Got food stamps in Alaska? You could get discounted museum admission, free farmer’s market produce and so much more. We’re constantly checking for new perks, so make sure to check out the “updated date” to see when this post was last updated.
Getting Started with Alaska Food Stamps
At Low Income Relief, we spend a lot of time researching and reporting on the food stamps program. If you’re new to SNAP or haven’t applied yet, here’s what you need to know.
You can apply online.
You can apply for Alaska food stamps online. We’ve heard from a lot of people who don’t want to apply in-person because they don’t want to go into the office (or can’t make it to the nearest office). That’s okay; you can apply online and skip all the lines!
You can also apply for SNAP benefits in Alaska by calling a SNAP Outreach Specialist at (800) 478-7778 during business hours. You can also download, fill out and mail in an application if that’s easier.
If you need assistance with your application, the Food Bank of Alaska may be able to help you. You can schedule an appointment with a SNAP Outreach Specialist by calling (907) 222-3119 or by emailing [email protected]
The application doesn’t take very long to fill out and you should get an answer within 30 days. When you receive your EBT card, you can start using the incredible EBT discounts below!
You can buy more than just food.
Most people don’t know this, but the federal Food Stamps Act allows you to buy a lot more than just groceries with your Alaska food stamps. You can buy food-bearing plants, bakery birthday cakes, and even certain gift baskets with your EBT benefits.
If you live in an area that has limited access to retail grocery stores, then you may also be able to buy hunting and fishing gear with your SNAP benefits as well! Less than 7% of eligible Alaskans use this benefit, probably because they don’t know how to apply for the SNAP Subsistence Program.
If you are approved for the Subsistence Program, you can also buy:
- Bait
- Fishing rods
- Hooks
- Harpoons
- Knives
- Ice Augers
- Lines
- and more!
You can get discounts at certain markets.
If you live in Alaska, you may be able to get discounts when you shop at certain markets!
For example, the Homer Farmers Market has historically offered up to $40 in free produce per year to SNAP shoppers. This works through a dollar-matching program. If you spend $40, you can get an extra $40 for a total of $80 in produce purchased from the market.
The Sitka Farmers Market offers a similar discount. They’ll match up to $20 when you visit with your EBT card… but nobody is using this incredible offer. When Jessika reached out to confirm this discount, the board president told her that no one has used their SNAP card at the market in a couple years!
You can always inquire at the Farmer’s Market near you to see if they offer discounts. Sometimes, you-pick strawberry farms and other farms can also provide a discount when you visit with EBT. You should always call ahead and ask to be sure!
Make sure you’re getting the right amount.
Over the last 10 years, we’ve discovered that many people aren’t getting the right amount of food stamps because they make critical mistakes on their application. You need to make sure that you’re correctly calculating your household size and accounting for all the possible deductions to your income.
If you need more food money than you’re getting, be sure to check out our guide about how to get more food stamps.
Statewide Alaska EBT Discounts
There are a few discounts you can get statewide. These are usually part of nationwide programs.
Amazon Prime is 50% Off
If you use Amazon Prime for streaming or shipping, then make sure you’ve claimed your 50% discount! This discount is available for anyone who receives SNAP, Medicaid, or participates in other qualifying programs.
Free Cell Phone Service
The Lifeline program provides free cell phone service to people who get SNAP benefits. You may be able to completely eliminate your cell phone bill through this program. Pick your provider today!
Free Internet Service
We’ve found over a dozen affordable Internet providers – and when you combine their low-cost services with the discount from the Affordable Connectivity Program, you may be able to get your internet service completely free! Here’s how to do it.
Local EBT Discounts
Please note that you cannot pay for admission with your EBT card. You will show the card to receive the discount but you will have to pay any admission price with a different payment method. SNAP benefits cannot be used to pay for admission, but EBT cash may be able to pay for it.
Anchorage Museum – FREE
The Anchorage Museum offers free admission to guests who have an Alaska Quest Card. You just need to show your card to the admissions desk upon arrival.
This Alaska food stamps discount is also available to WIC users. You can show your WIC Nutrition Program Cards at the desk to get free admission, too!
Fairbanks Children’s Museum – $3 per person
Explore the hands-on, sensory-rich exhibits at the Fairbanks Children’s Museum. Bring your Alaska Quest card to the front desk to receive admission for just $3 per person. Each card entitles up to four people to discounted admission. While you’re there, thank them for being Alaska’s first and only Museums for All partner!
Other Discounts
If you get Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in Alaska, then you may be eligible for even more ways to save money and get free stuff. You’re welcome to browse our site, chat with LIRA, or click the links below to find more help.
- FREE legal aid services
- Utility assistance
- Veterinary care grants, free pet food and more
- FREE stuff in Alaska
Alaska Food Stamps FAQ
How do I check my Alaska food stamps balance?
The easiest way to check your Alaska food stamps balance is to call the number on the back of your card or use the Providers app.
How do I apply for food stamps in Alaska?
You can apply for food stamps online, over the phone, in-person or through the mail by printing an application and mailing it in. If you live in a rural area, don’t forget to check out the SNAP Subsistence Program as well!
Nicole Thelin
Nicole is the owner and lead researcher for Low Income Relief. She has over 20 years of professional research and writing experience, and she has been solely dedicated to investigating low income topics for the last 10 years. Nicole started Low Income Relief after a personal experience with poverty. When her husband was medically discharged from the US Army, their family experienced tremendous financial hardship. Nicole was able to gather help from multiple community agencies and move into a nearby low income housing unit in just two weeks! Since then, Nicole has been dedicated to helping low income families in crisis. She regularly spends hundreds of hours combing through countless resources to make sure that Low Income Relief has the most comprehensive and complete resource directories on the internet today. Prior to starting Low Income Relief, Nicole worked as a novelist, journalist, ghostwriter and content creator. Her work has been featured in various print and online publications, including USA Today, The Daily Herald, The Chronicle and more. Her work has also been featured by Google for Publishers and other leading industry publications.