Places Near Me That Deliver Groceries with EBT Food Stamps: The Complete Guide to Online SNAP Shopping and Pickup

Shopping for groceries online offers incredible convenience, saving time and energy. For many years, this option was not available to families and individuals using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). However, that has changed dramatically with the nationwide rollout of the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot. This program allows participants to use their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to buy eligible groceries online from a growing number of retailers for either home delivery or curbside pickup. This guide provides a complete overview of how the program works, which stores participate, and how to use your benefits to shop online with confidence.

The foundation for online SNAP purchases was laid by the 2014 Farm Bill, which authorized the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to test the feasibility of online transactions. The pilot program began slowly, launching first in New York in April 2019 with a small group of retailers and states. The program’s trajectory shifted significantly in 2020 with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the public health crisis and the urgent need for safe, socially distanced shopping options, the USDA rapidly expanded the pilot. Between March and June 2020 alone, the program grew from just five states to 39, including the District of Columbia.

This emergency-driven expansion has become a permanent and positive change in food access. What started as a limited test is now available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, giving millions of Americans the same convenient shopping options as other consumers. This development is especially beneficial for individuals with limited mobility, transportation challenges, or those who need to minimize public contact.

Finding EBT-Friendly Grocery Services in Your Area

With so many stores now accepting EBT online, the first step is to find out which services deliver to your specific address. Because availability can vary by city and even ZIP code, it is important to check your local options. There are three main ways to do this.

Method 1: Check the Official USDA State Lists

The most reliable starting point is the official list maintained by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). The FNS has a dedicated webpage, “Stores Accepting SNAP Online,” which features an interactive map of the United States. By clicking on a state, users can see a complete list of all retailers authorized to accept SNAP EBT online in that state. These lists include a mix of large national chains like Walmart and Amazon, regional supermarkets like Kroger and Safeway, and even some smaller local grocers. This is the best official source for a comprehensive overview of approved retailers in a particular state.

It is important to use this specific page and not the general “SNAP Retailer Locator” tool. The general locator tool is designed to find physical, brick-and-mortar stores near an address and does not have a specific filter to identify which of those stores offer online purchasing for delivery. To avoid confusion, always start with the “Stores Accepting SNAP Online” page to find services that will deliver to your home.

Method 2: Go Directly to Retailer Websites and Apps

After identifying potential stores from the USDA list, the best way to confirm that a service delivers to your home is to visit the retailer’s website or download its mobile app. Services like Walmart, Kroger, and Amazon require users to enter their address or ZIP code to confirm that delivery or pickup is available in their area. This is the most accurate method for determining local availability, as a store may be on the state’s approved list but not yet service every neighborhood within that state.

Method 3: Use Delivery Platforms like Instacart and DoorDash

Third-party platforms like Instacart and DoorDash partner with hundreds of grocery stores across the country to provide delivery services. These apps have built-in features to help users find local stores that accept EBT. On Instacart, for example, once a user enters their address, the app will display an “EBT” label on the virtual storefronts of all participating local retailers. Similarly, DoorDash provides a dedicated webpage where users can enter their address to see a list of nearby EBT-eligible convenience and grocery stores. This is an excellent way to discover multiple local options within a single app.

Table 1: Major U.S. Retailers Accepting EBT Online

RetailerPrimary Platform(s)Offers Delivery?Offers Pickup?
WalmartOwn Website/AppYesYes
AmazonAmazon.com, Amazon FreshYesYes (Amazon Fresh only)
TargetOwn Website/App (via Shipt)YesYes
ALDIInstacart, DoorDash, Own WebsiteYesYes
KrogerOwn Website/AppYesYes
Safeway / AlbertsonsOwn Website/AppYesYes
PublixInstacartYesYes
H-E-BOwn Website/AppYesYes
Food LionOwn Website/App, InstacartYesYes
Stop & ShopOwn Website/App, InstacartYesYes
InstacartOwn Website/AppYesYes
DoorDashOwn Website/AppYesNo
CostcoInstacartYesNo
Sam’s ClubOwn Website/AppNoYes (“Scan & Go”)

Note: Availability of services and retailers varies by location. Data compiled from sources.

The Golden Rules: What Your EBT Card Covers (and What It Doesn’t)

When shopping for groceries online with an EBT card, the same rules apply as in a physical store, but with a few important differences related to fees and payment processing. Understanding these rules is key to a smooth checkout experience.

What You CAN Buy with SNAP Benefits

SNAP benefits are intended for food items that are prepared and eaten at home. Retailer websites and apps make it easy to identify these products, often with a “SNAP EBT Eligible” label or a filter that allows a user to display only eligible items.

Eligible purchases include:

  • Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • Meat, poultry, and fish
  • Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt
  • Breads and cereals
  • Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat

What You CANNOT Buy with SNAP Benefits

By federal law, SNAP benefits cannot be used to pay for any non-food items or service charges associated with an online order. This is the single most important rule to remember when shopping online.

Costs not covered by SNAP benefits include:

  • Delivery fees
  • Curbside pickup fees
  • Service fees
  • Driver tips
  • Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products
  • Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
  • Hot foods or foods prepared to be eaten immediately (like a rotisserie chicken)
  • Non-food items like paper products, cleaning supplies, or pet food

Because of these restrictions, nearly every online grocery order will require a second form of payment, such as a credit or debit card, to cover these additional costs.

A critical difference between shopping online and in-store is how the final total is calculated. When an order is placed online, the total shown at checkout is often an estimate. The final price can change slightly after the order is placed but before it is delivered. This happens for two main reasons: weighted items and substitutions. For items sold by weight, like produce or deli meat, the exact weight and final price are not known until a store employee picks the item. Additionally, if an ordered item is out of stock, a store may substitute it with a similar product that could have a different price.

When a user checks out, they authorize a specific amount from their EBT card by entering their PIN. This authorization is final. If the total order cost increases due to a heavier bunch of bananas or a more expensive substitution, the extra amount cannot be added to the EBT charge. Instead, it will be charged to the backup credit or debit card on file. It is essential to have a backup card linked to the account to cover not only fees and tips but also these potential minor price adjustments.

Your Guide to the Biggest Online Grocery Services

While hundreds of retailers accept EBT online, most people will use one of three national services: Walmart, Amazon, or Instacart. Each platform has a slightly different process and offers unique features. Their approaches to integrating EBT payments can be seen as three distinct models: Walmart’s fully integrated system, Amazon’s perks-based ecosystem, and Instacart’s role as a third-party aggregator.

Shopping Online at Walmart

Walmart was one of the original retailers in the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot and now accepts EBT payments for pickup and delivery in all 50 states. Its system is deeply integrated, offering the most flexibility for EBT users.

  • How it Works: Users create an account on Walmart.com or the Walmart app and add their EBT card information to their account’s “Wallet”. While shopping, they can use a filter to see only SNAP-eligible items. At checkout, they can select their EBT card as the payment method and enter their PIN to authorize the payment for eligible groceries.
  • Options and Fees: Walmart offers both curbside pickup and home delivery. Pickup is generally free for orders over $35, with a service fee of around $6.99 for smaller orders. Standard delivery fees typically range from $7.95 to $9.95, with additional charges for express one- to three-hour delivery.
  • Key Advantage: Walmart’s key advantage is its ability to accept both SNAP and EBT Cash benefits (from programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF) for online orders. Unlike most other retailers, Walmart allows users to apply their EBT Cash benefits to cover non-food items and, importantly, delivery fees. This makes Walmart a highly cost-effective and seamless option for participants who receive both types of benefits.

Shopping on Amazon with EBT

Amazon accepts SNAP EBT nationwide and has built a system designed to integrate EBT users into its broader retail ecosystem by offering valuable perks and discounts.

  • How it Works: Users can add their SNAP EBT card to their Amazon account at the dedicated page, Amazon.com/SNAP. While shopping, items that are eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits are clearly labeled “SNAP EBT Eligible”.
  • Platforms: It is important to distinguish between Amazon’s two grocery services. Amazon.com offers a wide selection of non-perishable, shelf-stable pantry items. Amazon Fresh offers a full range of groceries, including fresh produce, meat, and dairy, for delivery or pickup in eligible areas.
  • Key Advantage and Fees: Amazon’s main draw is its perks-based model. SNAP EBT recipients receive free access to the Amazon Fresh delivery and pickup service without needing a paid Prime membership. For Amazon Fresh orders, delivery is free on orders over $100, while orders between $50 and $100 have a $6.95 fee, and orders under $50 have a $9.95 fee. Additionally, EBT cardholders are eligible for Prime Access, a 50% discount on a full Prime membership, which provides benefits like free shipping on millions of items from Amazon.com. This membership is optional and not required to use EBT benefits for groceries.

Using Instacart for Multiple Stores

Instacart operates as a third-party aggregator, acting as a technology bridge that allows customers to order from a wide variety of local and national grocery chains that may not have their own online EBT systems.

  • How it Works: Users download the Instacart app or visit its website, create an account, and add their EBT card under “Payment Methods”. The platform then shows all participating local stores, such as ALDI, Publix, Safeway, and Sprouts, with a clear “EBT” label. Users can filter for SNAP-eligible items while shopping. At checkout, they can split the payment, designating how much of the SNAP-eligible total should be paid with their EBT card and covering the rest, including all fees and tips, with a credit or debit card.
  • Key Advantage: Instacart’s primary benefit is choice. It provides access to the largest network of EBT-enabled retailers, all within one platform. This is particularly useful for individuals who prefer to shop at specific regional chains that rely on Instacart for their online operations.
  • Limitations and Perks: Instacart accepts EBT SNAP benefits but does not accept EBT Cash (TANF) benefits. To offset costs, Instacart offers a discounted Instacart+ membership to EBT users for $4.99 per month, which provides benefits like free delivery on orders over $35 and reduced service fees.

Table 2: Comparing Walmart, Amazon, and Instacart for EBT Shoppers

FeatureWalmartAmazonInstacart
Accepts EBT SNAP?YesYesYes
Accepts EBT Cash (for fees/other items)?YesYes (in some states)No
Pickup Available?YesYes (Amazon Fresh only)Yes
Delivery Available?YesYesYes
Membership Program for EBT Users?Yes (Walmart+ Assist, 50% off)Yes (Prime Access, 50% off)Yes (Instacart+, 50% off)
Key AdvantageFully integrated system; accepts EBT Cash for delivery fees.Free access to Amazon Fresh; deep discounts on Prime membership.Largest selection of participating local and regional grocery stores.

Data compiled from sources.

A Look at Other Popular Grocery Stores

Beyond the three national giants, many regional supermarket chains have also embraced online EBT payments. The way these stores adopted the technology often reveals whether they chose to build their own system or partner with a third party like Instacart, which can affect the user experience.

  • ALDI: ALDI accepts EBT for online pickup and delivery orders at all of its U.S. locations. To facilitate this, ALDI primarily partners with Instacart for its online EBT processing, meaning customers will use the Instacart platform to place their orders. In some areas, ALDI is also available for EBT orders through DoorDash.
  • Kroger: Kroger and its family of stores (including banners like City Market and Harris Teeter) have built their own integrated online shopping system. Customers can add their EBT card directly to their digital wallet in the Kroger app or on the website. A notable change is that Kroger no longer accepts EBT payment at the curbside; all EBT transactions must be completed online during checkout.
  • Safeway/Albertsons: This family of stores, which also includes Vons, has its own online platform that accepts EBT for both delivery and “DriveUp & Go” pickup orders. They also offer a discounted “FreshPass” subscription for SNAP recipients, which provides benefits like unlimited free delivery on orders over $30.
  • Stop & Shop: A major grocer in the Northeast, Stop & Shop offers EBT payment for pickup and delivery orders placed directly on its website. The site allows users to filter for SNAP-eligible items and apply benefits at checkout. For users who prefer it, Stop & Shop is also available for EBT orders through the Instacart platform.
  • Publix: A dominant supermarket chain in the Southeast, Publix has partnered with Instacart to enable online EBT payments for both delivery and curbside pickup. When customers in states like Florida and North Carolina shop at Publix online with their EBT card, they are using the Instacart interface to complete their purchase.
  • H-E-B: This popular Texas-based retailer accepts online SNAP EBT payments for curbside and home delivery orders through its own proprietary system, available on the H-E-B website and the My H-E-B mobile app.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Navigating a new system can bring up questions. Here are answers to some of the most common ones about using EBT for online grocery shopping.

Is it safe to use my EBT card online?

Yes. The USDA requires all participating retailers to use secure, encrypted systems for PIN entry. When a user checks out, a secure online keypad will appear for them to enter their EBT card PIN, providing the same level of security as using the card in a physical store.

What happens if an item I ordered is out of stock?

The personal shopper who fills the order may substitute the out-of-stock item with a similar product. Many platforms allow users to approve or reject substitutions in real-time via text or app notifications. If a substituted item costs more than the original, the price difference will be charged to the backup credit or debit card on file, not the EBT card. To avoid this, most services allow users to select a “no substitutions” preference for some or all items.

Can I use coupons with my online EBT order?

This depends entirely on the retailer. Some stores with their own integrated systems, like Kroger and Food Lion, allow users to clip digital coupons in their app and apply them to online orders. However, platforms like Instacart generally do not support manufacturer or store coupons (digital or paper) for orders placed through their service. Always check the retailer’s specific policy.

Do I need a minimum order amount?

This also varies by retailer and service type. For example, Walmart requires a $35 minimum order for free curbside pickup. Some delivery services, like Instacart, may have different fee structures for orders that are under a certain amount, such as $35. Many stores do not have a minimum order requirement, but fees for pickup or delivery may still apply.

How do I check my EBT balance when shopping online?

Many retailers have integrated a balance check feature directly into their checkout process. After entering their EBT card information, users on sites like Kroger and H-E-B will see an option to “Check Balance”. After entering their PIN, their current SNAP balance will be displayed, allowing them to budget accordingly before completing the purchase.

Can I use my EBT card to order from a store in a different state?

Yes. SNAP is a federal program, and benefits are interoperable across all states. A user can use their EBT card from one state to shop online from a participating retailer based in another state, as long as that retailer offers delivery or shipping to the user’s address.