Does Whole Foods accept food stamps? Many folks who use SNAP have been wondering whether their benefits can be used at Whole Foods. Luckily, the short answer to the question is YES! Whole Foods accepts food stamps.
However, there are a few things to know when it comes to using your food stamps / SNAP benefits at Whole Foods. Read on for Low Income Relief’s guide to using food stamps at Whole Foods.
Please note that throughout the article, we reference “food stamps”, EBT, and “SNAP”, and these terms can be used interchangeably.
Does Whole Foods accept food stamps?
Many people have been wondering whether Whole Foods accepts food stamps. The short answer to that question is YES! Whole Foods accepts food stamps.
While Whole Foods accepts food stamps for approved food items, the same rules apply for using food stamps at Whole Foods as they do everywhere. In other words, it is important to know what items are covered by SNAP / food stamps before you go shopping at Whole Foods.
For example, in addition to the usual staples like fresh produce, bread, milk, rice, and cereal, Whole Foods sells a variety of prepared foods. Many Whole Foods locations have a salad bar and buffet with a number of hot foods for purchase. Some Whole Foods locations also sell items like pots and pans, candles, scented soaps, etc. None of these items are covered by SNAP / food stamps whether you purchase them at Whole Foods or another seller.
What can I purchase with food stamps at Whole Foods?
When you are shopping with food stamps at Whole Foods, the same rules apply to your purchases as they do everywhere else. That means, you can purchase food items, including fruits and vegetables, cheese, eggs, milk, meat, fish, bread, rice, snack foods, bakery items, and non-alcoholic beverages with food stamps. You can also use food stamps to purchase seeds and plants that can be consumed as food. More information on what food stamps can be used to purchase is available on the USDA website.
What is not eligible for purchase with food stamps at Whole Foods?
Whole Foods locations must adhere to the rules that the federal government has established for the use of food stamps. That means that food stamps cannot be used at Whole Foods to purchase things like tobacco, alcohol, pet food, cleaning products, paper goods (e.g. toilet paper, disposable cups), personal hygiene products, cosmetics, makeup, diapers, formula, clothing, furniture, home decor, vitamins and supplements. A comprehensive list of items that cannot be purchased using SNAP benefits / food stamps is available on the USDA website.
There is one exception to the rule regarding the purchase of prepared foods at Whole Foods. If you live in Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island or Virginia, you might be eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program with your SNAP benefits.
In addition to living in one of the states mentioned above, you must also have difficulty preparing meals at home due to disability, homelessness, or age. So, does Whole Foods accept food stamps for all items? The answer to that question is no, but there may be exceptions to the rule depending on where you live.
Can you shop with food stamps online at Whole Foods?
Whole Foods currently accepts EBT payments online in every U.S. state except for Alaska! This is great news for folks who sometimes need to order groceries for pickup or delivery. If you’re shopping online with SNAP, you can do so through Amazon, which is the parent company of Whole Foods.
The not-so-good news is that with online Whole Foods delivery orders through Amazon, there is a service fee of $9.95, and you cannot use your EBT card to pay for it. Those fees would have to be paid with a credit or debit card. Grocery pickup doesn’t have a fee on orders over $35, but you will not be able to add a tip for the worker with your EBT card on pickup or delivery orders either.
So, does Whole Foods accept food stamps? Yes! Whether you’re shopping online or in-store at Whole Foods, try using your EBT card on eligible items!
Save Money and Get Free Stuff!
Catherine Hall
Catherine Hall, LMSW is a therapist at a small group practice in New York City. She earned her master of social work degree at New York University.