When paying with cash at Whole Foods, EBT cards are accepted. However, this option is not available when paying a Whole Foods bill via Amazon.com. Whole Foods also accepts Mastercards, Debit Cards, Credit Cards, Apple Pay, and Whole Foods Gift Cards as forms of payment, among others.
Using an EBT card, which stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer, enables you to make purchases while getting government assistance in the form of cash. The EBT card is issued to people who qualify for the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).
Does Whole Foods Accept EBT Cards?
Yes, Whole Foods accepts EBT at all its locations. They also accept WIC at most Whole Foods as well. EBT-eligible items are available everywhere you shop and Whole Foods automatically separates them when checking out. Unfortunately, you cannot use EBT when shopping on Whole Foods online.
If you wish to utilize your EBT for Whole Foods delivery, you may do so through Amazon Fresh foods category, Amazon Pantry foods, or Amazon Grocery foods.
Because Amazon accepts EBT as well, you may purchase SNAP-eligible Whole Foods products/goods on the the Amazon Fresh delivery program service.
How To Use EBT Cards At Whole Foods?
Using your EBT card at Whole Foods is extremely straightforward. You just check out as you would normally.
You don’t have to separate any of your EBT-approved items from your non-grocery items. The checkout machine will do this for you automatically.
Once everything is scanned, simply swipe your EBT card. From there, all your EBT-approved items will be deducted and you can pay the remaining balance however you like, cash or card.
Just remember to swipe your EBT card first or everything will go onto your credit card as one payment.
What Can You Buy With EBT Cards?
You can buy any grocery item at whole foods, even if it’s a pricey brand or not. Anything that isn’t a grocery item, like personal hygiene products, won’t be EBT-eligible.
What EBT-Approved Items Can You Buy At Whole Foods?
Fruits and vegetables, including frozen and tinned, as well as fresh veggies.
Cheese, milk, yogurt, and almond milk are examples of dairy products.
Cereals and bread
Snacks and non-alcoholic soft drinks are available.
What You Can’t Buy With EBT At Whole Foods
You cannot use the SNAP benefits to purchase the following household items:
- Vitamins, medications, and dietary supplements
- Ready-Made Food
- Live Animals Such As LobsterToiletries
- Household Essentials
- Beer/Champagne
- Pet Food
- Cigarettes
- Baby Formula, Pampers, and Wet Tissues
- CBD Products
- Gummies/Candy
- Snack Items Like Cheetos
- Honey
- Matcha Tea
What Can You Buy With WIC At Whole Foods?
The same items you’d buy at any other grocery store with WIC are available at Whole Foods.
WIC items are more strict than EBT-approved items, however, and it varies by state what is and isn’t approved.
A general list of what you can buy with WIC at Whole Foods is:
- Whole Grains
- Milk and Soy-Based Beverages
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Eggs
- Tofu
- Canned Fish
- Mature Legumes
- Peanut Butter
- Juice
- Breakfast Cereal
- Infant Cereal
- Infant Formula
- Infant Fruits and Vegetables
- Infant Meat
Conclusion
Whole Foods does accept EBT card and WIC at all their locations.
WIC is more strict than EBT but they both offer great benefits and options for shopping at Whole Foods.
You don’t have to worry about separating items into two categories when checking out, the register will do all of this for you.