Millions of individuals and households in the United States depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federal initiative designed to offer monthly food assistance to low-income families, augmenting their resources for purchasing groceries. While the majority of grocery stores and retail outlets seamlessly accept SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) payments during in-store transactions, certain businesses extend the convenience of utilizing EBT cards for online food delivery services. This flexibility enhances accessibility for SNAP beneficiaries, ensuring a broader spectrum of options for obtaining essential food items.
Here is a list of delivery services where you can buy groceries, fresh fruits and vegetables and other foods allowed by the food stamp program, and they deliver it directly to your home. This is amazing, specially for those SNAP benefits recipients with mobility problems or with some physical impediment that does not allow them to travel to the supermarket or farmers market.
How to Buy Food in Delivery Apps with SNAP Benefits
Uber Eats has unveiled plans to allow SNAP recipients to use their EBT cards for online grocery orders starting in 2024. In a press release, Uber Eats emphasized the potential positive impact of online food delivery on improving access to fresh groceries, particularly for vulnerable populations such as those in food deserts, seniors, and individuals with disabilities or transportation challenges. The initiative aligns with Uber Eats’ commitment to enhancing access to quality food. Additionally, there are other delivery services that also accept SNAP.
Individuals receiving SNAP benefits have the convenience of utilizing their EBT cards to purchase groceries via Amazon Fresh and Amazon.com, with the added perk of doorstep delivery. In certain U.S. cities, even those without an Amazon Prime subscription can avail themselves of the Fresh grocery delivery service.
For non-Prime members, Amazon typically charges delivery fees ranging from $7.95 to $13.95. However, SNAP recipients have the opportunity to secure an Amazon Prime membership at a discounted monthly rate of $6.99, compared to the regular price of $14.99. This discounted membership not only provides access to a myriad of benefits but also serves as a cost-effective means for SNAP recipients to manage their delivery expenses.
DoorDash, Instacart, Other Delivery Apps That Accept SNAP Benefits
In June 2023, DoorDash initiated the acceptance of SNAP EBT payments, extending the convenience of grocery deliveries to SNAP recipients. The platform facilitates the ordering of groceries from various grocery partners such as Aldi, Albertsons, Safeway, Meijer, and select 7-Eleven stores. To utilize your EBT card for payment, simply input your card details into the designated section within the DoorDash app labeled “Program Cards.” Additionally, SNAP recipients are eligible for a complimentary two-month DashPass membership, entitling them to $0 delivery fees on qualifying orders.
Instacart, a pioneer in grocery delivery services, made a significant stride by becoming one of the first companies to accept EBT cards. Notably, it holds the distinction of being the first to accept SNAP in all 50 states. For those yet to utilize their EBT cards on Instacart, there’s an enticing offer: free delivery on the initial three eligible EBT orders, each totaling $35 or more, available until the year’s end.
Target, a major retail player, joined this movement by announcing its acceptance of SNAP EBT cards for online grocery shopping on Target.com. SNAP beneficiaries can conveniently pay for eligible groceries through various contactless, same-day services, including order pickup, drive-up, and same-day delivery facilitated by Shipt. Notably, there is no minimum fee or subscription requirement for this service.