If you are having a hard time getting by with your income with everything you need including your home, groceries, and more, you may be able to get some help with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) which will assist you during your hard times and enable you to pay important things, most importantly food.
This is done through Electronic Benefits Transfer or EBT, which consists in using an electronic card very similar to a debit card to pay directly to retailers.
You will receive an amount of money that suits your needs, but it will only cover food expenses.
Now, the big question here is, if I use DoorDash to have my food delivered to my house, can I make my purchases with EBT? Well, let’s find out!
Does DoorDash Take EBT?
Unfortunately, you can’t use EBT on DoorDash or any other food delivery apps, this is mostly because EBT works only on groceries for your home and not hot food that is ready to eat.
If you want to know more about where you can actually use the benefits of SNAP with EBT and a good alternative for DoorDash, then keep reading.
DoorDash And mRelief Partnership
Even if you can’t use your EBT card with DoorDash they still introduced an initiative with mRelief back in 2019 to improve the CalFresh enrollment process.
mRelief features a very easy-to-use tool on your phones for customers to sign up for food stamps.
This falls in line with DoorDash’s previous stance supporting families affected by natural disasters. This way DoorDash helps people that need help with their basic needs, which of course includes food.
mRelief’s Executive Director Rose Afriyie said:
This partnership is a testament to the strong community of support that can be mobilized to come to the aid of Americans in need. Yes, the safety net is anchored by the government, but it is also nonprofits and corporations like DoorDash that partner to make food security a reality
What Can You Buy With EBT?
You need to keep in mind that the benefits that you get with SNAP offer some specific products which don’t include most delivery apps unless it delivers groceries such as AmazonFresh or Instacart.
If you need help to cover the cost of your food at home, this is what you will be able to get with EBT:
- Bread and cereals (this includes all the bakery products including cake, cookies, and more)
- Milk and other dairy products
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Junk food (chips, pretzels, and ice cream)
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Snacks and others
- Seeds and plants are also eligible since they can produce food
If you want to know what is out of reach from your EBT card, then take a look at this list:
- Beer, wine, and any other liquors
- Cigarettes and tobacco
- Vitamins, medicines, and supplements. If a product has a Supplement Facts label, it is considered a supplement and is not eligible for purchase with EBT
- Live animals
- Prepared Foods fit for immediate consumption
- Hot foods
- Pet Food
- Any nonfood items such as cleaning supplies, paper products, and other household supplies, hygiene items, cosmetics
What Food Delivery Apps Take EBT?
Usually SNAP doesn’t cover restaurant food delivery apps, which means you can’t pay with your EBT card, however, there are a few online grocery delivery apps that do accept EBT.
If you want to use EBT with food delivery apps you can with Amazon and Instacart. Both will deliver everything you need from bread and cereals to fruits and vegetables.
This is due to one main difference, and that is the fact that these delivery apps don’t deliver prepared food that is ready to eat but instead focus more on groceries and food for your home.
What Retailers With Online Delivery Service Take EBT?
Thankfully, there are many big retailers with online delivery services that accept EBT.
- Walmart
- Amazon
- BJ’S Wholesale
- Food Lion
- Hy-Vee
- Kroger
- Safeway and Albertsons
- Shop Rite
- Publix
- Walgreens
Can I Use EBT In Restaurants?
You can use EBT in some restaurants, however, you must meet some specific requirements in order to do so.
These are the only people that can use EBT to purchase meals at a restaurant.
- Elderly
- Homeless
- Disabled
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Conclusion…
If you wanted to use your EBT card for fast food delivery services then you won’t be able to do it, so a lot of apps such as DoorDash won’t be eligible.
That doesn’t mean you can’t use EBT on any app, as long as you are purchasing food for your home that is necessary for you and your quality of life then you will be able to order with EBT.
You will also have a lot of options with online food deliveries from big popular retailers, so don’t worry about a lack of options.