Does Shipt Accept EBT, SNAP or Food Stamp Payment – The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a government-funded initiative that assists low-income Americans to afford food. As per the Pew Research Centre in fiscal 2020, nearly 41.9 million Americans received SNAP benefits equivalent to 10.5% of the overall population. If you are enrolled on SNAP then you likely have an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that will help you to access your SNAP benefits.
Those who shop with Shipt and are enrolled in the EBT initiative must be curious to know whether Shipt stores accept EBT as a method of payment or not. Our comprehensive guide will provide an overview of the most common question among SNAP beneficiaries: Do Shipt accept food stamps, SNAP or EBT? We will help you to learn about the Shipt policies on EBT and other food assistance programs.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Shipt does not accept EBT cards for grocery delivery.
- USDA regulations and technical limitations prevent EBT integration.
- Alternative online grocery services like Instacart and Amazon Fresh accept EBT in select areas.
- SNAP recipients can utilize the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot Program to find participating stores.
Overview Of SNAP/ EBT Program
EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer. This is a digital payment system that has been adopted by the United States government to disburse SNAP benefits to low-income individuals and families.
Benefits of the food assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Women Infants and Children Program reach out to eligible recipients in the form of EBT. The card functions similarly to a debit card and enables beneficiaries to buy approved groceries and food items at participating retail outlets. The benefits of SNAP is to alleviate food insecurity and enable poor households to get healthier and nutritious meals.
What Is Shipt?
A popular grocery delivery service that helps customers shop for necessary food items and groceries by offering a user-friendly and convenient platform is known as Shipt. With the growing demand for this online food delivery and grocery service, a lot of customers are unsure whether the company accepts Electronic Benefits Transfer as a means of payment.
Shipt provides flexibility and convenience to customers and helps them save time and avoid the hassle of going to the grocery store and shopping in person. EBT being a government-funded program helps low-income families and individuals purchase food items but Shift accepts various payment methods from customers outside of Ebt.
SNAP recipients who are wondering: Does Winn Dixie Accept Food Stamps or EBT can check our blog post to get relevant answers.
Does Shipt Accept EBT, SNAP or Food Stamps?
Unfortunately no! Shipt does not accept food stamps or EBT as a method of payment. If you are on SNAP and depend on government assistance to pay your food bills then you can use alternate methods to get your groceries. For instance, you can use the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot Program that will enable you to purchase groceries from designated stores online with the help of your EBT card.
You can visit the SNAP official website to find a list of grocery stores that take EBT as a method of payment near you. In case you’re struggling to make ends meet you can turn to food pantries, soup kitchens and other assistance programs to pay for your food.
Why Doesn’t Shipt Accept SNAP Or EBT?
Shipt does not accept EBT as a method of payment since the rule set by USDA prevents the company from participating in SNAP EBT transactions.
Shipt Lacks EBT Payment Integration
The CVV number present on debit and credit cards is missing from Electronic Benefits Transfer card and this makes it unsuitable to transact online payments. USDA is currently working on fixing this problem however until they do many other grocery delivery services like Shipt will not be able to accept EBT from SNAP beneficiaries as a method of payment.
Not All Shipt Retailers Accept EBT or SNAP
Another possible reason why EBT cannot be used on Shipt is that not all retailers who have collaborated with Shift accept SNAP benefits.
The company works with a wide range of retailers and grocery stores but depends on the individual store’s guidelines about whether they accept EBT payments or not. Even if Shipt were to implement EBT payment integration it would be restricted to the retailers that accept EBT benefits.
Note: Shipt accepts different payment methods like debit cards, credit cards, and prepaid cards; however, EBT cards are not supported due to regulatory and technical constraints. The current payment processing system of Shipt is not compatible with EBT transactions as it requires a secure and real-time authorization procedure.
Unlike Shift Wawa Accept SNAP, EBT, or Food Stamps. Know more about the company in our next guide.
What Payment Methods Does Shipt Accept?
Shipt accepts various other payments outside of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. This online retailer as well as delivery service accepts major US debit and credit cards. Customers can also buy and spend shift gift cards.
You can also use e-wallets like Apple Pay, PayPal or Google Pay to pay for your ordered items. In case you face trouble in paying in any one of these acceptable payment methods you can contact the Shipt customer service team for help. A good alternative to Shipt is DoorDash that accepts EBT payments.
Why Doesn’t The Online EBT Purchasing Pilot Include Shipt?
The Online Purchasing Pilot Program by USDA is a digital purchasing choice for SNAP beneficiaries so that they can make EBT transactions with authorized grocery stores as a part of the SNAP EBT program.
A few states are participating in the Online Purchasing Program since it is a voluntary initiative with no compulsion. 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.
Fortunately, a few states are participating in this program and enabling SNAP beneficiaries to order groceries online. Grocery chains are required to apply with the state to become a part of the state’s comprehensive list of online grocery retailers. Only then can it be added to the USDA’s Online Purchasing Pilot database.
Few grocery stores are not accepted by their states while some do not apply intentionally as it seems disadvantageous for them. Shipt would be found automatically ineligible even if they apply for the initiative with the specific states in which they operate. This is because Shipt is not a grocery chain.
Once you know about the store eligibility requirements set by the Online Pilot Purchasing Program you would understand why Shipt does not qualify for the program. Shift has to meet two categories: either have staple food sales or staple food inventory to apply for the online pilot purchasing program. Both these categories do not apply to Shipt so you cannot use your EBT card here.
If you’re interested to know whether Jack in the Box Take EBT or not then head to our guide.
How Much Does Shipt Cost?
Shipt provides a 3 tier membership plan for customers to choose from: the standard membership plan, the plus plan and the premium plan. The plans are priced at $25, $35 and $50 so they are not a cheap membership service.
Customers who go for a premium plan do not have to pay any delivery costs. You also get a chance to pay for your membership plan annually and save a few dollars depending on the plan you choose.
In case your total order exceeds $35 you will not have to pay any delivery fee. This rule remains for everything under $35 unless you become a premium member. According to the Shipt a $5 fee is added to each $35 worth of items that customers order. This is the reason why Shipt is expensive unlike other popular delivery services like Walmart that accept EBT for online grocery shopping.Trader Joe’s is another good alternative of Shipt.
What Food Items Can I Purchase With My EBT Card From Shipt?
Even though Shipt does not accept EBT as a method of payment from SNAP beneficiaries it is always a wise decision to know about the acceptable food items that you can buy from participating grocery stores with the help of your EBT card. The following is the list of items that you can cover with the EBT card from any other grocery store (except Shipt)
- Fruits and vegetables (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- Meat and poultry, like beef, pork, chicken, and other meats
- Grains and bread including pasta, cereals, and tortillas
- Snack items that can fulfill the nutritional standards
- Seeds and plants to produce food
- Canned and packaged goods like soups, meals, and veggies
- Tofu and soy products
- Milk and dairy product
- Legumes and fish
- Non-alcoholic beverages like soft drinks, bottled water, and fruit juices
Following is the list of food items that you cannot purchase with EBT.
- Cigarettes or tobacco products
- Alcoholic beverages like beer, liquor, wine etc.
- Hot food
- Vitamins, supplements and medicines
- Cleaning supplies
- Pet foods
- Hygiene items
- Diapers
- Paper products
- Live animals except (fish, shellfish)
- Cosmetics
If you are fond of Wendy’s food and curious about whether Wendy’s Take EBT or not then head to our next blog to find relevant answers.
Which Grocery Stores Accept EBT As A Method Of Payment?
In the below section, we have covered a list of grocery stores throughout the United States of America that accept EBT as a method of payment.
- 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
- Target
- Amazon
- Instacart
- H Mart
- Kroger
- ALDI
- Walgreen
- CVS
- Rite Aid
- Speedway
- All Stores
- Dollar Tree
This is not the exhaustive list of stores that accept EBT from SNAP beneficiaries and to know more about the comprehensive list in your respective state you can head to the USDA official website.
SNAP recipients also want to know: Does El Pollo Loco Take EBT?
List Of Online Retailers That Directly Accept EBT Payments
As you know Shipt does not accept Electronic Benefits Transfer as a method of payment you can consider opting for other alternative options if you are relying on government-sponsored SNAP benefits for your food and grocery needs. Below are some online retailers that accept EBT payments.
Instacart
Much like Shipt 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.
Unlike Shipt, 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
Another viable option for low-income individuals who depend on EBT benefits for their groceries is 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 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 best benefits. To find out if a Walmart Plus accepts EBT in your state you can visit the official website or contact their customer support.
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.
Those who are on SNAP or food stamps can find plenty of options to get the food or groceries that they need to feed themselves and their family. 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. Irrespective of your financial situation always remember help is available for you in times of your need.
Do you know whether Circle K Take EBT not? If you love shopping with them then learn more details about the company in our next guide.
Alternate Food Assistance Programs And Resources
Food Pantries/ Food Banks
Low-income individuals and households who are struggling to make ends meet can turn to food assistance programs and food pantries. You can locate a food pantry in your local area by visiting the official website of Feeding America or contact the hunger hotline by dialing 1-866-3-HUNGRY
Other Government Funded Programs
Various government-funded initiatives help people pay for their food such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program For Women, Infants and Children, The National School Lunch Program, the Emergency Food Assistance Program etc. For more information about the government food assistance programs, you can visit the official USDA website or contact the customer service hotline by dialing 1-800-221-5689
Do Shipt Plans To Accept EBT In The Future?
Even though the official website of Shipt states that they accept various payment sources like major credit cards, the company apologizes for the inconvenience of not accepting EBT payments from customers.
There are no such plans to accept EBT payments by Shipt in the foreseeable future. SNAP recipients are therefore encouraged to locate alternate grocery delivery sources to make ends meet.
To learn more about the services and methods of payment that Shipt offers you can visit their customer service page. The primary reason why Shipt does not accept EBT is due to the USDA restricting policies. EBT cards lack the CVV number used on debit and credit cards for verifying online payments.
Curious to know whether the Amish Market Take SNAP, EBT, or Food Stamps? Head to our next guide to know more details about it.
Conclusion
For families or individuals who receive SNAP benefits in the form of EBT cards, finding accessible and convenient grocery delivery options can be a big challenge. Shipt currently does not accept EBT as a method of payment for food items or groceries due to USDA regulations however there are alternate options available for low-income individuals who rely on government assistance for meeting their grocery needs. A few services like Amazon Fresh and Instacart are accepted in a few areas while local grocery stores provide delivery services that accommodate SNAP or EBT payments. Those who are looking to get food and grocery delivery from Shipt must use an alternate source of payment.
We hope this article has been informative enough to give you all the details you need regarding EBT and Shipt. You can learn more about: Does KFC Take EBT? at our Get Government Grants’ blog section today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Get My Groceries If I Am On Food Stamps?
There are various ways to get your necessary groceries and food items. If you’re on SNAP or food stamps you can utilize the SNAP online purchasing program that enables you to purchase groceries from designated stores online with the help of your EBT card. You can also find a list of grocery stores that take EBT near you.
Does Shipt Accept EBT?
As of now Shipt does not take EBT as a method of payment from customers for its grocery delivery services. This is because EBT transactions need a secure and real-time authorization process that is incompatible with the current payment processing system of Shipt.
Can I Use My EBT Card For Paying Delivery Fees On Shipt?
No, unfortunately, food stamp cards can’t be used to cover delivery fees on Shipt. Customers have to use alternative payment systems like debit or credit cards to pay for the delivery services. Shipt customers have to use a separate form of payment to pay for the groceries and associated delivery fees.
Can I Use Target App To Pay With Food Stamps/ EBT On Shipt Orders?
The Target App currently does not support SNAP EBT payments for Shipt orders. Even though Target owns Shipt and provides multiple services through its application like in-store and curbside pickup, EBT is not integrated into the system to facilitate online grocery delivery. So customers have to use a debit or credit card to complete Shipt orders while accessing service through the Target app.
