“Can I buy groceries online with EBT?!” is one of the most common questions we get asked here at Low Income Relief. And the answer is a resounding YES! You can buy groceries online with EBT!
Not long ago, using EBT for online grocery shopping wasn’t an option. But times have changed! Now, a growing number of retailers accept EBT payments online. This shift is a wonderful advantage, especially for families on a tight budget. It offers a way to shop wisely, find great deals, and make every dollar count.
This guide will walk you through the process step by step, ensuring you can make the most of your benefits with ease. We’ll help you navigate the world of online shopping, from finding EBT-friendly retailers to checking out with your virtual cart.
Where Can I Buy Groceries Online with EBT?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently running a pilot program to evaluate the practicality of allowing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to purchase groceries online. This initiative aims to provide more convenient access to food and is especially beneficial for those with limited mobility or in areas with fewer grocery stores.
During this test phase, only certain retailers are authorized to accept EBT for online purchases. Retailers have to go through a rigorous approval process in order to get permission to accept these benefits.
As of our last update, you can buy groceries online with EBT at these retailers that have locations in multiple states:
- 10 Box Cost Plus
- ACME
- Albertsons
- ALDI
- Amazon
- BJs Wholesale Club
- Brookshire’s Food and Pharmacy
- Brothers Marketplace
- Broulim’s
- Cardenas Markets
- City Market
- Country Market Niemann Foods
- Earth Fare
- ExtraMile by Jacksons
- Food 4 Less
- Food Bazaar
- Food City
- Food Lion
- FoodMaxx
- Fred Meyer
- Geissler’s Supermarket
- Giant Eagle
- Giant of Maryland
- Greer’s Cash Saver
- Hannaford
- Harps Food Stores
- Hays Supermarket
- Hornbacher’s
- HyVee
- IGA
- Island Pacific Market
- Jacksons Food Stores
- Jewel Osco
- Kroger
- Lin’s Fresh Market
- Martin’s
- McKinnon’s Supermarkets
- Meijer
- New Seasons Market
- Piggly Wiggly
- Price Rite
- Publix
- QFC
- Ralph’s
- Rosauers Supermarkets
- Safeway
- Sam’s Club
- Save Mart Supermarkets
- Shaws
- ShopRite
- Schnuck’s Market
- Smith’s Food and Drug
- Sprouts Famers Market
- Stop & Shop
- Super 1 Foods
- Target
- TheFreshGrocer
- Tops Market
- Vons
- Walmart
- Wegmans
- Weis Markets
- Whole Foods
- Woodman’s Markets
- Wright’s Markets
- Yoke’s Fresh Market
There are also smaller local stores where you can buy groceries online with EBT as well. We’ve organized these into state-specific headings for your convenience.
Alabama
In addition to the interstate list above, there are 2 local retailers in Alabama:
- Hometown Market of Limestone County
- Marino’s Market
Alaska
There are many chains that accept EBT as listed above, but Alaska has only one unique EBT retailer.
- Carrs
Arizona
Arizona complements the national array with 5 local retailers participating in the EBT online program.
- AJ’s Fine Foods
- Basha’s
- Eddie’s Country Store
- Fry’s Food
- Los Altos Ranch Markets
California
California adds to the EBT online shopping experience with 17 local retailers to choose from.
- Andronico’s Community Markets
- Big Square
- Co-opportunity Market
- Foods Co
- Glen Ellen Village Market
- Jimbo’s Naturally
- Lucky Supermarkets
- Mar Val Foods
- Northgate Markets
- Pavillions
- Raley’s
- Rancho San Miguel Markets
- Stater Bros
- Super King Market
- Superior Grocers
- The Market by Superior
- Victory Produce
Colorado
In Colorado, there is one additional local retailer that has joined the online EBT shopping initiative.
- King Soopers
Connecticut
Connecticut enhances online grocery options with two local retailers accepting EBT.
- Big Y
- Massaro Community Farms
Florida
Florida extends the convenience of online shopping with 5 additional local retailers.
- Freshfield Farms
- Hitchcock Markets
- JC Market and Food Kitchen
- Milam’s Markets
- Mt. Plymouth Grocery
Georgia
Georgia’s EBT holders can shop online at two additional local retailers.
- Little Giant Farmers Market
- Shoppers Value Foods (Macon)
Hawaii
There’s only one additional local retailer in Hawaii.
- Down to Earth Organic and Natural
Idaho
Idaho is home to many chain stores that accept EBT online, as listed above. However, we only found one additional local retailer:
- Hoagland Meat
Illinois
Illinois complements the national choices with 11 local retailers for EBT online purchases.
- Alpine Mobile
- Billy Doe Meats
- Dave’s Supermarket
- Fairplay Foods
- Harvest Market
- Local Market
- Mariano’s
- Metropolis Big John Grocery
- Supermercados El Guero
- Tony’s Fresh Market
- Top Box Foods
Indiana
“Indiana’s online grocery shopping arena includes 4 participating local retailers.
- Jay C Foods
- Pay Less
- Strack and Van Til
- Town and Country
Iowa
Iowa offers two additional local retailers.
- New Pioneer Food Coop
- Ramsey Market
Kansas
Kansas presents five additional local retailers that allow residents to purchase groceries online with EBT.
- Country Mart
- Dillon’s
- Harps Food Stores
- Pyramid Foods
- The Merc Coop
Louisiana
Louisiana’s online EBT program features 4 additional local retailers.
- Butcher Boy
- Mac’s Super Market of Jena
- River Queen Greens
- Spring Market
Maine
Maine only has one additional local retailer, although they have many of the interstate stores listed above.
- Tozier’s Family Market
Maryland
Maryland has three local retailers that welcome EBT for online grocery orders.
- Balducci’s
- Gresbeck’s Food Market
- Seven Mile Market
Massachusetts
Massachusetts adds five local retailers to the interstate list above.
- Daily Table
- Ring Bros Marketplace
- Roche Bros
- Star Market
- Stop & Shop
Michigan
Michigan adds eight local retailers where EBT cards are accepted online.
- Bridge Street Market
- Capital City Market
- Garden Fresh Market
- Gordon Food Services
- Quality Dairy Co
- Rivertown Market
- Wesco
- Woodward Corner Market
Minnesota
Minnesota offers an additional 10 local retailers for online shopping.
- Cash Wise
- Coborn’s
- Country market Jerry’s Enterprises
- Daily Cart
- Ernie’s Food Market
- Hugo’s Family Marketplace
- Jerry’s Foods
- Mackenthun’s Fine Foods
- Oasis Foods
- Ukura’s Big Dollar
Mississippi
There are three additional local retailers in Mississippi.
- Froogel’s
- Roger’s Supermarket
- Superlo Foods
Missouri
Missouri expands the list with 12 more local retailers that allow shoppers to purchase groceries online with EBT.
- Blue Park Sun Fresh
- Bracher’s Market
- Cameron Market
- Country Mart
- FavTrip Independence
- FavTrip KCMO
- Gerbes
- Harter House
- Price Cutter
- Pyramid Foods
- Sliced Bread Market
- Sweet Springs Market
Montana
Montana has two additional local retailers participating.
- Darlow’s Quality Foods
- Reynolds Market
Nebraska
There’s only one store in Nebraska that isn’t available in any other state.
- Bakers Plus
Nevada
Most of Nevada’s participating markets are also present in other states.
- La Bonita Supermarkets
- Mariana’s Supermarkets
New Jersey
New Jersey complements its EBT online shopping options with two local retailers.
- Food Circus Super Markets
- Kings Super Markets
New Mexico
New Mexico only has one additional store in addition to the interstate ones.
- Ranch Market
New York
New York’s online grocery shopping with EBT is enhanced by 15 local retailers.
- 3 Guys from Brooklyn
- Dash’s Market
- Fairway Market
- Ferreira Foodtown
- Foodtown Freshtown
- Gitto & Sons Health Food INc.
- Gourmet Garage
- GreenStar Fod Coop
- Hub on the Hill
- Manhattan Fruit Market
- My Foodtwon
- P&C Fresh
- Pioneer Supermarket
- Schneiders of Kirkwood
- Skips on the Ridge
North Carolina
North Carolina adds 5 local retailers to its list for EBT online grocery shopping.
- Carlie C’s
- Compare Foods
- Deep Roots Market
- Fairvalue Grocery Stores
- Harris Teeter
North Dakota
North Dakota has two additional local retailers that participate in this program.
- Cash Wise
- Hugo’s Family Marketplace
Ohio
Ohio boasts six local retailers.
- Beuhler’s Fresh Foods
- Dave’s Supermarket
- Jerky Pro
- Just Dash It
- Lucky’s
- Seaway Marketplace
Oklahoma
Oklahoma expands online shopping choices with 12 local retailers.
- Apple Market
- Country Mart
- Doc’s Food Stores
- FireLake Discount Foods
- Homeland Food Stores
- Oasis Fresh Market
- Phelps Market
- Price Mart
- Reasor’s
- Sooner Foods
- United Supermarkets
- Warehouse Market
Oregon
Oregon’s EBT cardholders have seven local online retailers to choose from.
- Astoria Co-Op
- Bend Food 4 Less
- Go-Puff
- Lane County Boundary
- Roth’s Fresh Markets
- Stop and Go Shell
- Union Market
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania includes eight local retailers in its online EBT shopping program.
- Burkholder’s Market
- Cottman Food Market
- Dave’s Super Duper
- East End Food Coop
- Giant Company
- Mignosi Super Foodtown
- Redner’s Markets
- Stauffers of Kissel Hill
Rhode Island
There are two additional local resources in Rhode Island.
- Cartwheel RI
- Saboriza
South Carolina
There’s only one unique provider in South Carolina. The rest are part of nationwide chains.
- Opie Drive-Thru Grocery
South Dakota
There’s only one unique provider in South Dakota. The rest are in the interstate chains section.
- Buche Foods
Tennessee
Tennessee adds four local retailers to the online EBT shopping experience.
- HG Hill Foods Store
- Hilltop Supermarket
- Memphis Cash Saver
- Superlo Foods
Texas
Texas features 12 additional local retailers.
- Central Market
- FRESH by Brookshire’s
- H-E-B
- Harvest Natural Market
- Joe V’s Smart Shop
- Lewis Food Town
- Little Red Box Grocery
- Pyburn’s Farm Fresh Foods
- Randalls
- Spring Market
- Tom Thumb
- Wheatsville Food Coop
Utah
Utah provides five local retailers for EBT users to shop online.
- Dan’s Fresh Market
- Davis Food and Drug
- Dick’s Fresh Market
- Fresh Market
- Macey’s
Vermont
There’s only one additional resource in Vermont.
- Footprint Farm
Virginia
There’s only one additional resource in Virginia.
- Cooper’s Meats
Washington
Washington has two additional resources as well.
- Haggan
- Huckleberry’s Natural Market
West Virginia
There are two additional resources in West Virginia.
- Spencer’s Cash Saver
- St. Mary’s Galaxy
Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers eight local retailers for convenient online EBT shopping.
- Capital Centre Market
- Lou Perrine’s Gas and Grocery
- Marketplace Foods
- Metro Market
- Miller and Son’s Supermarket
- Monterrey Market
- Pick N Save
- Webster’s
Wyoming
There’s only one additional resource in Wyoming.
- Hines General Store
How to Buy Groceries Online with EBT
Buying groceries online with your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is a straightforward process that varies slightly depending on which store you are shopping from. Either way, it’s a great way to get delicious, nutritious food!
- Set Up an Online Account. Create an account on the grocery retailer’s website or app. Make sure it’s a retailer that has been authorized to accept EBT payments online.
- Link Your EBT Card. Go to the payment methods section in your account settings. Choose to add a new payment method, select EBT, and enter your card details.
- Shop for EBT Eligible Items. Most retailers will have a filter that lets you isolate EBT-eligible items. Use it to make your shopping process easier and more efficient.
- Choose Pickup or Delivery. If you pick your groceries up, you can save money on the delivery fee and have your groceries brought right to your car in most cases. However, if you order delivery, you will need to use a separate payment method to pay for the delivery charges and tip.
- Checkout with EBT. At checkout, choose your EBT card as the payment method. You’ll enter your PIN to confirm the transaction. Remember, you might need a secondary form of payment for non-EBT eligible items.
Be aware of the online retailer’s return policy for items purchased with your EBT card. This knowledge will come in handy if you need to return anything and ensure your funds are properly returned to your EBT account.
Should I Buy Groceries Online with EBT?
Shopping online with your EBT card can be a smart choice but it also comes with drawbacks. Let’s weigh the pros and cons of buying groceries online with EBT.
Benefits of Shopping Online
Using EBT to purchase groceries online offers unparalleled convenience.
- Convenience: Shop from home at any time, avoiding the need to travel to the store.
- Budget Management: Helps in planning and tracking your spending to avoid impulse purchases.
- Time-Saving: Reduces time spent traveling, waiting in lines, and browsing aisles.
- Health and Safety: Minimizes exposure to illnesses, beneficial during a pandemic or flu season.
- Accessibility: Great for individuals with mobility issues or those without easy access to a grocery store.
Drawbacks of Shopping Online
On the flip side, there are some serious drawbacks to consider.
- Delivery Fees: Additional charges for delivery that EBT doesn’t cover, requiring another payment method.
- Limited Selection: Some products available in-store might not be offered online.
- Security Risks: Potential risk of personal information being compromised if not using a secure site.
- No Physical Inspection: Cannot personally check the quality of fresh produce or expiration dates.
- Technology Barrier: Requires internet access and a basic understanding of online shopping platforms.
In weighing the pros and cons, shopping online with EBT is a matter of personal preference and circumstance. The benefits of convenience, budget management, and safety are compelling. However, the drawbacks present valid concerns. Ultimately, if you can navigate the drawbacks, the advantages of using EBT online can significantly enhance your grocery shopping experience.
Summary
In conclusion, yes, you can buy groceries online with EBT. In fact, it may even be beneficial to do so! However, you need to carefully weigh the pros and cons to make the right decision for you. If you decide you want to buy your groceries online, we have included a list of all the currently participating stores that will let you buy groceries online with EBT so you can pick the best option near you.