Does Gopuff Take EBT SNAP, Or Food Stamps – There are hundreds of Gopuff distributions scattered all across the United States of America. Thanks to Grubhub, Amazon, Instacart and other popular food delivery services Gopuff is becoming a growing online grocery with great reviews and rapid delivery options. The company boasts a high-quality delivery service by delivering essentials and instant products right to your doorstep within a few minutes.
No matter whether you need cleaning supplies, medicines, electronics drinks, household supplies or cosmetics, Gopuff has something to offer for everyone. Unfortunately when it comes to accepting EBT as a method of payment Gopuff is running behind and is yet to accept SNAP, EBT or food stamps. However, Gopuff accepts major debit and credit cards, Apple Pay, Venmo, and Google Pay to purchase snack and food items. This article will give you relevant answers related to Gopuff and EBT.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Gopuff does not accept SNAP, EBT, or food stamps as a payment method.
- Gopuff offers delivery for a variety of items including groceries, alcohol, and pharmacy items.
- SNAP benefits are intended for essential food items, and Gopuff sells a mix of essential and non-essential items.
- Several alternative delivery services accept EBT payments, including Amazon, Instacart, and Walmart.
EBT/ SNAP: What You Should Know?
EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer which refers to an electronic system through which the government offers cash and food benefits to low-income households in America.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) handles the distribution of food benefits to recipients to alleviate hunger. To be a recipient of EBT/ SNAP you first need to confirm your eligibility which may vary depending on your state and whether you can meet the asset and bank balance limits. The monthly payment that you can receive through your EBT card is $125 per participant.
What Is Gopuff?
Headquartered in Pennsylvania, Gopuff is an online grocery delivery company. Even though it has not gained a recognizable name like Instacart, Amazon Grocery or Grubhub, the company is growing and has various distribution centers or facilities in nearly 500 locations throughout the country.
Gopuff serves more than just food items and groceries. Customers can also purchase alcohol in the pharmacy from Gopuff. According to the official Gopuff website, the company delivers daily essentials like food.
Gopuff delivery service operates 24/ 7 so you can order online anytime you want irrespective of whether you work the night shift or day shift. They provide reliable and faster service, unlike local grocery stores since on placing an order Gopuff’s independent contractors will pick up and deliver your orders next to you.
SNAP recipients also want to know: Does Wawa Accept SNAP, EBT, or Food Stamps?
Does Gopuff Accept EBT Payments?
No, Gopuff is presently not accepting EBT as a valid means of payment. While a lot of delivery services enable their customers to cover the cost of essential products using their EBT card, Gopuff is not one of them that accepts SNAP or EBT cards since their services are not considered ‘essential’ by the government.
The company does not accept food stamps or any other government assistance payments including SNAP benefits cards. To accept SNAP benefits or EBT cards as payment every item of Gopuff must undergo SNAP verification to ensure they are eligible. Even though they provide essential goods like food, and drinks the EBT cards are not accepted as payment for prepaid food.
Gopuff majorly delivers restaurant-prepared food to customers so they cannot accept food stamp benefits as payment. The US government as of 2020 has approved Electronic Benefits Transfer cards to help low-income families and individuals with essential goods and products. The best thing about using an EBT card is that recipients are not required to spend money from their pocket on food bills.
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Why Doesn’t Gopuff Accept SNAP, Food Stamps or EBT?
There is a fine line when it comes to classifying or defining Gopuff which usually delivers groceries. They are not precisely a grocery store like Walmart or Target even though they provide groceries from various distribution centers.
On visiting its official website the first thing that you will notice is an online grocery store that serves fruits, vegetables, drinks, cookies, snacks etc. just like a normal grocery store. The main reason why Gopuff does not accept EBT is because they are considered non-essential even though the company claims to provide essential goods.
GoPuff is deemed ‘a non-essential distribution retailer’ by SNAP authorities and so they are not authorized to accept EBT payments. Apart from essential goods like meat, dairy, bread, eggs, turkey etc. Gopuff also sells pharmacy items from electronics and alcohol that are not acceptable by SNAP or EBT payments.
How Does Gopuff Work?
Gopuff works similarly to any other online delivery app or service. Once you determine you are living in one of the delivery serviceable areas of Gopuff you can easily place an order with the company. You simply have to browse the Gopuff website on the app and add the items that you want to add to your card.
As Gopuff delivers products from its distribution centers it may not provide similar products every time. The availability of goods depends on the stock in the distribution center that lies near to you. Similar to most delivery services, once you place an order with Gopuff you will get app notifications that your items have been gathered and out for delivery.
What Is The Cost Of Gopuff Services?
Gopuff provides relatively cheaper delivery services. This is because Gopuff is one of the newest and smallest online retailers. The minimum order fee for Gopuff delivery service will cost you nearly $2.95 if you decide to order food, pharmaceuticals or drinks from its official website. Gopuff also provides a paid membership service through its Gopuff app known as Gopuff Fam.
Gopuff app comes with free delivery services and offers the cheapest services, unlike Amazon and Walmart. While the Walmart membership costs $9.99 per month Amazon services are covered through Prime membership. Gopuff members receive loyalty points and waive fees on tobacco and alcohol purchases. When it comes to overall cost and membership, Gopuff is one of the most economical choices you can make.
Do Any Delivery Services Accept EBT Online?
Yes, various delivery services accept EBT as a means of payment from SNAP beneficiaries. In a few states like California, you can use your CalFresh EBT benefits to buy prepaid meals and groceries. SNAP beneficiaries can go online to purchase EBT home delivery service or choose to pick up at participating locations. However, this facility is not available in various states.
Only those who are enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program can purchase hot prepared food using their EBT card. These states are Arizona, California, Maryland, Illinois, Michigan, and Rhode Island. SNAP recipients belonging to states that are participating in the USDA Online Pilot Program can only order groceries at authorized retailers online.
How Do I Use My EBT Card At Authorized Stores?
Using a SNAP or EBT card is a simple process. EBT card works similarly to a debit card and helps people to withdraw cash at an ATM or buy groceries or eligible goods online. Following are the steps that you have to take to use your EBT card.
- Take your groceries to the checkout counter
- Insert or swipe your EBT card to the point of sale terminal or present your EBT card to the clerk
- Insert your PIN into the payment terminal and press the ‘Enter’ key.
Do you know: Which Restaurants Accept EBT In Kentucky? Read more about them in our next guide.
What Can You Purchase With Your EBT Card At Authorized Retailers?
It is important to note that only authorized retailers that serve uncooked food and groceries accept EBT payments from SNAP customers. In other words, you can use your EBT for certain food items only and these include the following:
- Bread and cereals: All types of bread, crackers, cereals, pasta, oatmeal and rice are allowed
- Milk and Dairy Products: All types of milk, yogurt, cheese and butter are eligible
- Fruits and vegetables: All types of fresh, canned or frozen fruits and vegetables are allowed for EBT purchase. This also includes dried fruits and vegetables.
- Meat, poultry and fish: This comprises all forms of meat such as pork, beef, turkey, chicken, fish and lamb
- Snacks and desserts: Chips, cakes, cookies and other snack items are eligible as long as they do not have any vitamins or minerals in them. Gum, candy and soft drinks cannot be purchased using EBT benefits.
- Seeds and Plants: SNAP participants can purchase plants and seeds to grow their produce.
- Energy drinks: Specific energy drinks and juices are allowed for purchase using an EBT card.
Do you know: What can you Shop Online With EBT? Read our comprehensive guide to learn more insights.
What Can’t You Buy With An EBT Card?
There are quite a few items that you can’t purchase using a SNAP/ EBT card. The goods fall into different product categories including the following:
- Alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, liquor
- Prepared hot food
- Cigarettes and tobacco products
- Vitamins, supplements, drugs
- Non-food items like pet foods
- Cleaning supplies
- Laundry detergent
- Diapers
- Shampoo
- Personal hygiene items
- Cosmetics and skincare products
- Paper products
What Payment Methods Does Gopuff Accept?
Even though Gopuff does not accept EBT from SNAP beneficiaries as a method of payment they accept a variety of other payment options for their product delivery services. You can use any one of the following methods on Gopuff to order your preferred items:
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
- Apple Pay
- Venmo
- Google Pay
Gopuff provides a unique feature that enables customers to opt for more than one method of payment in their accounts. In this way, they can change their payment method to a suitable and convenient one. It is expected that Gopuff will be accepting EBT as a method of payment for their online services very soon in the future and will continue to grow as a strong competitor in today’s online grocery market.
Does Gopuff Accept Cash Payments?
Unfortunately, Gopuff does not accept cash payments from customers for their services. The cash payment option was available in the previous years however due to the COVID-19 pandemic the company has suspended accepting cash in many markets for safety and health concerns. The company however has different electronic payment options to choose from.
Alternative Delivery Services That Accept EBT
A lot of third-party delivery service apps do not accept EBT or SNAP since they focus on selling non-essential goods instead of grocery items. For instance, UberEats is presently not accepting EBT as a method of payment from SNAP beneficiaries as it delivers prepared or hot food that is not covered by SNAP funds.
Following is the list of delivery services or retailers that accept EBT as a method of payment and they are considered to be the best alternatives to Gopuff.
Target
Target accepts EBT payments. They have been enabling SNAP recipients to use EBT cards for payment since 2022. Customers get the convenience to choose their preferred food including grocery items online.
Amazon
Amazon is another big platform that accepts EBT from the SNAP beneficiaries. They even allow them to shop online and get the food delivered to their doorstep. You can choose between Amazon Core Groceries, Amazon Pantry and Amazon Fresh and pay using EBT. Generally, customers can purchase perishable non-perishable food with their EBT card for free on orders above $35.
Instacart
Instacart is a popular grocery delivery service that appoints staff to shop for groceries and food items for you and deliver the ordered items to your doorstep. The company has partnered with many big box chains throughout the USA. SNAP recipients with a valid EBT card in all states (except Alaska) can use their EBT card on Instacart at approved retailers. Instacart accepts EBT payments under the SNAP program.
Speedway
Speedway accepts EBT cards as a method of payment. They accept SNAP or EBT as long as you are using the benefits to purchase SNAP-eligible items to feed yourself and your family.
In other words, you cannot use your EBT card to purchase gas or any other non-edible items. There are various Speedway store locations across 36 states in the USA so you can easily find a local Speedway store near you.
DoorDash
The latest app based delivery service that accepts SNAP payments is DoorDash. They enable SNAP recipients to use their EBT card for online grocery delivery and pickup. For this, you have to create a DoorDash account and add your EBT information to the account. DoorDash provides SNAP recipients free months of DashPass that normally comes at a rate of $9.99 per month.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s accepts EBT cards at all its participating locations. If you are a SNAP recipient then you can shop groceries at Traders Joe’s and get the food you need for yourself by paying with your SNAP benefits or EBT card. They are one of the most popular go-to for fresh fruits, vegetables, vegan, gluten-free and organic food options for customers in America.
ALDI
There are many grocery store chains throughout the nation that are willing to accept EBT cards from customers and one of them is ALDI which accepts EBT or food stamp cards. ALDI has partnered with Instacart for delivery and offers curbside pickup to EBT card holders.
For this, you need to become an ALDI customer first and create an account to shop online. The company has around 1900+ locations throughout the United States of America and accepts SNAP EBT cards at every one of their 1900+ stores in each state.
Walmart
Walmart is a big online platform that enables EBT cardholders to order online groceries and pick them up at the store. Few stores also provide delivery options. Walmart + Membership costs $98 annually and provides free online delivery for orders more than $35. You would not become a member to make online purchases however you have to pay the delivery fees.
A few more notable retailers that are accepting EBT cards from SNAP beneficiaries are as follows:
- Albertsons
- Big Y Foods
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Costco
- City Market
- Family Food Stores
- Foodland
- Food Lion
- Friendly Foods
- Harris Teeter
- Hometown Foods
- Jubilee Foods
- Kroger
- Market Basket
- Piggly Wiggly
- Publix
- Safeway
- Sam’s Club
- Kroger
- Walgreen
- CVS
- Speedway
- Rite Aid
- All Stores
- Dollar Tree
Conclusion
The implementation of EBT or SNAP provides nutritional benefits to low-income families and individuals through EBT cards in America. However, not all retailers, grocery chains or food delivery services are authorized to accept food stamps or EBT. Gopuff offers exceptional services and delivers items to customers’ doorsteps within minutes. It is one of the most cost-effective and convenient options compared to its competitors. Even though the platform has incorporated different payment options for its delivery services EBT payments are unavailable. You cannot purchase any food with your EBT at Gopuff. For customers with valid EBT cards, this guide examines the alternate delivery services where EBT payments can be accepted.
We hope this article has been informative enough to give you all the details you need regarding Gopuff and EBT. You can learn more about the government grants and financial assistance program at the Get Government Grants’ blog section today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Retailers Accept EBT Cards For Food Delivery Services?
Yes there are major grocery stores and retailers that accept EBT or SNAP benefits in selected states to offer food delivery services such as Walmart, Amazon, ALDI, BJ’s Wholesale, Food Lion, Kroger, Publix ShopRite, Safeway, Albertson etc.
Why Doesn’t Gopuff Accept SNAP/ EBT?
Gopuff doesn’t accept SNAP or EBT benefits from SNAP recipients since the food delivery company does not have legal permission to process EBT payments. They provide non-essential items like electronics, cleaning materials, medicines, alcohol etc. Only delivery services that are listed under essential services can process EBT payments.
Where Is EBT Accepted?
There are many grocery store chains and major retailers in selected states in America that are accepting EBT cards as a method of payment. Those retailers include Amazon, Target and Walmart. In addition, a lot of convenience stores, pharmacies, farmers markets and gas stations are also accepting EBT for eligible SNAP products.