Does Starbucks Take EBT Cards, SNAP or Food Stamps – Coffee is an integral part of our day-to-day routine. There are many coffee chains located throughout the United States of America and one such chain that we all are familiar with is Starbucks. This coffee joint is present at every corner from rest shops and bookstores to the local downtown. A lot of SNAP recipients are curious to know whether they can use their EBT or SNAP benefits at this coffee chain.
The answer is a bit complicated depending on whether you are purchasing coffee from a standalone Starbucks or a licensed store. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with definite answers and explain the difference between the two operations based on which you can use your EBT or food stamps.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Standalone Starbucks locations do not accept EBT.
- Some licensed Starbucks cafes inside grocery stores may accept EBT, but only for cold food and drinks.
- You can use your EBT card at Starbucks in participating states with the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), but Starbucks doesn’t participate in RMP.
- Check if your local Starbucks is licensed and accepts EBT before heading out.
What Is Starbucks?
Starbucks is a popular American multinational chain of coffee houses as well as roastery reserves. Headquartered in Seattle WA and founded in 1971 Starbucks today is one of the largest coffee shops across the globe. There are nearly 16,000 Starbucks stores throughout the United States of America with approximately 6000 being licensed shops and 9000 being company-operated stores.
Starbucks’s menu goes beyond just an average cup of coffee. The store serves hot as well as cold beverages, bakery items, breakfast food, Frappuccino-type drinks and so on. As of November 2022, the chain had 35,711 locations in 80 countries among which 15,873 are located in America.
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Nearly 8900 Starbucks USA stores are company operated when the remaining are licensed. These shops sell a variety of hot and cold drinks, instant coffee, whole bean coffee, espresso, café latte, juices, frappuccino beverages, snacks, pastries, full and loose leaf teas etc.
What Is The Restaurant Meals Program And How Is It Related To Starbucks?
The Restaurant Meals Program refers to a state-run program administered by USDA that enables EBT recipients to purchase prepared meals at participating restaurants using their food stamps or EBT cards. This program has been designed by USDA to benefit certain populations who are unable to shop and prepare food at their household due to disability, old age or homelessness.
To use your EBT benefits at these restaurants it is important to ensure your state is participating in the program and you are visiting an EBT-friendly restaurant. Unfortunately, Starbucks is not enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program so you cannot use your EBT card at any of its store locations.
Presently only six states are enrolled in this program such as
- Arizona
- California
- Illinois
- Michigan
- Maryland
- Rhode Island
To qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program you need to fulfill either of the following conditions.
- Must be 60 years or above in age
- Must be disabled or receiving disability benefits from the government
- Must be a spouse of a SNAP recipient who is also eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program
- Must live in a state that is RMP-approved.
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Does Starbucks Accept Food Stamps or EBT Payments?
The answer is Yes and No depending on whether you are visiting a standalone Starbucks store or a licensed store. This can be a bit complicated for SNAP recipients who are often confused about whether they can use their SNAP benefits at Starbucks.
Do Starbucks accept EBT/SNAP/food stamps?
It depends! This can be confusing for SNAP recipients so here’s a breakdown:
- Standalone Starbucks:❌ No EBT
- Licensed Starbucks (inside grocery stores):✅ Yes EBT for approved cold food items
Why the difference?
- Standalone stores sell prepared food not covered by SNAP.
- Licensed stores in grocery stores may follow SNAP guidelines for cold food purchases.
You may find Starbucks in the physical grocery stores of Publix or Target. If you’re visiting Starbucks at these major retailers you are eligible to use your food stamps or EBT card as the shop is present inside the grocery store and all the items are EBT-eligible.
Even standalone or corporate stores are not authorized to accept EBT benefits cards from SNAP beneficiaries. Starbucks products are considered to be a luxury and not something necessary which makes it ineligible to become a SNAP retailer. You cannot use your EBT benefits or food stamps to buy or prepare Starbucks meals are these standalone and licensed stores.
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How To Differentiate Between Starbucks Standalone And Licensed Facility?
Starbucks can accept EBT or SNAP benefits at a few licensed stores but not standalone stores. Before learning more about Starbucks policies on EBT let’s cover the difference between licensed and standalone facilities.
Company Operated Standalone Starbucks
The company operated or standalone Starbucks is a unit that you may see in any other Plaza or shopping mall. They are bigger and have higher gross margins with lower operating margins compared to a licensed store.
Employees at both company-operated and licensed stores are well-trained to follow the same procedures and policies. Starbucks is not an eligible SNAP EBT retailer since it does not provide essential food like Target, Walmart and so on.
According to the official Starbucks website: “Starbucks policy does not accept food stamp cards for payment at its company-operated stores. However some of our licensees particularly those within grocery stores accept these for payment”.
Licensed Starbucks
Licensed Starbucks refers to kiosks or smaller restaurants in facilities or grocery stores. Often retailers like Safeway, Publix, Barnes and Noble, Target or other grocery stores have a license for Starbucks inside the building as a part of their business contract. If these retailers are authorized by USDA to accept food stamps then the licensed Starbucks store can also accept EBT cards as a method of payment from SNAP beneficiaries.
Starbucks is not included in the Restaurant Meals Program so you cannot use your food stamps to purchase hot prepared meals or drinks at any of its locations even in licensed stores. Although all beverages and food are EBT-ineligible you can purchase cold items like sandwiches, sweets, soft drinks, snacks, and energy drinks with your EBT card.
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What Can I Purchase With My SNAP/ EBT Benefits Card?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is designed to purchase home-cooked food with the help of EBT benefits. Here are the items that you can buy using your SNAP benefits card.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Baby Formula: You can use SNAP benefits to purchase infant formula including cereals, baby food and juices to feed your baby.
- 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.
- Snack items: This includes bakery cakes, chips, cheese, crackers, and gift baskets comprising eligible food items.
The only exception to the SNAP rule is the Restaurant Meals Program which enables enrollees to use food stamps to purchase prepared meals at select restaurants. To qualify for the program you must be 60 or older and must be experiencing homelessness or have a disability. You can purchase meals if you are residing in Arizona, California, Michigan, Maryland, Illinois and Rhode Island.
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What Items Can’t I Purchase With My SNAP EBT Card?
There are specific items that you cannot purchase with your food stamps or EBT card. In the below section, we have covered a list of EBT-ineligible items.
- 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.
- Vitamins, medicine 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.
- Hot Prepared Food: You cannot purchase any hot prepared food for instance hot cocoa, chili stew, prepared meats or any restaurant which means using your EBT card.
- Live Animals: EBT recipients cannot purchase any live animals using their EBT card however there are exceptions such as live shellfish, live fish removed from water, animals slaughtered before pickup from the store etc.
- Non-Food Items: There is a restriction on the use of EBT benefits for cleaning supplies, pet food, cosmetics, hygiene items, cooking utensils or any other non-food items that are SNAP-ineligible.
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How Can I Get A SNAP/ EBT Card?
The process of getting a SNAP EBT card is not so complex. The eligibility criteria depend on your citizenship, your household size and your monthly income. You can apply for the EBT or SNAP benefits by contacting your state SNAP office.
Here is a step-by-step process to apply for a SNAP benefits card and use at participating grocery stores or restaurants in RMP-approved states:
- The first and foremost step is to check the eligibility criteria for the food stamp program and make sure you can fulfill the citizenship, household size and income criteria for your state.
- The next step is to apply for the food stamp program and complete the application form as directed by your state SNAP agency
- Once approved you will get a card that works similarly to a debit card where money gets loaded on the card monthly and helps you to buy eligible food from participating supermarkets and grocery stores.
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How To Use Your Food Stamps or EBT Card At Starbucks?
Here is a quick guide to use your EBT or food stamps at Starbucks.
1. Visit A Licensed Starbucks Store Location
Contact or visit a licensed Starbucks location near you that is present inside a grocery store like Target, Publix or Safeway and make sure they accept EBT cards as a method of payment.
It is critical to know that only Starbucks license stores are authorized to accept food stamps. Visiting a stand-alone Starbucks will waste your time and money since they do not accept EBT payments.
2. Ask The Starbucks Customer Service Desk
You can find out whether Starbucks Kiosks is accepting food stamps and what are the best eligible food items that you can buy with your SNAP benefits by contacting the customer service desk.
3. Swipe Your EBT Card To Pay
Once you have made a purchase simply swipe or insert your EBT card at the payment register and select SNAP Benefits as the payment option. You also have to enter the four-digit PIN to authorize the transaction. Purchasing food from participating Starbucks locations is similar to using your EBT card to purchase any other item at the proper grocery store.
What Are The Items Can I Purchase From a Licensed Starbucks Store?
The federal Nutrition Assistance initiative– Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is designed to provide food benefits to low-income households through the Electronic Benefits Transfer Card. As per the United States Department of Agriculture, you can use your EBT card to purchase only SNAP-eligible items that you can take home and prepare yourself at home.
In other words, cold food with nutritional value is EBT-eligible. So even at a licensed Starbucks location, you cannot use your food stamps for purchasing hot beverages like coffee or anything hot at the point of sale. You can only buy cold food items for instance frappuccino, and cold food like pumpkin bread with your EBT card at Starbucks.
Following is the list of EBT-eligible food that you can purchase from participating Starbucks locations for instance Starbucks licensed stores nationwide:
- Instant coffee
- Creamer
- Ground coffee
- Coffee beans
- Cold beverages
- Pumpkin breads
- Soft drinks
- Energy drinks
- Sweet
- Cold baked goods
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Sandwiches
Generally, anything that has a nutritional label apart from food and beverages is EBT- eligible. You must avoid purchasing prepared meals from Starbucks that are intended for consumption on the premises. Even though the RMP program allows recipients to purchase hot-prepared meals, this is available in select locations and sadly Starbucks is not RMP authorized so there is no way of getting hot beverages or food from this giant coffee chain.
Does Starbucks Accept Food Stamps or EBT Online?
Making an EBT purchase online is presently unavailable at any Starbucks store location. The online Starbucks stores follow similar EBT rules and guidelines as the company’s physical store location. A qualified store has to meet the following criteria to be accepted online.
- Must have been an existing online presence
- Must have a website that can be updated or maintained to accommodate qualifying materials.
Places That Accept EBT Online
Unfortunately, Starbucks is not participating in the USDA Online Purchasing Pilot Program that authorizes grocery stores or retailers to accept EBT or food stamps as a method of payment. Following is the list of online retailers that are accepting SNAP and you can make eligible purchases from these retailers.
Even though the aforementioned retailers are authorized to accept food stamps or EBT benefits you cannot cover delivery costs, service charges and tips with your EBT benefits. To cover these charges you have to use an alternate payment source such as cash, debit or credit card.
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How Do Stores Qualify For SNAP or EBT?
Fast food restaurants, grocery stores or any other retail outlets must meet both Criteria A and Criteria B set by USDA in terms of staple food stock or staple food sales to participate in the SNAP EBT program.
USDA Criteria A
As per USDA staple foods are essential groceries or food items that make up a considerable amount of a person’s diet and are generally made at home to be consumed as a central component of a meal. The staple food items generally do not include cooked meals, accessory foods or condiments.
The four major diet groups comprise fruits and vegetables, meat, fish and poultry, grains or cereals and dairy products. Under USDA criterion A any store should have a minimum of three different types of each of the four varieties of staple foods to qualify or accept EBT cards.
Each staple food type must have a minimum of three products in stock. Moreover, a minimum of three stocking units of one perishable staple type in at least two stable food categories should be available for the store to qualify for SNAP. Overall 36 different staple foods are available.
USDA Criterion B
According to USDA’s rules and regulations, more than half of the store’s total gross retail sales should come from one of the four main food groups to accept EBT cards. In some cases stores or retailers are required to follow Criterion B even if they meet criteria A.
When it comes to the store’s total gross retail sales, everything that the store sells starting from non-food to food items including professional services are counted. Corporate Starbucks outlets do not accept EBT as they sell hot prepared food and are not participating in the USDA’s Restaurant Meals Program. Most of the food items that they serve are non-essential and luxurious.
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Additional Places/ Fast Food Chains That Accept EBT
The majority of Starbucks store locations do not accept EBT from SNAP recipients. In the below section, we have covered a list of additional places or fast food restaurants that are accepting EBT in RMP-approved states and you may be fortunate enough to purchase coffee or any other hot or cold food and beverages as per your needs from there.
- Tam’s Burger
- KFC
- Church’s Chicken
- EL Pollo Loco
- Papa John’s
- Carl’s Jr.
- Domino’s Pizza
- Rally’s Hamburgers
- Little Caesars
- Mcdonald’s
- Papa Murphy’s
- Pizza Hut
- Subway
- Taco Bell
- Wendy’s
- Del Taco
- Jack-In-The-Box
Does Starbucks Take EBT In Target?
Yes, Starbucks at Target is authorized to accept food stamp benefits. If you’re using an EBT card you can purchase food at Target Starbucks only if the meal comes with a nutritional facts label. You can use your food stamp in supermarkets with Starbucks cafes for instance Target. Starbucks cafes located in Target as well as licensed Starbucks locations present in grocery stores are authorized to accept EBT.
Before buying fancy coffee drinks with your SNAP EBT funds from Starbucks cafes in Target make sure they accept food stamp benefits. Target follows strict SNAP guidelines and not all foods from Starbucks available at the supermarket are EBT- eligible. Even though you can use your food stamp at Target Starbucks you can only purchase eligible items with nutritional labels for instance a bottle of Starbucks iced coffee or bakery items.
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Conclusion
Starbucks is a coffee giant with a presence throughout the United States of America and other parts of the world. The majority of Starbucks locations are not accepting EBT from SNAP beneficiaries since they sell luxurious and non-essential food and beverages. You can use your EBT or SNAP benefits at licensed Starbucks but not at corporate locations. EBT benefits will help you to purchase anything from Starbucks apart from hot food and drinks. This is because Starbucks is not participating in the Restaurant Meals Program. You can follow this guide to learn how to use an EBT card in Starbucks license stores and what are the eligible items you can buy. You can also check out the best alternatives of Starbucks where you can use your EBT card if you’re living in an RMP-approved state.
We hope this article has been informative enough to give you all the details you need regarding Starbucks 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
Does Starbucks Accept Food Stamps For Cold Drinks And Hot Food?
You cannot use your food stamps or EBT card to purchase hot food or drinks from any Starbucks-licensed stores nationwide. You can only cover cold beverages, prepared baked goods like muffins and bread, frappuccinos, cold drinks, ground coffee etc. using food stamp benefits at Starbucks.
What Are The Benefits Of Using An EBT Card?
The EBT card helps low-income families in the United States access healthily and nutritious food and reduces their financial pressure by reducing the likelihood of going hungry. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program aims to alleviate the burden of those living below the poverty line.