Amazon, as well as six other companies nationwide, will begin accepting EBT for online grocery orders as part of a USDA pilot program that is aimed at eliminating “food deserts,” or areas where residents have limited access to fresh food and groceries.
The newly participating companies include:
- Amazon (in Maryland, New Jersey and New York)
- Safeway (in Maryland, Oregon and Washington)
- ShopRite (in Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania)
- Hy-Vee (in Iowa)
- Hart’s Local Grocers (in New York)
- Dash’s Market (in New York)
- Fresh Direct (in New York)
Unfortunately, Amazon’s initial EBT offerings are limited to shoppers in Maryland, New Jersey and New York. It is not clear when this program will be available to shoppers in other states.
Food stamps cannot be used to pay for service or delivery charges on grocery orders, so shoppers will need to have an alternative method of payment for those additional charges. Those who shop from Amazon may want to enroll in the $10.99/month Prime subscription plan (or click here to find other ways to get free or cheap shipping from Amazon!).
