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Does LIDL Accept EBT Card, Snap Or Food Stamp Payment – Looking to use your EBT card at Lidl? We’ve got you covered. Learn everything you need to know about Lidl’s EBT policy and how to shop there with your SNAP benefits. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is the largest hunger safety net program in the US and nearly 2,48,000 retailers throughout the country are participating in the food assistance program. More than 80% of EBT benefits nationwide are used at large retailers and you can find them by visiting the SNAP Retailer Locator tool online.
One such grocery store that accepts EBT is the German retail chain LIDL which has made a significant presence in the United States. Even though it is popular in Europe it has been expanding its reach in America since 2017 and provides an inconvenient shopping experience to its customers. A lot of SNAP recipients are curious to know whether this discount grocery store accepts EBT as a method of payment or not. This guide will help you delve into pertaining details about LIDL and EBT.
Key Takeaways
- Lidl accepts EBT cards at all US stores for SNAP-eligible groceries.
- Self-service registers don’t accept EBT. Use cashier-operated checkout lanes.
- Lidl doesn’t accept EBT for online grocery purchases.
- EBT cardholders can return most EBT-purchased items within Lidl’s return window.
What Is The SNAP EBT Program?
The Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is a form of government assistance program that was created during the early 2000s as a part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program. EBT has different names in different states throughout America.
This electronic system enables SNAP recipients to use a card loaded with credits for buying food items and groceries online and offline. EBT is available in all U.S. states including Puerto Rico, District of Columbia, Guam, and the Virgin Island. It is critical to note that EBT cardholders can use the card for purchasing SNAP-eligible items only like fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, fish poultry, cereals, bread, snack items etc.
What is LIDL?
LIDL refers to a discount chain of grocery stores that was based in Germany but soon spread throughout America and Europe. As per its official website LIDL has approximately 11,000 store locations across the globe. The mission of LIDL is to provide the highest quality food items to all its customers at the lowest possible price.
Also Read : Does Wegmans Take EBT Card, SNAP or Food Stamp
A lot of Americans have not yet heard of LIDL until recently this chain operated 105,00 stores only in Europe. However, between 2017 to 2018, the discount grocery store operated approximately 61 stores in the following states:
- New York
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Delaware
- Maryland
- Virginia
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
What Are The Benefits Of Shopping With LIDL?
Grocery shopping at LIDL in the United States is an experience in itself. Let’s take a look at the following benefits of shopping with LIDL.
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Helps Customers To Narrow Down Their Choice
While grocery stores generally provide dozens of aisles with different brands, sizes, flavors and products, LIDL itself helps customers narrow down their choices for each item.
Here you can find two products to choose from: a leading expensive brand and an inexpensive replacement. With less bulk, LIDL provides a different setup compared to a typical American grocery store.
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Amazing Discounts
Similar to ALDI, LIDL is a brand in itself and provides high-quality products at affordable rates. It is also deemed to be a cross between Walmart and Trader Joe’s. As per Business Insider and provides the best of both worlds.
The store provides an array of items without any synthetic colors, added MSG and trans fats to break the budget. LIDL is popular for its cheeses, high-quality floral arrangements and certifiably sustained seafood.
Also Read : Does Gopuff Take EBT Snap Or Food Stamps Card
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In-Store Purchase And Order Free Delivery
LIDL provides an online delivery option to avoid in-store purchase from your busy schedule. You can join the LIDL free membership program known as myLIDL and take advantage of its free delivery option. The free delivery option comes for orders that are more than $35 which Shipt.
LIDL has a host of condiments, seasoning, sauces and many other options to choose from. The company takes pride in providing organic, certified humane, grass-fed and non-GMO groceries. This comprises sustainable proteins, earth-friendly products, fair trade coffee and chocolate, true source certified honey, ripe red tomatoes, seafood, fresh from the orchard apples, meat and even vegan options.
Can You Add Your Ebt To Apple Pay? Find the answer in our next guide.
Does LIDL Accept Food Stamps or EBT?
LIDL accepts EBT cards or food stamps at all its store locations in the United States of America. Similar to any other grocery chain or outlet you can use your EBT card to cover any food item with standard exceptions. However, the self-service registers are the only place where SNAP beneficiaries cannot use their EBT card or food stamps within a LIDL grocery store. You have to use the card at registers with the right card scanners and a cashier.
For self-service, you need to use another payment method. SNAP recipients use their EBT card for purchasing nutritious groceries, vegetables, meat, juice, canned juice,
cereals and other necessary products. LIDL is not only popular for providing healthy choices to customers but also for its affordable prices and its commitment to offer high quality goods.
Also Read : Does Safeway Take EBT SNAP,or Food Stamps Payment?
Does LIDL Accept EBT or Food Stamp Benefits Online?
Unfortunately, LIDL does not accept EBT payments or food stamp benefits from SNAP beneficiaries through their online marketplace. To purchase groceries and necessary food items from LIDL online you need to use a third-party app and use an alternate source of payment outside EBT for instance a debit or credit card.
It is not one of the major grocery retail supermarket chains in the United States of America and most of the residents do not know what LIDL is. LIDL is not participating in the Online SNAP Pilot Program so you cannot purchase eligible foods using food stamp benefits. You cannot cover the expense of food or order online using your EBT card. To use your EBT card from the LIDL store you need to purchase groceries at the physical store while checking out.
A lot of SNAP recipients wonder: Does H Mart Accept Food Stamp or EBT? Find the answers in our next guide.
How To Use SNAP/ EBT Benefits At LIDL Stores?
Using an Electronic Benefits Transfer card at any LIDL grocery store is the same as using a debit or credit card at any grocery store of your choice. You just have to use the EBT card on SNAP-approved items in your state as you shop in other grocery stores. LIDL stores have tags on the groceries and food that are EBT-approved and this will help you to shop without much confusion.
The approved items that can be covered using EBT include anything except hot prepared foods. This includes meal deals, rotisserie, hot foods, sandwiches or anything sold in fast food establishments or traditional restaurant food stops. You can only buy seafood, deli meats and bread in the bakery and deli foods.
EBT cardholders can use food stamps to purchase necessary food items at LIDL stores in the following ways:
- First proceed to the checkout counter
- Swipe or insert your EBT card at the counter on LIDL payment terminals and enter your 4-digit PIN just like you enter any other debit card
- The LIDL system will deduct the EBT balance for the SNAP food items and the cashier will process your transaction.
In case you have purchased any items at the LIDL store that are not approved then you have to use an alternative payment source like cash, debit or credit card.
What Are The Acceptable Items That You Can Purchase With Your EBT Card At LIDL?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a federal initiative that allows low-income families to get government assistance so that they can feed their families. Earlier recipients used food stamps to pay for their food bills but today, the reloadable EBT cards are used instead of food stamps.
The USDA manages SNAP at the state level so the rules and regulations to buy food using the card may differ from one place to another. You need to check with the appropriate agency in your state to learn how the program works.
As per the official USDA website EBT card generally covers the cost of necessary groceries with nutritional values such as 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.
- Seeds and Plants: SNAP participants can purchase plants and seeds using their EBT to produce food at home
- Energy drinks: Specific energy drinks are allowed for purchase using an EBT card.
Read also: What can you Shop Online With EBT?
What Cannot Be Covered With Your EBT At LIDL?
Similar to major grocery retail chains few items cannot be covered with an EBT card for instance the following:
- Alcoholic beverages like beer, wine liquor
- Vitamins, drugs, or supplements
- Hygiene items
- Paper products for instance toilet paper and paper towels
- Hot prepared food
- Cleaning supplies
- Live animals like crabs, lobster, and fresh fish out of the aquarium
The aforementioned items have no nutritional value assigned to them and this is the reason they are deemed ineligible as per SNAP rules. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is an affordable way for low-income families to meet their dietary needs and alleviate hunger.
Using EBT Card For Unapproved Items
EBT beneficiaries who get caught using their food stamps benefits for items that are not eligible have to face serious consequences. As you know SNAP guidelines require customers to purchase eligible food items only so the transaction will not push even if you attempt to use the card at LIDL to buy SNAP unapproved items.
Repeated attempts to use the EBT card for unapproved purchases will result in SNAP benefit termination or suspension. For vendors it is critical to note that the fraudulent activity related to EBT benefits or food stamps of $100 and above are considered a felony in the US and can result in prison time. You may face the following consequences for buying unapproved food items:
- A three-month ban for the first unapproved SNAP purchase
- A year ban for the second unapproved purchase
- A two-year ban for the third unapproved SNAP purchase.
Recommended: Does Wawa Accept SNAP, EBT, or Food Stamps?
What Other Payment Methods Does LIDL Accept?
Apart from accepting EBT benefits as a method of payment in all its physical stores, LIDL also accepts other payment forms to provide more convenience and flexibility to all its customers. The difference in payment comes in handy if you wish to buy any item that is not covered by your EBT or SNAP benefits. You can use the payment form as a backup for things that are not covered by the SNAP program.
Let’s take a look at the following payment methods that LIDL accepts from its customers outside of EBT:
- MasterCard
- Visa
- Discover
- American Express
- Cash
Note: LIDL is currently not accepting cheques or WIC as a method of payment in any of its store locations.
Alternate Platforms That Accept Food Stamps/ EBT Payments
Amazon
Those who are looking for food service companies that accept EBT in Kentucky can go for Amazon Fresh. Amazon.com and Amazon Fresh accept EBT cards and you can buy a wide variety of products from them. The company started accepting the EBT method of payment back in 2019.
ALDI
One of the biggest grocery chains in America, ALDI is already accepting EBT payments from customers. As with any other grocery chain, ALDI users who qualify for SNAP benefits can use the EBT card to buy groceries and food items at participating locations.
Thanks to ALDI’s partnership with Instacart for same-day grocery delivery or curbside pickup in 29 U.S. states and Washington DC. It is important to note that the Instacart services including the delivery payments will be charged separately and you cannot cover them with EBT benefits.
Target
Like Amazon, Target accepts EBT payments. They have been allowing customers to use EBT cards for payment since 2022. Customers get the convenience to choose their desired food and grocery items online.
Walmart
Walmart is one of the most popular retailers in the United States of America that accepts EBT payments in 44 states. Walmart provides an affordable and convenient place for SNAP recipients to pay for their eligible food and groceries at checkout or online pickup.
Walmart brand has been a pioneer in accepting food stamp benefits as payment for food items from its stores. Almost all Walmart stores throughout the country enable SNAP beneficiaries to access healthy and nutritious food by enrolling in the EBT program.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s is one of the most popular go-to for fresh fruits, vegetables, vegan, gluten-free and organic food options for customers in America. There are many grocery store chains throughout the nation that are willing to accept EBT cards from customers and one of them is Trader Joe’s which accepts EBT or food stamp cards.
All locations of Trader Joe’s stores accept EBT payment. 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.
DoorDash
DoorDash is one of the latest app-based delivery services from where you can order food and get it delivered to your doorstep. Currently, DoorDash is available across the 50 U.S. states.
DoorDash accepts EBT as a method of payment. The popular food delivery service has become part of other online retailers like Amazon Fresh and Instacart to accept EBT payments.
Other Grocery Stores
- 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
- Market Basket
- Piggly Wiggly
- Publix
- Safeway
- Sam’s Club
- Amazon
- Instacart
- Kroger
- Walgreen
- CVS
- Rite Aid
- Speedway
- All Stores
- Dollar Tree
Low-income Americans who qualify for SNAP have no shortage of groceries to choose from. There are major grocery chains that accept SNAP payments. Thanks to the expanded Online Purchasing Pilot Program run by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Distribution services, most of the states including the District of Columbia enable EBT cardholders to pay for online orders. As of March 2022, only Montana and Alaska are not enrolled in the pilot program.
Conclusion
The German retail Chain LIDL is making its move to the United States of America and caters to all customers including those who have enrolled in the SNAP EBT program. Low-income households who depend on government assistance programs to purchase necessary groceries and food will find LIDL a good option to shop for using their EBT card. The process to buy SNAP-eligible food items at LIDL with your EBT is a simple process. Also understanding the policies and consequences of using EBT cards for unapproved items is critical so that you can enjoy the benefits in the long run without any problem. You can also take a look at the alternate grocery stores and retailers that accept EBT payments mentioned in the above section of the article.
EBT recipients can benefit from different resources and support programs that are available throughout the United States of America. You can discover Does UberEats Take Ebt by visiting the Get Government Grants’ section today and exploring our comprehensive blogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does LIDL Accept EBT Cards?
There are many LIDL stores scattered throughout the United States of America. These stores allow EBT cardholders to use SNAP funds to purchase eligible food items. You can also use the SNAP Retail Locator to find a nearby grocery store that accepts EBT cards, fill in your address or zip code and tap on the map to find more details and direction to the rice retailers in that location.
Can I Use My EBT Card For Online Purchases at LIDL?
Unfortunately, no! LIDL is not participating in the Online Purchasing Pilot Program so you cannot use your Electronic Benefits Transfer card to purchase any other goods online. To purchase navigable items using your EBT card at LIDL you have to make physical in-store purchases.
What Is The Return Policy At LIDL Regarding Items Covered Under EBT Card?
EBT customers can return almost all items that they have purchased from LIDL using their EBT card within a stipulated period. In case you’re not satisfied with any item that you have purchased from LIDL you need to bring it to the physical store along with the receipt for an exchange or get a full refund.
