Does SNAP Cover Online Grocery Shopping? State-by-State Guide
Does SNAP Cover Online Grocery Shopping? State-by-State Guide
What's In This Article
- Quick Answer: SNAP Online Eligibility
- Understanding SNAP Benefits for Online Shopping
- Complete State-by-State Guide for SNAP Online Shopping
- How to Use SNAP Benefits Online
- Alternatives for SNAP Recipients
- Bargain Boxed: An Affordable Alternative
- Common Issues with Using SNAP Online
- Future of SNAP Online Shopping
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Answer: Can I Use SNAP Benefits for Online Grocery Shopping?
Yes, SNAP benefits can be used for online grocery shopping in most states through the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot program. Currently, 49 states and the District of Columbia allow SNAP recipients to purchase groceries online from approved retailers. However, SNAP benefits cannot cover delivery fees or service charges, and the program is limited to specific authorized retailers in each state.
Understanding SNAP Benefits for Online Shopping
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has evolved significantly in recent years, especially with the expansion of online shopping options. This development has been crucial for improving food access for low-income households, elderly individuals, and those with disabilities who may face challenges visiting physical grocery stores.
How SNAP Online Shopping Works
The USDA's SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot program allows recipients to use their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to buy eligible food items online. This program began in 2019 but expanded rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic as the need for contactless shopping options increased.
Important points to understand:
- SNAP benefits can only be used for eligible food items
- Benefits cannot pay for delivery fees, service charges, or tips
- Not all online retailers accept SNAP payments
- Implementation varies by state and retailer
SNAP-Eligible Items When Shopping Online
When using SNAP benefits online, the same eligibility rules apply as in physical stores:
SNAP-eligible items include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food for the household
SNAP benefits cannot be used for:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
- Live animals (except shellfish, fish removed from water)
- Hot prepared foods
- Non-food items (pet foods, cleaning supplies, hygiene products)
Complete State-by-State Guide for SNAP Online Shopping
Alabama
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, Publix
- Regional options: Food Giant, Wright's Markets
Alaska
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart
- Regional options: Limited
Arizona
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, Safeway
- Regional options: Bashas
Arkansas
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart
- Regional options: Harps Food Stores
California
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, Safeway, Target
- Regional options: Grocery Outlet, Cardenas Markets
Colorado
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, Safeway, King Soopers
- Regional options: Save-A-Lot
Connecticut
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, Stop & Shop
- Regional options: Price Chopper
Delaware
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi
- Regional options: Food Lion
District of Columbia
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, Safeway
- Regional options: Giant Foods
Florida
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, Publix, Winn-Dixie
- Regional options: Fresco y Más
Georgia
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, Publix
- Regional options: Food Depot
Hawaii
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart
- Regional options: Limited
Idaho
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Albertsons
- Regional options: Limited
Illinois
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, Target
- Regional options: County Market
Indiana
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, Kroger
- Regional options: Meijer
Iowa
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi
- Regional options: Hy-Vee
Kansas
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, Dillons
- Regional options: Hy-Vee
Kentucky
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, Kroger
- Regional options: Save-A-Lot
Louisiana
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Rouses
- Regional options: Super 1 Foods
Maine
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Hannaford
- Regional options: Shaw's
Maryland
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, Giant
- Regional options: ShopRite
Massachusetts
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Stop & Shop
- Regional options: Price Chopper
Michigan
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, Kroger
- Regional options: Meijer
Minnesota
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, Target
- Regional options: Hy-Vee, Coborn's
Mississippi
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart
- Regional options: Limited
Missouri
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, Schnucks
- Regional options: Dierbergs
Montana
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Albertsons
- Regional options: Limited
Nebraska
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi
- Regional options: Hy-Vee
Nevada
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Smith's
- Regional options: Save Mart
New Hampshire
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Hannaford
- Regional options: Shaw's
New Jersey
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, ShopRite
- Regional options: The Fresh Grocer, Food Bazaar
New Mexico
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Albertsons
- Regional options: Limited
New York
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, ShopRite, Stop & Shop
- Regional options: Price Chopper, BJ's Wholesale
North Carolina
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, Food Lion
- Regional options: Carlie C's, Compare Foods
North Dakota
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart
- Regional options: Limited
Ohio
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, Kroger
- Regional options: Meijer, Giant Eagle
Oklahoma
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart
- Regional options: Homeland
Oregon
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Albertsons, Safeway
- Regional options: Fred Meyer
Pennsylvania
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, ShopRite, Giant
- Regional options: The Fresh Grocer, Weis Markets
Rhode Island
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Stop & Shop
- Regional options: Price Rite
South Carolina
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, Food Lion
- Regional options: Lowes Foods
South Dakota
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart
- Regional options: Limited
Tennessee
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, Kroger
- Regional options: Food City
Texas
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, H-E-B
- Regional options: Brookshire's, Super 1 Foods
Utah
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Smith's
- Regional options: Limited
Vermont
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Hannaford
- Regional options: Price Chopper
Virginia
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, Food Lion
- Regional options: Giant
Washington
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Albertsons, Safeway
- Regional options: Fred Meyer
West Virginia
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi
- Regional options: Food Lion
Wisconsin
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Aldi, Pick 'n Save
- Regional options: Woodman's Markets, Metcalfe's Market
Wyoming
- Major retailers: Amazon, Walmart
- Regional options: Limited
How to Use SNAP Benefits Online
Using your SNAP benefits for online grocery shopping involves a few key steps:
Setting Up Your Account
- Create an account with an approved online retailer in your state
- Add your EBT card information to your payment methods
- Verify your identity if required by the retailer
Shopping Process
- Add SNAP-eligible items to your cart
- At checkout, select your EBT card as the payment method
- For any non-eligible items or fees, have a secondary payment method ready
- Confirm your order and delivery or pickup preferences
Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Check retailer minimums for orders (some require $35-$50 minimum purchases)
- Plan ahead for delivery fees using your non-SNAP payment method
- Save money by choosing pickup options when available to avoid delivery fees
- Check store policies about substitutions for out-of-stock items
Alternatives for SNAP Recipients
While online grocery shopping with SNAP has expanded significantly, there are still situations where other options might be necessary or more economical.
Local Grocery Delivery Services
Many local grocers have developed their own delivery services or partnered with third-party providers. Some may accept SNAP payments at delivery, though this varies by location and store policy.
Community Resources
- Food banks and pantries
- Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs with sliding scale fees
- Farmers markets (many accept SNAP and offer matching programs)
- Meal delivery programs for seniors or disabled individuals
Budget-Friendly Online Shopping Options
For non-SNAP eligible items or to supplement SNAP benefits, affordable online grocery options like Bargain Boxed provide exceptional value, especially for shelf-stable items.
Bargain Boxed: An Affordable Alternative
While we at Bargain Boxed do not currently accept EBT/SNAP payments, we offer some of the most competitive prices on grocery items online. This makes us an excellent complementary option for SNAP recipients looking to stretch their non-SNAP grocery budget.
Why Consider Bargain Boxed
- Significantly lower prices than traditional grocery stores or other online retailers
- No membership fees required to access our discounted prices
- Specialization in shelf-stable items that have longer storage life
- Regular deals and promotions that further reduce costs
- Simple ordering process with fast shipping
Our commitment to providing affordable grocery options aligns with the goals of food security that SNAP promotes. While we cannot accept SNAP payments directly, many customers use their cash savings from SNAP benefits to purchase our deeply discounted items, effectively extending their overall food budget.
Smart Shopping Strategy
A smart approach for many households is using SNAP benefits for fresh produce, dairy, and meat through approved online retailers, while turning to Bargain Boxed for pantry staples, canned goods, and shelf-stable items at unbeatable prices.
Common Issues with Using SNAP Online
Despite the expansion of online SNAP options, users sometimes encounter challenges:
Technical Problems
- Website or app glitches during checkout
- EBT card recognition issues
- Order cancellations due to payment processing errors
Policy Limitations
- Inability to use benefits for delivery fees
- Confusion about which items qualify for SNAP
- Minimum order requirements that may be difficult to meet
Solutions and Workarounds
- Contact retailer customer service for technical issues
- Save eligible items in separate orders from non-eligible items
- Consider pickup options to avoid delivery fees
- Use retailer filters for SNAP-eligible items when available
Future of SNAP Online Shopping
The landscape of SNAP benefits for online shopping continues to evolve rapidly. Here are some developments we're monitoring:
Expanding Retailer Options
The USDA continues to approve new retailers for the online purchasing program, with more regional and independent grocers joining larger chains.
Technological Improvements
Enhancements to retail platforms are making it easier to identify SNAP-eligible items and streamline the checkout process.
Policy Changes
Advocacy groups are pushing for policy changes that would allow SNAP benefits to cover delivery fees, especially for elderly and disabled recipients.
Integration with Other Food Access Programs
We're seeing more coordination between SNAP and other food assistance programs, creating a more comprehensive approach to food security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my SNAP benefits to pay for grocery delivery fees?
No, SNAP benefits cannot be used for delivery fees, service charges, or tips. You'll need an alternative payment method to cover these costs.
Which online grocery stores accept SNAP?
Major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Aldi accept SNAP online in most states. Regional availability varies, as detailed in our state-by-state guide above.
Can I use SNAP benefits for pickup orders?
Yes, many retailers allow you to place an order online using SNAP benefits and then pick up your groceries at the store without paying delivery fees.
How do I know which items are SNAP-eligible when shopping online?
Most participating retailers have filters or indicators showing which items are SNAP-eligible. Look for these labels or filters when shopping.
Can I split my payment between SNAP and another payment method?
Yes, most retailers allow split payments. SNAP benefits will apply to eligible items, and your secondary payment method will cover non-eligible items and fees.
Is there a minimum purchase requirement when using SNAP online?
This varies by retailer. Some require minimum purchases of $35-$50 for delivery orders, while others have no minimum for pickup orders.
Are there restrictions on what I can buy with SNAP online?
The same restrictions apply online as in physical stores. SNAP benefits can only be used for eligible food items intended for home preparation and consumption.
What if I have problems using my EBT card online?
Contact the retailer's customer service first. If issues persist, reach out to your state's SNAP agency for assistance.
Will using SNAP benefits online affect my benefit amount?
No, using SNAP benefits online does not impact your benefit amount any differently than using them in-store.
How can I save money on groceries beyond SNAP benefits?
Look for retailers with competitive pricing like Bargain Boxed, use digital coupons when available, consider buying shelf-stable items in bulk when they're on sale, and explore community resources like food banks and farmers markets.
Are there any special programs for seniors or people with disabilities?
Yes, some states have programs that help seniors and people with disabilities with grocery delivery. Contact your local agency on aging or disability services for information.
Can college students use SNAP benefits online?
College students who qualify for SNAP can use their benefits online just like other recipients, following the same state guidelines and retailer options.
By staying informed about your options for using SNAP benefits online, you can maximize your food budget and ensure consistent access to nutritious food. While the program continues to evolve, we at Bargain Boxed remain committed to providing affordable grocery options to complement SNAP benefits and help all our customers stretch their food budgets further.