Does Safeway Take EBT SNAP,or Food Stamps Payment? – Food insecurity has increased rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The nation’s largest network of food banks, Feeding America, has seen a 50% increase in food assistance with nearly one in every five adults reporting that they sought help from food assistance programs due to the pandemic’s economic situation. As per data by USDA nearly 40 million Americans are now enrolled in SNAP or food stamps.
Safeway is a big supermarket chain with nearly 900 shopping centers located throughout the United States of America. Being one of the largest and most popular grocery retail chains, a lot of SNAP recipients wonder whether Safeway accepts EBT or food stamps as a method of payment. Fortunately, Safeway accepts EBT or food stamps in all of its store locations throughout America. However, Safeway does not accept food stamps or EBT payments online as this option is available in the designated state that is participating in the USDA SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot Program. This guide will provide an overview of Safeway, EBT and other pertaining details.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Safeway accepts EBT/SNAP in all physical stores nationwide for in-store purchases.
- Safeway accepts EBT/SNAP online for pickup and delivery in select states participating in the USDA SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot Program.
- You can use EBT to purchase SNAP-eligible food items at Safeway.
- Non-SNAP items require a separate payment method.
- In-store: Separate SNAP-eligible items from non-SNAP items at checkout. Swipe or insert your EBT card and enter your PIN. Choose the amount to pay with SNAP benefits.
- Online: Add SNAP-eligible groceries to your cart on Safeway’s website. Enter your EBT card information and a separate payment method for non-SNAP items and fees.
A lot of SNAP recipients wonder: Does H Mart Accept Food Stamp or EBT? Find the answers in our next guide.
Overview Of EBT/ SNAP Program
EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer and refers to an electronic system that enables the federal government to provide food assistance to low-income individuals and families who have enrolled in the following initiatives: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance For Needy Families Program, and Special Nutrition Assistance Program For Women, Infants and Children Program.
As per Pew Research Center reports in April 2023 around 41.9 million Americans in 22.2 million households were eligible for SNAP EBT program which account for 12.5% of the entire U.S population. The card works similarly to a debit card and gets loaded with funds every month for the recipients to buy eligible food at authorized retail stores like Safeway.
What Is Safeway?
Safeway is an American supermarket chain that is operating today as a banner of the Albertsons company and is one of the largest drug and food retailers in the United States of America.
The company has a strong local presence and national scale as it operates over 9000 stores nationwide in 35 states including the District of Columbia. The supermarket chain is popular for selling food, grocery items, general merchandise and a variety of speciality departments.
Safeway is committed to helping individuals across the country live better lifestyles by making significant differences neighborhood by neighborhood. The acceptance of EBT as a method of payment has made it one of the most common and preferred store locations among SNAP recipients who can shop for eligible SNAP items in-store as well as online grocery shopping at most locations.
Does Safeway Accept EBT for In-Store Purchases?
Yes, Safeway accepts EBT or SNAP benefits as a means of payment from SNAP beneficiaries in all its store locations. There are many Safeway store locations spread throughout the country and you can easily find a local store near you using the online locator. At the respective Safeway location you can pick up the food, groceries, and convenience items and pay for them using your EBT card.
However, you need to follow some guidelines when it comes to purchasing goods at Safeway using your EBT. For instance, you cannot use your debit card to buy gas or non-edible items like pet food, gas, non-food items, hot food, vitamins, supplements, prepaid food like beverages, coffee etc.
Read also: Does Wawa Accept SNAP, EBT, or Food Stamps?
Does Safeway Accept EBT Online?
Safeway is one of the United States retailers that has been approved by the Department of Agriculture to accept EBT or SNAP benefits online from SNAP beneficiaries. The USDA selected Safeway as one of the eight grocery retailers for the initial launch of the SNAP Online Pilot Program in January 2017.
The Online Purchasing Pilot is a digital purchasing choice for EBT recipients so that they can make SNAP transactions at authorized grocery stores as a part of the overall SNAP program. Only a few states are participating in this program as it is a voluntary initiative with no compulsion and SNAP leaves it to individual states to enroll in the Online EBT Purchasing Pilot Program and so many states have not yet enrolled in this initiative.
Safeway accepts EBT online in nearly 17 states including Washington D.C for online delivery and pick up. While few Safeway stores have intentionally not applied for the Online Purchasing Pilot Program, few states are not accepted by their state as it is disadvantageous for them.
What Are The Other Initiatives That Safeway Is Participating In To Address Food Insecurity?
The national supermarket chain Safeway is participating in various initiatives to address food insecurity in America. Apart from accepting EBT payments, Safeway is also partnering with the Washington Department of Health (WDOH) on its two other programs in Washington state- the Produce Match and Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program.
Fruit And Vegetable Prescription Program
The Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program is being piloted statewide in Washington and aims to address food insecurity. As per WDOH Washington residents redeemed nearly $1 million in fruit and vegetable vouchers between 2016 and 2020. The program has partnered with Public Health Organizations and healthcare institutions to provide patients with fruit and vegetable vouchers that they can use at participating retail locations like Safeway.
SNAP Produce Match
Safeway is also participating in the SNAP Produce Match Program by collaborating with WDOH to enable shoppers who are buying $10 of produce using EBT funds to get a voucher of $5 for additional produce. As per the WHO report nearly 75,000 SNAP recipients have received produce-matched dollars. The report states for every $1 spent on incentives in retail or grocery stores such as the produce match program $2.70 is contributed to the economy of Washington.
Being a participating retailer in Washington’s
Produce Match and Fruit And Vegetable Subscription Program Safeway ensures delivery of healthy and affordable food items for food-insecure households in America. Patients who are food insecure or at risk of developing any chronic health condition are eligible to get assistance with these vouchers. Food insecure patients get these vouchers to eliminate poor health outcomes and chronic illness.
A lot of SNAP recipients wonder: Does H Mart Accept Food Stamp or EBT? Find the answers in our next guide.
In Which States Can You Use Your EBT Online At Safeway?
There are 17 states including the District of Columbia where SNAP is enabling recipients to use their EBT card to purchase SNAP-eligible goods online for delivery and pick up. These states are as follows:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Maryland
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wyoming
If you are receiving SNAP or EBT benefits currently then you can purchase eligible food or groceries online with the help of EBT funds from Safeway for both delivery or pickup options. The delivery service is provided in partnership with Instacart. You can use the card to purchase only SNAP-eligible grocery items so you can add a debit or credit card to pay for the non-edible items.
What Can You Purchase At Safeway Using Your EBT Card?
EBT cards generally cover the cost of necessary goods and essential groceries that comprise nutritional value. Following is a list of EBT-eligible goods that are available on EBT food packages and different Safeway stores.
- 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 SNAP benefits.
- Seeds and Plants: SNAP participants can purchase plants and seeds to grow their produce.
- Energy drinks: Specific energy drinks are allowed for purchase using an EBT card.
What Can’t You Purchase At Safeway With Your EBT Card?
There are some restrictions or guidelines placed on the items that you can purchase using your EBT card at Safeway stores. Following are the products that are prohibited from purchasing using EBT funds.
- Alcohol and Tobacco: EBT funds cannot be used to buy alcoholic beverages like wine, liquor, beer, cigarettes and any other tobacco products
- Household Supplies: This includes non-food items like paper goods and cleaning products
- Pet Supplies: This includes pet food, bedding and toys
- Health and Beauty: This includes cosmetics, medications, vitamins, hygiene products and supplements
- Hot Prepared Food: This includes food items that are ready for immediate consumption such as hot prepared meals and food from restaurants.
- Live animals (except fish and shellfish).
If your order at Safeway includes both approved and non-approved SNAP items then it is advisable to use two different payment sources.
Using EBT/ SNAP For Ineligible Food Items
Individuals who have managed to use their EBT cards for unapproved purchases have to face some consequences. Following are the situations that may happen to you if you violate SNAP guidelines and purchase any unapproved items using Snap funds:
- A three-month ban for the first unapproved purchase
- A one-year ban for the second SNAP unapproved purchase
- A two-year ban for the third unapproved SNAP purchase.
How To Use Your EBT Card At Safeway For In-Store Purchase?
SNAP recipients who want to shop at Safeway physical store using their EBT card have to follow the below-mentioned steps:
- Whenever you reach an operator register separate your EBT-eligible and non-eligible products while loading the checkout
- Swipe or insert your EBT card at the point of sale and enter your 4-digit PIN
- Inform the cashier at Safeway of the particular amount either cash or SNAP from which you want to charge your order.
- Re-enter your 4-digit PIN on the point of sale keypad to confirm if the charges you have placed are correct
- In some cases a manager or supervisor will require you to provide photo identification to verify that the EBT you want to pay with is in your name.
The purchase total will be deducted from your cash or SNAP account as per your directions. It is always advisable to keep the receipt during your shopping to prevent missed charges and see the latest EBT account balance. Before making any eligible purchase at Safeway with your SNAP/ EBT card make sure the card comprises adequate funds to complete the transaction. You need to segregate the non-EBT funds from the EBT-eligible food items and use another payment method to cover the product costs that are not covered by EBT.
Can You Add Your Ebt To Apple Pay? Find the answer in our next guide.
How To Use EBT Online At Safeway?
You can use your EBT card on the official website of Safeway for online delivery or curbside pickup through Instacart.
-
Sign Up
Sign into your Safeway account or create an account online. For a new account enter your name, email address and contact details. Next, click on your store option from the navigation bar.
Select all Safeway locations and search through zip code. Select the option under additional services to narrow down your choice. The store that you select will be linked to your account.
-
Shop For EBT Eligible Items
On creating an account or signing in with your Safeway online account you can proceed to shop for grocery items online. To add items to your card select the ‘Add’ button under the product you want to buy.
Once done shopping click on the cart icon in the upper right corner of the page, review the item and check out. For delivery, update your address if required and for pickup schedule a pickup time as per your convenience.
-
Enter Your EBT Information
Enter the 16-digit EBT card number and add a second payment type like a credit card for your non-EBT eligible items and fees. Once completed, place the order and get an order confirmation with the details of the items that you have ordered. You cannot use your EBT card to pay any delivery fees or charges.
What Are The Other Forms Of Payment That Safeway Accepts?
Safeway customers can make online purchases with more than one method of payment. To purchase non-SNAP eligible items you have to use another payment method. Safeway accepts the following sources of payment in addition to EBT cards:
- Visa
- MasterCard
- American Express credit cards
- Other bank-issued debit cards.
Safeway is not currently accepting Safeway Gift Cards, personal checks, cash, Safeway Pay or other charge accounts for online orders. Arizona residents who are using EBT and need an online grocery list due to their disability can contact the customer service of Safeway at 877-505-4040 for assistance.
List Of Grocery Stores/ Retailers That Accept EBT Payments Online
Besides Safeway, many online retailers are accepting EBT as a method of payment and if you are relying on SNAP benefits to cover your grocery and food needs you can take a look at the following alternatives of Safeway.
Instacart
Instacart is a popular grocery delivery service that operates throughout America and enables customers to order food from their preferred stores and get the groceries delivered to their doorsteps. Instacart takes EBT as a method of payment in a few areas. You must check whether an Instacart is operating in your area and accept EBT as a payment option.
Amazon Fresh
Customers can use their EBT card in select states to pay for SNAP-eligible items on the Amazon Fresh site. Amazon Fresh provides customers with an extensive selection of products and grocery delivery services by accepting EBT payments.
Walmart
Walmart provides a subscription-based membership program known as Walmart Plus that offers a plethora of advantages to its customers including unlimited free delivery on food items. In select states, Walmart Plus accepts EBT as a method of payment for online grocery orders. This enables SNAP beneficiaries to take advantage of the flexibility and convenience of grocery delivery with their EBT benefits.
Target
Similar to 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. You can utilize the SNAP Online Purchasing Program to locate a list of participating grocery stores that accept SNAP benefits or EBT as a method of payment.
Other Grocery Stores That Accept EBT
You can also take a look at the following grocery stores that enable you to use your EBT funds to purchase SNAP-eligible products. These grocery stores are scattered throughout the United States of America.
- 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
- Sam’s Club
- Target
- Amazon
- Instacart
- Kroger
- ALDI
- Walgreen
- CVS
- Rite Aid
- Speedway
- All Stores
- Dollar Tree
Read also: Does Trader Joe’s take EBT
Conclusion
Safeway grocery chain accepts food stamps or EBT at all of its physical store locations throughout the United States of America. However, when it comes to ordering from Safeway online they accept EBT or food stamps in certain states. This scenario is rapidly changing as more states are choosing to enroll in the Online Pilot Purchasing Program. By enrolling in the SNAP Online Purchasing Program nationwide Safeway provides more options for SNAP households to keep track of their EBT funds. It is one of the growing grocery chains that is popular among Americans for its extensive choices, healthy food options and affordable prices. You can use an alternate source of payment as a backup for things that are not covered by your EBT funds.
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 Safeway Accept EBT Cards?
Yes, there are many Safeway stores located throughout the United States of America that accept EBT cards from SNAP beneficiaries and enable them to buy eligible food products and groceries using their EBT funds. Use the SNAP Retail Locator to identify a nearby grocery store that accepts EBT cards and place your zip code to get the directions.
Which Safeway Locations Provide EBT Grocery Delivery And Pick Up?
Safeway provides grocery delivery and pickup options in most of its stores. To know more information visit the store locator page of Safeway and click on the ‘Additional Services’ to find if a store near you is accepting SNAP or EBT funds for online payment.
What Can I Buy At Safeway Using EBT?
SNAP recipients can purchase food stables or products with nutritional facts using their EBT card at Safeway stores throughout the country. This comprises fish, poultry, foods and vegetables, bread, meat, cereals, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, dairy products, plants and seeds to produce food etc.