The USDA and the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) provide monthly SNAP payments to American households with low incomes, helping them purchase nutritious food. These funds, loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, can be used in-store or online. If you’re new to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), here’s a guide to using your benefits online and finding participating stores.
Online Shopping
With the expansion of the Online Purchasing Pilot initiative, more stores have joined the SNAP program, allowing recipients to shop for groceries online. This convenience enables SNAP participants to find the best deals and choose stores that offer the products they need. Whether you’re shopping for fresh produce, pantry staples, or household essentials, the flexibility of online shopping can be a significant advantage.
To find stores participating in the online SNAP program, visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/online. This website provides a comprehensive list of stores by state, including major retailers and smaller local options. Note that while the map covers most areas, New York City SNAP-eligible stores are not currently displayed.
SNAP Names
It’s important to note that SNAP may be known by different names depending on the state. For instance, in California, the program is called CalFresh. This variation can sometimes cause confusion, but rest assured that your EBT card will work across states, regardless of the program’s name.
Shopping in Texas
If you’re a Texas resident, you have a wide range of stores to choose from for online SNAP purchasing. Here’s a list of some participating retailers:
- Albertsons
- ALDI
- Amazon
- Brookshire Brothers
- Brookshire’s Food and Pharmacy
- Central Market
- Costco
- Dashmart
- Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA)
- El Super
- Farmer’s Fresh Meat
- Fiesta Mart
- FRESH by Brookshire’s
- H-E-B
- Harvest Natural Market
- Joe V’s Smart Shop
- Lewis Food Town
- Linda’s Mini Mart
- Little Red Box Grocery
- Pyburn’s Farm Fresh Foods
- Randalls
- Sam’s Club Scan and Go
- Spring Market
- Sprouts Farmers Market
- Super 1 Foods Brookshires
- Target
- Texas Tribal Buffalo Project
- Thrive Market
- Tom Thumb
- Walgreens
- Walmart
- Wheatsville Food Coop
- Whole Foods
This extensive list shows the variety of shopping options available, from large chain supermarkets to local and specialty stores. These stores offer a range of products that can be purchased using your EBT card, including fresh foods, canned goods, and even some household items.
How to Find Stores
Finding stores where you can use your SNAP benefits online is straightforward. Visit the FNS SNAP online page, select your state, and scroll through the list of available retailers. This tool is user-friendly and helps ensure you can access the groceries you need without confusion or hassle.
Using your SNAP benefits online not only makes shopping more convenient but also helps you stretch your budget by allowing you to compare prices and take advantage of online deals. Remember, each state may have different retailers and rules, so it’s always a good idea to check the specific details for your location.
FAQs
Can I use SNAP benefits online?
Yes, in participating stores listed on the FNS website.
Is the program called SNAP in every state?
No, the name varies, like CalFresh in California.
Are all stores eligible for SNAP online?
Only those listed on the FNS site are eligible.
How can I find eligible stores?
Are there any restrictions on what I can buy?
You can buy eligible food items, but not alcohol, tobacco, or non-food items.