How to shop for groceries on a budget with SNAP EBT cards
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps many older adults stretch their food budget each month. Many retailers allow people to use their SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards for online grocery shopping including Amazon, Walmart, and Target, and on grocery delivery services such as Instacart. People may be responsible for additional fees not covered by SNAP benefits.
• Groceries on Amazon: In the Grocery and Gourmet Food section on Amazon.com, people will find a broad selection of EBT-eligible food items. Look for items labeled 'SNAP EBT Eligible.” Amazon Prime members get free shipping on orders of any size. Non-members get free delivery on grocery orders of $25 or more. Shipping fees for smaller orders will not be covered by SNAP EBT card.
• Amazon Fresh: Amazon Fresh is available in select cities across the U.S. Many perishable items can be purchased with EBT and delivered within one to two hours.
• FarmboxRx: FarmboxRx is a national grocery delivery service. It gives qualified Medicare Advantage and Medicaid members the opportunity to order fresh produce online using their insurance plan’s member benefits. People can check with their insurance provider on eligibility to use FarmboxRx EBT grocery delivery.
• Instacart: Instacart is an online grocery delivery service that allows buying groceries at SNAP-participating retailers for delivery or pickup.
• Walmart.com: Walmart is currently the only superstore approved to accept SNAP EBT card payments for online grocery delivery and pickup. People can place an order by visiting Walmart.com or on the Walmart app.
• Target: Target also allows people to use their SNAP EBT card in-store or online at Target.com through the company's delivery service arm, Shipt.
• DoorDash: DoorDash is the latest app-based delivery service to welcome SNAP payments that allows SNAP recipients to use their EBT card online to pay for grocery delivery and pickup.
—www.ncoa.org