Food stamps, officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), help families and individuals with low incomes buy groceries. Walmart is a popular place to use your food stamps because they have a wide selection of food items and are conveniently located in many areas. This guide will walk you through how to use your SNAP benefits at Walmart, making the process simple and stress-free.
What Can I Buy With Food Stamps at Walmart?
You can buy a variety of food items with your SNAP benefits at Walmart. This includes things like fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, bread, cereals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages. Basically, anything that is a food item and meant for human consumption is eligible.
Understanding Eligible and Ineligible Items
Knowing what you *can* and *can’t* buy with food stamps is super important. SNAP is designed to help you get nutritious food. Things like pet food, alcohol, tobacco products, and any non-food items (like diapers, cleaning supplies, or toiletries) are not allowed. Be mindful of the items you’re putting in your cart, as only eligible items can be purchased with your EBT card.
Sometimes it can be tricky. For example, prepared foods sold hot (like a rotisserie chicken that’s ready to eat) are often not covered, while the raw chicken to cook yourself is. Candy and soda are allowed, even though they aren’t super healthy choices. When in doubt, look for the SNAP-eligible signs on the shelves. If you’re unsure about an item, it’s always best to ask a Walmart employee for clarification before you head to the checkout.
Also, it’s essential to remember that you can’t use your EBT card for items you can pay for with another method, like cash. For instance, if you’re buying a birthday cake and want to add candles and decorations, you’d have to pay for those extras separately. This is because the decorations are not an eligible food purchase.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can usually buy:
- Fruits and Vegetables (fresh, frozen, canned)
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish
- Dairy Products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Breads and Cereals
- Snack Foods
- Non-alcoholic Beverages (soda, juice)
Finding SNAP-Eligible Products
Walmart makes it easy to identify which products are SNAP-eligible. Look for signs on the shelves that indicate the item is covered by SNAP benefits. These signs are usually located near the price tag of the product. This makes it simple to quickly scan the store and identify food options within your budget.
When you’re in the produce section, you’ll find a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that qualify for SNAP. You can also use your benefits in the meat and dairy sections, as well as the bakery and canned goods aisles. You’ll also be able to purchase snacks, frozen meals, and other grocery items. This flexibility can help you plan your meals around your preferences and dietary needs.
Don’t forget to check the packaged food items for SNAP eligibility. Many processed foods like cereals, bread, and packaged snacks can be purchased using your EBT card. Check the shelves to see if any of these products have the SNAP eligibility signs on them. This is especially important for finding budget-friendly meal options for yourself and your family.
In addition to in-store shopping, you can also shop for groceries online through Walmart’s website or app using SNAP benefits, but only in states that support EBT payments online. You will have to check to make sure you can do so from your location. Look for the SNAP logo on items when you are shopping online.
Using Your EBT Card at Checkout
Using your EBT card at Walmart is straightforward, similar to using a debit or credit card. After you’ve gathered your groceries, head to the checkout lane. You can use the self-checkout lanes or a regular checkout lane with a cashier.
When you’re ready to pay, the cashier will ask how you’d like to pay. Choose the “EBT” or “SNAP” option. If you’re using a self-checkout lane, the screen will prompt you to select the “EBT” payment method. Then, you will need to swipe your EBT card in the card reader, just like you would with a debit card.
Next, you’ll enter your PIN. Be very careful to enter your PIN correctly, as you have limited attempts. You’ll be asked for the PIN before you can complete the transaction, so make sure you know your PIN before you go to the store. This number protects your account, so don’t share it with anyone.
Here is a quick step-by-step guide:
- Gather your groceries.
- Go to the checkout lane (self-checkout or cashier).
- Select the “EBT” or “SNAP” payment option.
- Swipe your EBT card.
- Enter your PIN.
- If you are purchasing some items that are not SNAP-eligible, you can split your payment between your EBT card and another payment method.
- Complete your purchase.
Checking Your EBT Card Balance
Knowing your EBT card balance before you shop can help you stay within your budget and avoid any surprises at the checkout. There are several ways to check your balance. You can check it at the register when you check out at Walmart.
You can also check your balance by calling the customer service number on the back of your EBT card. The phone number will vary depending on your state, but the information is clearly listed on your card. You’ll likely need to provide your card number and your PIN.
Additionally, you might be able to check your balance online through your state’s EBT website or app, if they have one. You’ll typically need to create an account and log in. You can usually find this information on your state’s government website.
Here’s a summary of how to check your EBT balance:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| At Walmart Register | Ask the cashier to check your balance before you start your purchase. |
| By Phone | Call the customer service number on the back of your EBT card and follow the instructions. |
| Online | Visit your state’s EBT website or app and log in to view your balance. |
Dealing with Non-Eligible Items and Remaining Balances
Sometimes, you might have both SNAP-eligible and non-eligible items in your cart. Don’t worry – Walmart makes it easy to handle this. The cashier will typically separate your purchases, or the self-checkout will prompt you to do so.
For the SNAP-eligible items, you’ll use your EBT card. For the non-eligible items, you’ll need to use another form of payment, like cash, a debit card, or a credit card. The system will automatically deduct the cost of eligible items from your EBT balance first, before calculating the remaining amount for the ineligible items.
If you don’t use your entire EBT balance during a shopping trip, the remaining amount will stay on your card for future use. You don’t have to use your entire balance at once. The remaining balance will be available for future grocery purchases, as long as the benefits haven’t expired. This allows you to stretch your benefits throughout the month and purchase food as needed. Also, make sure to keep track of your balance and expiration date to make sure you’re always able to utilize your SNAP benefits. Remember, your funds expire after a certain period.
Here’s what you can do if you have both eligible and ineligible items:
- The cashier will ring up your items separately.
- Use your EBT card for eligible items.
- Use another payment method (cash, card) for ineligible items.
- The remaining balance on your EBT card will still be available for future use.
Online Shopping with SNAP at Walmart
Walmart offers online grocery shopping with SNAP benefits in many locations. This can be a convenient option if you have trouble getting to the store, or if you simply prefer to shop from the comfort of your own home. However, it’s essential to note that this feature is not available everywhere, so make sure to check your location before you get your hopes up.
To get started, you’ll need to create a Walmart.com account or use the Walmart app. Then, make sure your location is set, and check to see if SNAP benefits are accepted in your area. Next, add eligible items to your cart. Look for items marked with the SNAP logo to make sure they’re covered. At checkout, select “EBT” as your payment method. You’ll then need to enter your EBT card information.
Keep in mind that delivery and pickup options may vary by location. You might have to pay a small fee for delivery or pickup service. You can also use your SNAP benefits for pickup, which can be free. Before you make your first online purchase, check the fees and the pickup policies in your area, as the terms may vary.
Here’s a simple checklist for online shopping:
- Check to see if SNAP benefits are accepted in your area.
- Create or log into your Walmart.com account.
- Add eligible items to your cart.
- At checkout, choose EBT.
- Enter your EBT card information.
- Select your delivery or pickup method.
Tips for Making the Most of Your SNAP Benefits at Walmart
To get the most out of your SNAP benefits, consider these tips. Plan your meals ahead of time so you can buy only what you need. Making a list before you go shopping will help you avoid impulse purchases and stay within your budget. Focus on buying whole, unprocessed foods like fruits and vegetables, which are more nutritious and often cheaper than pre-packaged meals.
Walmart often has great deals and discounts on groceries. Pay attention to the weekly ad and look for sales and promotions. Check for clearance items, especially in the produce and meat sections. Consider buying in bulk if you have the storage space and you plan to use the items before they expire. This can be a good way to save money on items that you use regularly.
Another great way to save is to buy store brands. Walmart’s Great Value brand offers many food staples at lower prices than name brands. Reading labels is also crucial. Pay attention to the unit prices, which tell you the cost per ounce or pound. This makes it easy to compare different brands and sizes to find the best deal. And remember, don’t be afraid to ask a Walmart employee for help if you have any questions.
Here are some money-saving tips:
- Plan your meals and make a shopping list.
- Look for weekly sales and promotions.
- Buy store brands (Great Value).
- Consider bulk purchases if you have the storage space.
- Compare unit prices.
By following these steps and tips, you can easily and successfully use your food stamps at Walmart, providing you and your family with access to nutritious food. Remember to always check your balance, stay informed about eligible items, and plan your purchases to make the most of your benefits. Happy shopping!