy the rotisserie chicken that is hot and sitting under the vent. Along with cold rotisserie chicken, you may also purchase other cold meats including cold sushi, and fresh sliced or pre-sliced deli meats.