What Stores Take Ebt On Instacart: Having trouble buying groceries with your EBT card? Instacart can help! You can now shop for groceries online and pay with your SNAP benefits at participating stores. This is a game-changer for busy families, people with limited mobility, or anyone who wants the convenience of grocery delivery.
Key takeaways:
SNAP recipients can use EBT cards at Instacart to purchase groceries online.
Instacart accepts EBT in select states and at participating stores only.
Delivery charges, taxes, and items that are not eligible for SNAP cannot be paid for with EBT.
Popular stores that accept EBT at Instacart include Aldi, Publix, Price Chopper, and more.
Check your state’s SNAP participation and Instacart partner stores before you shop.
Can I Use My EBT Card Or Food Stamps On Instacart?
Yes
Instacart accepts electronic benefit transfers or EBT payments from SNAP recipients as part of the USDA Online Pilot Program. Instacart accepts EBT at select locations and only with specific retailers. There are also limitations based on location and participating retailers on the type of food or beverages you can purchase on the Instacart platform with your EBT card.
SNAP recipients nationwide, excluding Alaska, can pay for online grocery orders that include eligible items with a valid, current EBT in part or in full at participating stores. EBT cardholders can shop at any participating store as long as the state that issued their SNAP benefits card also participates in the SNAP Online Shopping Pilot Program.
Related Article: Does Target Accept EBT?
Eligibility To Use EBT On Instacart
The Instacart online delivery platform is part of the pilot program run and administered by the United States Department of Agriculture, or USDA. As a result, Instacart is able to accept SNAP benefits online from recipients. Currently, customers who have a valid SNAP EBT card in all states use their SNAP benefits on Instacart at authorized retailers that partner with Instacart.
To learn more details about SNAP eligibility, you can visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website. If you are not able to see SNAP EBT as an option at your local store, make sure you have the latest version of the Instacart app. To use your EBT card, you must add the card information as a payment method within your account settings. A separate debit or credit card is required to link an Instacart account to cover bottle deposits, fees, taxes, delivery chips, or non-grocery items per federal regulation.
Read Also: Does Whole Foods Take EBT? Step By Step Guide
What Stores Accept EBT With Instacart?
Following is the list of retailers that accept EBT or food stamps on Instacart.
ALDI
There is already a great resource for families looking for affordable food assistance. SNAP recipients can shop at Aldi with their EBT benefits and order online through Instacart. ALDI accepts EBT in the following U.S. states:
Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Connecticut
District of Columbia
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
Virginia
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Food Lion
Food Lion is another popular grocery store to purchase reliable produce and beverages. However, Food Lion does accept the SNAP EBT program on a limited basis. To use food stamp benefits with Instacart at Food Lion, you must be a resident of any of the following states:
Delaware
Georgia
Kentucky
Maryland
North Carolina
South Carolina
Tennessee
Virginia
West Virginia.
Save Mart, Lucky Supermarket and FoodMaxx
If you live in California, you can use your food stamps or EBT card at Lucky Supermarket chains like Food Max and Save Mart. You can order SNAP-eligible groceries and food products on Instacart using your EBT balance within California. California is currently the only state that accepts EBT at Lucky Supermarkets, Food Max, and Save Mart using Instacart. If you order from these respective stores from out of state, you will be charged via regular credit or debit card.
BJ’s Wholesale Club
BJ’s Wholesale Club has begun accepting online EBT payments from SNAP recipients in collaboration with Instacart. Customers of the popular club retailer can use EBT as a payment method on Instacart apps or websites and receive their order in less than an hour. Accepting EBT online through Instacart is a big initiative by BJ’s Wholesale Club and is the first club retailer to accept EBT benefits from Instacart customers. The program covers all 238 BJ’s locations in 19 states.
Market 32
A go-to shopping destination that is known as a popular grocery store on the East Coast of the United States is Market 32. The store accepts EBT through Instacart in the following states to serve SNAP recipients:
Connecticut
Massachusetts
Pennsylvania
Vermont
New York
Publix
Publix is a Florida staple and a popular place to buy low-cost food and grocery items. You can purchase eligible items at Publix with your EBT card and have them delivered via Instacart from the following states.
Alabama
Florida
Georgia
North Carolina
South Carolina
Tennessee
Virginia
Price Chopper
Another grocery store that EBT cardholders living on the East Coast go to is Price Chopper. You can use your EBT card to shop at Price Chopper and have your order delivered through Instacart. Instacart has partnered with Price Chopper and accepts EBT in these states.
Connecticut
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Pennsylvania
New York
Vermont
Stop & Shop
Stop and Shop is a popular grocery store that accepts electronic payments from SNAP recipients. EBT recipients can use SNAP funds in the following states: Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and New Hampshire.
They are accepting electronic EBT payments online as an integral part of their commitment to serving communities. Stop & Shop has partnered with Instacart and you can order groceries online from over 400 Stop & Shop stores to have your order delivered through Instacart.
Tony’s Fresh Market
Tony’s Fresh Market is one more grocery chain that serves local communities and customers by accepting electronic SNAP payments online through Instacart delivery and pickup orders. You can use EBT to pay for groceries online using Instacart’s pickup or delivery shopping option. For this, you just need to create an account or log in to the Instacart website or app and select the Tony Fresh Market location. Simply purchase EBT-eligible items and pay with EBT during checkout. You will receive an order confirmation email from Instacart confirming grocery delivery for pickup or delivery. Tony’s Fresh Market accepts EBT SNAP as an online payment option only through Instacart pickup and delivery options at the following locations: Berwyn, Bolingbrook, Burbank, Countryside, Glendale Heights, Hanover Park, Joliet, Lincoln Ave, Niles, Plainfield, Prospect Heights, Round Lake Beach, and Schaumburg.
Woodman’s Market
Woodman’s Market has partnered with Instacart to allow SNAP recipients to order groceries online for delivery. For this, you must create an account and become an Instacart member. However, the curbside pickup option is not currently available. Instacart offers express membership for $99 each year or $9.99 per month. You can get free delivery for orders over $35 with low service fees. Woodman’s Market offers perishable and non-perishable items and delivery costs start at $3.99 for same-day orders of at least $35 or more. Rates may vary for club store deliveries, one-hour deliveries, or deliveries under $35. Each order must be at least $10 to be eligible for online delivery.
Local Market
SNAP recipients can order online through their partnership with Instacart from Local Market. Both home delivery and curbside delivery options are available when ordering online through Instacart. Instacart Express membership costs $99 a year or $9.99 a month. You can get free delivery for orders over $35 with reduced service fees. Local Market offers perishable and non-perishable items to SNAP recipients. Delivery costs start at $3.99 for same-day orders over $35. Fees may vary for club store delivery, one-hour delivery, or delivery under $35.
Meijer
Meijer allows multiple recipients to order groceries online for delivery through a partnership with Instacart. You must first become an Instacart member and create an account to enjoy this feature. Instacart offers express membership for $99 a year. They offer free delivery for orders over $35 with low service fees. You can purchase perishable and non-perishable items with your EBT card. Delivery starts from $3.99 for same-day orders over $35. Fees may vary depending on whether you choose club store delivery or home delivery under $35. The online delivery option through Instacart is available in select communities only.
Tops Friendly Market
Tops Friendly Market has partnered with Instacart to allow SNAP recipients to use their EBT benefits to purchase groceries online. The chain has begun accepting EBT for Instacart online grocery orders at most New York stores and plans to expand to other states in the future.
SNAP recipients can use EBT at 126 New York locations where Tops Friendly Market has partnered with Instacart’s same-day delivery and pickup services. To use EBT services, EBT customers must open the Instacart app, add their zip code, select their local store, and begin shopping for eligible groceries, fresh food, and everyday essentials with their EBT card.
Read Also: What Stores Take EBT On Doordash
What Can I Purchase With My SNAP or EBT Card On Instacart?
Below is a list of items you can purchase with your EBT card on Instacart:
- Fruits and Vegetables: All types of fresh, canned, or frozen fruits and vegetables are allowed for EBT purchases.
- Milk and Dairy Products: All types of milk, yogurt, cheese, and butter are allowed for EBT purchases.
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish: All types of meat, including pork, beef, turkey, chicken, fish, and lamb, are allowed.
- Bread and Cereal: All types of bread, crackers, cereal, pasta, oatmeal, and rice are allowed.
- Snacks and Desserts: Chips, pastries, cookies, and other snack foods are allowed for purchase, as long as they do not contain vitamins or minerals.
- Baking Ingredients: This includes flour, sugar, eggs, flavorings, etc.
- Basic Cooking Ingredients: This includes herbs, seasonings, and spices.
- Energy Drinks: Specific energy drinks are allowed for purchase with an EBT card if they are labeled with nutritional information.
- Seeds and Plants: SNAP participants can purchase plants and seeds to grow their produce.
What Can’t I Purchase With An EBT Card On Instacart?
Under USDA SNAP program rules, EBT credits can only be applied to eligible food and groceries and the transaction will not be processed if you purchase unapproved items. Restrictions are in place to ensure that government SNAP funds are used for human consumption. The following is the list of items you cannot purchase at any grocery store through Instacart with your EBT card:
- Alcohol and Tobacco: EBT funds cannot be used to purchase alcoholic beverages such as wine, liquor, beer, cigarettes, and any other tobacco products.
- Health and Beauty: This includes cosmetics, medications, vitamins, hygiene products, and supplements.
- Hot Prepared Foods: This includes foods that are ready for immediate consumption, such as hot prepared meals and restaurant foods.
- Household Supplies: This includes non-food items such as paper goods and cleaning supplies.
- Pet Supplies: This includes pet food, bedding, and toys.
- Live Animals (except fish and shellfish).
If you want to add ineligible products along with EBT-eligible items to your shopping cart, you must purchase them separately with another SNAP benefit at the end of the transaction if you want Instacart to ship them along with your EBT card. SNAP recipients should make sure they meet the following critical points to use their EBT account and make purchases through Instacart.
- Make sure your state participates in the SNAP Online Shopping Pilot Program
- Instacart does not accept EBT cash as a means of payment.
- Make sure your EBT card details are valid and current.
- Link your EBT card to your Instacart account.
- Make sure you purchase EBT-eligible products with your food stamp benefits through Instacart.
Read More: Does Trader Joe’s Accept EBT Card (Food Stamps)
How to Use EBT on Instacart
Using EBT on Instacart is a simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Create an Instacart account
If you don’t have an Instacart account yet, you’ll need to create one. You can do this through the Instacart website or mobile app.
Add your EBT card
Once you’ve set up your account, go to your account settings and add your EBT card information. You may also need to add another form of payment for items and fees not covered by EBT.
Select a participating store
Choose a store that accepts EBT on Instacart from the list above. Be sure to check if your local store participates in the program.
Start shopping
Add items to your cart as you normally would. Instacart will tell you which items are eligible to purchase with EBT.
Checkout
During checkout, select EBT as your payment method. You will be asked to enter your EBT card information and may need to provide your PIN.
Delivery or Pickup
Choose between delivery or pickup based on your preferences and availability in your area. Please note that delivery charges and tips cannot be paid with EBT.
Can I Cover Instacart Delivery Fees With My EBT Card?
SNAP recipients who want to use their EBT card with Instacart and shop at any of the stores listed above must add a credit card on file. You cannot cover delivery costs, taxes, service fees, or even membership fees with your EBT card. The secondary payment source you add will cover all costs, taxes, delivery tips, ineligible EBT items, bottle deposits, and service fees. SNAP benefits can be used for eligible food and beverage items only.
Things To Consider Before Shopping With EBT On Instacart
Availability By Location
It’s important to note that EBT acceptance on Instacart can vary depending on the state you live in. Not all states in the country accept EBT or food stamps through Instacart. Therefore, it’s recommended to check the food stamp acceptance policy in your area before placing an order.
Make sure to shop at partner stores
To use your EBT card on Instacart, you must shop at any partner store on the platform that allows recipients to purchase groceries online. These stores include Publix, Price Chopper, Market 32, Save Mart, Lucky Supermarket, Food Max, Food Lion, and ALDI.
Check EBT Item Eligibility
When using your EBT card to pay for eligible food and beverages through Instacart, there are certain limitations or restrictions you must adhere to. EBT benefits cannot be used to pay for delivery fees or service charges. Additionally, EBT cards cannot be used to purchase non-food items such as household supplies, alcohol, pet supplies, etc.
Checkout Process
When placing an order on Instacart, be sure to use EBT as your primary source of payment and use it at checkout. You will be prompted to enter your EBT card information, including PIN and card number. Check the total amount of your order to make sure it does not exceed the balance on your food stamp benefits card.
Bottom Line
The ability to use EBT on Instacart has revolutionized the way SNAP recipients can access food. With major retailers like ALDI, Food Lion, Publix, Safeway, Wegmans, ShopRite, and Price Chopper participating in the program, shopping for groceries online has never been easier or more accessible. By following the simple steps outlined above, EBT users can enjoy the convenience of shopping for groceries online while still ensuring they have access to the nutritious food they need.