Does Sheetz Accept EBT Card, Snap or Food Stamps – The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a federal initiative that helps low-income households purchase healthy food and nutritious groceries using their EBT card at authorized stores. One such convenience store that accepts EBT from SNAP beneficiaries is Sheetz Inc. The best part about shopping with Sheetz is that they have been serving customers 24/7 since 1980.
You can find a wide array of products here like made-to-order food, coffee, prepared food, beer, wine, motor vehicle fuel etc. Considering the quality of food available at Sheetz a lot of people consider cheesy seafood,meat and other groceries from Sheetz. This comprehensive guide will throw light on how you can use your EBT card at Sheetz and what are the best EBT-eligible items you can shop for at Sheetz using your SNAP funds.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Sheetz accepts EBT cards for approved SNAP purchases.
- Eligible items include fruits, veggies, meat, dairy, and bread.
- Hot food, tobacco, and alcohol are not allowed with EBT.
- You cannot use EBT online at Sheetz, only for in-store purchases.
- Check your state’s SNAP eligibility guidelines before using EBT at Sheetz.
What Is The EBT SNAP Initiative?
The Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is an electronic system of making payments so that beneficiaries of government food assistance programs like SNAP can pay for their food and groceries. Once accepted into the EBT initiative households receive a particular amount of benefits each month that they can use at authorized retail shops and stores. Using an EBT card is similar to using any debit or credit card.
You have to use a four-digit PIN to confirm the purchase of eligible food items. EBT cards are an easy and secure form to purchase groceries for low-income households. It is critical to note that the EBT card comes with USDA rules and regulations regarding the type of food that you can buy with the card.
You can also read: Does Gordon Food Service Store Take SNAP or EBT Cards?
What Is Sheetz?
Sheetz is a popular name when it comes to looking for gas stations, truck shops, fast food restaurants and convenience stores. Founded in 1952 this American chain of convenience stores and coffee shops is a family-run business that serves beverages, custom food, and convenience store items throughout the country. Nearly all of its locations sell gasoline, a few locations are truck stops including laundromats and showers.
Headquarter in Altoona PA Sheetz operate 700+ stores in the following states:
- Central and western Pennsylvania
- Maryland
- West Virginia
- Ohio Virginia
- North Carolina and plans to expand soon in Michigan.
With 25,000 employees as of fiscal year 2023 Sheetz is committed to serving customers with high-quality products and providing them with the best experience. It has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 best companies to work for. Sheetz serves everything from freshly baked goods to made-to-order salads and even discount cigarettes.
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What Are The Eligible Things That You Can Buy At Sheetz With Your SNAP/ EBT Card?
You can purchase the following eligible items at Sheetz with the help of your SNAP EBT card.
- Bread and cereals: This includes all types of bread, crackers, cereals, pasta, oatmeal and rice.
- Meat, poultry and fish: This comprises all forms of meat such as pork, beef, turkey, chicken, fish and lamb
- Live Lobsters and Seafood: You can use your SNAP benefits to purchase live seafood such as lobsters, clams, and shrimp including live fish removed from the water.
- Milk and Dairy Products: This includes all types of milk, yogurt, cheese and butter
- Fruits and vegetables: All types of fresh, canned or frozen fruits and vegetables are allowed for EBT purchase.
- Plant, seeds and seedlings: You can use your food stamp benefits to pick up plants, seeds or seedlings that can help you produce fruits, vegetables or herbs at your home.
- Protein powders, shakes and bars: You can purchase meal replacement shakes, protein powders, bars or any other shakes that come with a Nutrition Facts label instead of a Supplements Facts label
- Baby Formula: You can use SNAP benefits to purchase infant formula including cereals, baby food and juices to feed your baby.
- Snack items: This includes bakery cakes, chips, cheese, crackers, and gift baskets comprising eligible food items.
- Cold drinks and beverages: While, you cannot purchase hot coffee, teas or lettuce using your SNAP benefits card. You can purchase brew-it-yourself tea and coffee using SNAP Benefits including cold beverages like cold drinks, fountain drinks, smoothies, and iced coffees that are intended for human consumption.
- Purchase Food Online: SNAP recipients can use their EBT card to purchase eligible items from approved retailers in their state. This applies to the state that participates in the Online Purchasing Pilot Program however you cannot use the benefits to pay for fees for shipping or delivery costs.
The USDA has expanded the SNAP benefits in the form of an initiative known as the Restaurant Meals Program and depending on your eligibility and place of location a few RMP-approved restaurants and fast food chains can allow you to buy hot prepared food in specific states or counties.
The following is the list of states that are participating in RMP and these states allow few authorized restaurants to accept EBT benefits for hot prepared food.
- Arizona
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Rhode Island
- California
- Illinois counties like Dewitt, Franklin and Cook.
SNAP recipients also look for: Can You Use EBT At McDonald’s?
What Are The Things That You Cannot Buy With Your EBT Card At Sheetz?
Your EBT card doesn’t allow you to purchase the following items at any gas station, grocery store or convenience store including Sheetz.
- Vitamins, Medicines and Supplements: Any item that comprises the Supplement Facts Label is a supplement and cannot be purchased with EBT or SNAP benefits. You cannot buy vitamins, medicines and supplements with your EBT card.
- Tobacco and Alcohol Products: This includes beer, wine, tobacco, cigarettes, liquor, low-alcohol beers labeled as liquor-filled chocolates, non-alcoholic, Alcoholic wine, e-liquid for electronic cigarettes etc. However, you can use the EBT card to purchase wine vinegar, wine, and vanilla extract as they can be used for cooking ingredients.
- Hot Food. This includes hot cocoa, chili stew, prepared meats or any restaurant meals.
- Live Animals. You cannot purchase live animals using your EBT card however there are exceptions such as live shellfish, live fish removed from water, animals slaughtered before pickup from the store etc.
- Non-Edible Items: This includes cleaning supplies, pet food, cosmetics, hygiene items, cooking utensils etc.
If somehow you manage to make an unapproved SNAP purchase you have to face severe consequences such as permanent termination of your food stamp benefits. Following is the list of penalties that you may face if you make any unapproved purchase with SNAP funds.
- The first unapproved SNAP purchase can result in a three-month SNAP benefits ban
- The second unapproved SNAP purchase can result in a one-year ban on food stamp benefits
- The third unapproved SNAP purchase will result in a two-year ban on your EBT benefits.
In case your purchase includes both EBT-approved and non-approved items then it is recommended to use an alternate source of payment like cash, credit or debit card and make two different purchases at the register.
Read also: Does Stater Bros. Take EBT Cards?
How To Use Your EBT Card At Sheetz?
SNAP recipients can use their Electronic Benefits Transfer at Sheetz in the same way as they purchase groceries in any other food market or grocery chain with the help of a debit or credit card.
In the below section, we have covered the following points that will help you to navigate the process of shopping for eligible food at Sheetz.
- Inform the cashier at Sheetz that you will be using your debit card and he or she will notify you how to place your swipe your EBT card through the machine
- The next step is to insert or swipe your EBT card at the point of sale and enter the four-digit secret PIN.
- Inform the cashier of the particular account either Cash or SNAP from which you want to charge your order and enter your PIN on the point of sale keypad to confirm the charges. Be sure to designate the benefits for eligible groceries and food benefits since the benefits will not be returned once used.
- In some places the supervisor or manager of the store will require you to provide valid identification to verify the Electronic Benefits Transfer Card is in your name to pay for the goods. Once approved the cost of the purchase will be deducted from your SNAP or Cash account.
At most grocery stores similar to Sheetz, cashiers would know that you are using your EBT card to pay for the groceries since the machine tells you the type of card that you are using. However, in small grocery stores, you need to inform your cashier that you will be using your EBT before swiping the card.
Can I Use My EBT Card Online At Sheetz?
No, you cannot use your EBT card or food stamp benefits online to pay for any eligible food item at Sheetz. Moreover, you cannot use your ent6 card at Sheetz for grocery delivery or curbside pickup. Similar to Trader Joe’s, Sheetz allows SNAP recipients to use their food stamp benefits for in-store purchases only.
Read also: What can you Shop Online With EBT?
How To Get An EBT Card To Use That Sheetz?
In this section, we will cover how you can apply for SNAP EBT benefits and get the card to purchase eligible food and groceries at Sheetz or any other convenience store as per your choice.
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Determine Your EBT Eligibility
To apply your EBT benefits at groceries like Sheetz you need to get an EBT card from the state, contact your state SNAP office and learn about the eligibility criteria in terms of household income and assets. To contact your state SNAP office you can visit the USDA Food and Nutrition service online.
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Apply For EBT Benefits
Once eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program you can apply for SNAP benefits by completing the application procedure as required by your state SNAP office.
You can apply in-person, online, by fax or by mail depending on the requirements and guidelines of your state. Your state SNAP office will contact you and interview you to determine whether you are eligible for the program and will provide you with an invitation card after the approval of your application.
Read also: Does Piggly Wiggly Accept Food Stamps, SNAP, or EBT?
What Are The Other Forms Of Payment Accepted At Sheetz?
Apart from SNAP benefits or EBT payment Trader Joe’s accepts a variety of payment options. The different sources of payments come in handy when you purchase items that are not covered by SNAP benefits or EBT cards. You can use these payment forms as a backup for things that are not covered by the SNAP program at Sheetz.
In the below section, we have covered the list of payment forms that are covered by the Sheetz
- Cash
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Sheetz Gift Cards
Recommended: Does Buc-ee’s Accept SNAP, EBT, or Food Stamps?
What Are The Other Stores That Accept SNAP EBT or Food Stamps?
There are many other major convenience chain stores similar to Sheetz that serve specific food and beverage items and accept SNAP benefits or EBT cards as a form of payment.
Instacart
Instacart is an online retailer that participates in the SNAP program and allows customers to use their EBT cards to order groceries online. You can cover the SNAP-eligible food items and groceries using your EBT card but this does not include the delivery and service charges. Grocery stores located in Alaska, Montana and Louisiana are not participating in the EBT program so Instacart does not offer this service here.
Target
Target has accepted EBT payments from SNAP beneficiaries since 2021 after facing competition from Walmart and Amazon. The company is enabling SNAP beneficiaries to use the EBT card both in-store and for online payment. Customers get the ease and convenience of choosing their food items and groceries online however the delivery charges are not covered by an EBT card.
Walmart
Walmart is a popular online platform that allows EBT cardholders to use their food stamp to purchase eligible groceries and food items. You can shop for necessary food in-store or online using your EBT card at Walmart and the online transaction works in 44 U.S. states apart from Alaska, Arkansas, Hawaii, Louisiana and Montana.
Circle K
Nearly 47 states out of 50 United States of America accept EBT payments at authorized Circle K stores. The only three states where Circle K is not accepting EBT payments are Utah, Nebraska and Wisconsin.
Circle K accepts EBT cards or food stamps at any of their store locations however they do not allow online purchases. You can purchase wholesome food like fruits, vegetables, cereals, meat, fruit and any other items from Circle K.
Trader’s Joe
One of the most popular grocery chains for fresh fruits and vegetables, especially gluten-free and vegan options among Americans is Trader Joe’s. Trader Joe’s accepts EBT cards in all their store locations however they do not accept EBT for online delivery services or curbside pickup. You can use Amazon as a third-party delivery service to order food from this retailer.
Recommended: Does Buc-ee’s Accept SNAP, EBT, or Food Stamps?
Additional Stores That Accept EBT Cards
- ALDI
- Associated Food Stores
- Bashas
- Big Y Foods
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Bravo Supermarkets
- Brookshire’s
- City Market
- 99 Ranch
- Acme Markets
- AJ’s Fine Foods
- Albertsons
- Costco
- Dillons Stores
- Fareway Meat & Grocery
- Fine Fare Supermarkets
- Food 4 Less
- Food City
- Food Lion
- Foodtown
- Fred Meyer
- Fry’s Food Stores
- Jewel-Osco
- Jubilee Foods
- King Soopers
- Kings Food Markets
- Kroger
- Lowe’s Grocery
- Meijer
- Piggly Wiggly
- Pick N Save
- Price Chopper
- Publix
- QFC Supermarkets
- Raley’s
- Ralphs
- Safeway
- Stater Bros
- Stop & Shop
- Super 1 Foods
- Superior Grocers
- Tops Markets
- Sam’s Club
- Save Mart
- Schnucks Market
- Shaw’s
- ShopRite
- Smith’s Food and Drug
- Sprouts
- Vons
- Wegmans
- Weis Markets
- Whole Foods
- Giant Eagle
- Giant Food
- Hannaford Supermarkets
- Harris Teeter
- HEB
To find more ebt friendly retailers near you you can use the SNAP Retailer Locator online.
Conclusion
The SNAP EBT initiative has helped millions of Americans fight hunger and alleviate poverty. The authorized store locations of Sheetz allow SNAP beneficiaries to use the Electronic Benefits Transfer Card to purchase eligible items and groceries with the help of their EBT card. However, you cannot pay for the goods online at Sheetz or fund deliveries. Even though all grocery stores accept EBT payments it is a good idea to confirm with your local store and ascertain if they can allow your EBT card for eligible purchases. You can however use your EBT card for in-store purchases only as the retail store does not allow online purchases. Also, do not forget to check the SNAP eligibility guidelines in your state while using your EBT card at Sheetz.
We have journeyed through the realm of EBT at Sheetz and helped you explore the possibilities by shedding light on the acceptance of EBT payments by this retailer. You can learn more about different stores that accept EBT payments by heading to our blogs at the Get Government Grants’.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sheetz Accept EBT For Cold Food?
Yes, you can purchase cold food at Sheetz with the help of your EBT card or food stamp benefits however you cannot buy unapproved purchases like alcohol, hot food, vitamins, medicines, cosmetics or any other non-edible food.
Can I Purchase Gas With My EBT Card?
It is not possible to purchase gas with your EBT card however you can make ATM withdrawal with your EBT card to take cash out of the cash account and use that to buy fuel or gas. It is critical to ensure that you understand the cash withdrawal limits on your EBT account before making any purchase.
Does Sheetz Accept EBT For Online Orders?
Unfortunately, Sheetz does not allow SNAP recipients to use their EBT card for online orders however you can use your EBT card for store purchases. There are major retailers like Walmart, Amazon, Target, DoorDash that are accepting EBT cards for online orders.