Did you know that buying milk with your EBT card could help you earn up to $10 in extra groceries? It’s true. You can actually get bonus money just for picking up something as basic as milk.
And this isn’t one of those complicated, jump-through-hoops deals either. We’re talking about easy, automatic savings through a little-known program called Add Milk.
If you use EBT or SNAP to help feed your family, this is one of those money-saving tricks you do not want to miss.
What Is Add Milk?
Add Milk is a government-backed program that gives you bonus money—either as a discount or a coupon—just for buying qualifying milk products with your EBT card.
Here’s how it works: for every dollar you spend on qualifying milk, you receive a matching rebate. You can then use that rebate immediately or later to buy more SNAP-eligible groceries, depending on how your store handles the program.
And you’re not limited to just buying milk with the bonus money you get back. You can use that bonus to purchase fruits, vegetables, bread, grains, dairy, nuts, meat—basically anything EBT covers.
The Fine Print (Don’t Worry, It’s Not Bad)
The program rewards in $1 increments and it rounds down. That means if you spend $9.75, you still get $9 in bonus value. But if you spend $10 or more, you get the full $10.
Only certain types of milk qualify:
- It must be low-fat or nonfat cow’s milk (1% or skim).
- It must be plain—no chocolate, strawberry, or flavored options.
- It can be lactose-free.
- No added sweeteners.
- It must be pasteurized.
No App, No Signup Required
The best part? You don’t have to sign up for anything or download any apps. Just shop at a participating retailer and use your EBT card. The register takes care of the rest, whether it’s printing your coupon or applying the discount instantly.
Where Can You Use It?
Add Milk is part of the Healthy Fluid Milk Incentive Program (HFMI), which was launched under the 2018 Farm Bill. Over 600 stores in 18 states currently participate, and that number is growing fast. Big-name stores like ShopRite (in NJ, DE, and PA), Mother’s Nutritional Center (Southern California), and Meijer (Midwest) are already onboard, as are many others.
To see if your store participates, visit the Add Milk website and use the store locator tool. Or ask your local store directly.
If your state isn’t part of the program yet, you can help make it happen. Reach out to your local lawmakers and nonprofits. They’ll need to work with the USDA grantee to bring Add Milk to your community.
But Wait – It Could Get Even Better!
A new bill in Congress, the Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act of 2025, aims to expand Add Milk even further. If passed, it would allow rebates on whole milk, 2% milk, cheese, and yogurt.
That means string cheese and yogurt in your kids’ lunches could soon earn you EBT bonuses too. The bill has bipartisan support, so if you enjoy calling your reps, this is a great cause to mention.
And If You’re in LA…
Thanks to our viewer @chaoticallysay2625 for letting us know about the Add Milk anniversary event happening Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Mother’s Nutritional Center in Southern California. There will be food sampling, games, prizes, raffles, and yes—free milk, while supplies last.
If you have local tips like this, email us at tips@lowincomerelief.com. Your info could help thousands of families!
Relief Recap
This is honestly one of the easiest ways to stretch your EBT benefits. If you’re already buying milk, don’t miss the chance to get up to $10 back. And be sure to check out our other guides on how to get even more groceries, freebies, and benefits through SNAP.