Navigating the vast grocery landscape while using your CalFresh EBT card can feel overwhelming. But fear not, fellow Californians! This comprehensive guide maps out the diverse array of stores across the Golden State where you can confidently swipe your card and purchase nutritious food.
The SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot program, initiated in 2019, enabled households in eight U.S. states to utilize their SNAP benefits for online grocery purchases from authorized retailers. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the imperative for social distancing, the pilot program underwent significant expansion to encompass additional states. This expansion broadened access to EBT Online for a greater number of SNAP recipients.
Supermarkets and Grocery Stores:
- Mainstream Chains: Rest assured, major supermarket chains like Albertsons, Vons, Safeway, Ralphs, and Raley’s readily welcome CalFresh shoppers. These familiar destinations offer a one-stop shop for pantry staples, fresh produce, and household essentials.
- Local Favorites: Don’t overlook the charm of locally owned grocery stores! Stater Bros., Smart & Final, and Sprouts Farmers Market are just a few examples of California chains that embrace EBT payments. These stores often boast unique offerings and competitive prices.
- Discount Grocers: Stretching your budget is key, and CalFresh recipients can find plenty of savings at discount stores like Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Food 4 Less, and El Super.
- Specialty Stores: Craving international flavors or organic goods? Specialty stores like Asian Ranch Market, La Michoacana Meat Market, and Whole Foods Market also accept EBT cards, catering to specific dietary needs and cultural preferences.
Beyond the Supermarket:
- Convenience Stores: Need a quick grocery run? 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Arco am/pm locations across California gladly accept EBT for on-the-go essentials.
- Farmers’ Markets: Embrace the bounty of California’s agricultural bounty! Many farmers’ markets across the state, including all CUESA-organized ones, accept EBT cards. Not only do you get fresh, seasonal produce, but you also may qualify for market match programs that double your buying power. Find participating markets using the CUESA Farmers’ Market Finder.
- Flea Markets: Believe it or not, some California flea markets, like the Long Beach Antique Market and the Rose Bowl Stadium Flea Market, have joined the EBT party. Treasure hunting while stocking your pantry? Why not!
Below is a compilation of chosen retail stores that accept EBT:
- Online Grocery Shopping: Embrace the convenience of online grocery shopping with your EBT card. Major retailers like Amazon and Walmart offer home delivery of groceries purchased with your CalFresh benefits. Additionally, Instacart and other popular services partner with stores like Albertsons, Vons, and Safeway for EBT-eligible deliveries and DriveUp & Go pickups.
Amazon:
CalFresh beneficiaries have the option to utilize their EBT benefits for purchasing food from Amazon grocery, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods Market. To facilitate EBT payments, users can save their card information on their personal Amazon account or directly add an EBT card during checkout or in their wallet.
CalFresh-eligible items in the Amazon grocery list are clearly marked as SNAP EBT Eligible, streamlining the identification of items that can be bought with CalFresh EBT.
Using an EBT card, individuals can buy CalFresh-eligible items from Amazon’s grocery store, granting access to Amazon Fresh for the purchase of fresh produce and everyday groceries.
Moreover, the same CalFresh-eligible products available at local Whole Foods Markets can be acquired on Whole Foods Market on Amazon using an EBT card.
It’s important to note that EBT payments do not cover shipping and delivery charges. However, customers can enjoy free delivery on Amazon orders by meeting specific
minimum purchase requirements,
- $25 or more for Amazon grocery
- $35 or more for Amazon Fresh.
Whole Foods Market on Amazon provides free grocery pickup for orders over $35, but delivery orders are subject to a $9.95 service charge. For any inquiries regarding CalFresh acceptance on Amazon, users can check here or contact Amazon customer service.
Albertsons and Subsidiary Stores:
Albertsons, along with its subsidiaries Safeway and Vons, accepts CalFresh EBT cards for both grocery delivery and DriveUp & Go pickup orders. Customers can mix CalFresh and non-CalFresh eligible items in their orders and use multiple payment methods during checkout.
To utilize an EBT card at nearby Albertsons, Safeway, or Vons stores, follow these steps:
- Sign in to your account on the store website or create a new account if needed.
- Choose a convenient store location using the store locator and select ‘SNAP/EBT Online’ under ‘Additional Services.’
- Add desired groceries, including both CalFresh and non-CalFresh eligible items, to the cart and proceed to checkout.
- Select pickup or delivery options and provide necessary order details.
- Enter card details, adding a secondary payment method for non-CalFresh items or any additional fees.
- Place the order and receive a confirmation shortly after.
To find nearby stores, visit the Albertsons, Safeway, and Vons store locator pages.
Walmart:
Walmart accepts EBT benefits and EBT cash for online grocery pickup and delivery orders. Customers have the flexibility to split their payment between a CalFresh EBT card and another payment method. The Walmart app allows browsing and shopping for groceries at local Walmart stores.
To make EBT payments online at Walmart, follow these steps:
- Sign in to your account on the Walmart website or mobile app.
- If your local store supports EBT, link your EBT card to your account, and within 24 hours, EBT can be used online with no minimums.
- Add items to the cart and click ‘Checkout.’
- Under ‘Select payment method,’ choose EBT. If needed, select a secondary payment type and click Continue.
- Enter your EBT PIN on an external page and return to complete your order.
For any issues, contact the Walmart Help Centre.
Instacart and Participating Stores:
Retailers like ALDI, Food4Less, Save Mart, FoodMaxx, Lucky Supermarkets, and McDonalds in California accept online EBT payments for home delivery through the Instacart website and mobile app. Currently, Instacart does not support EBT cash payments.
The list of participating Instacart stores is continually expanding, and users can check the complete list here.
To identify EBT-eligible items on Instacart, users can enable the ‘Show EBT eligibility by item’ option in their account settings under the SNAP EBT info section. Alternatively, by selecting Explore > EBT Eligibility, users can apply the ‘Only EBT-eligible items’ filter.
Instacart charges $3.99 per order for home delivery and offers an unlimited delivery plan for $99 per year. To effectively use the EBT card, users must add a credit or debit card to cover delivery fees, tips, taxes, and any non-CalFresh eligible items. Instacart also allows order modification and addition of items after checkout.
Restaurant Meals Program: For elderly, homeless, or disabled CalFresh recipients, enjoying hot meals is possible through the Restaurant Meals Program. Participating restaurants, like Meals on Wheels organizations, accept EBT cards for prepared meals, providing access to fresh, nutritious food in a comfortable setting.
Adding EBT Card to Instacart Account:
On the App:
- Tap the three horizontal lines in the upper left corner.
- Select “Account settings.”
- Tap “EBT SNAP info.”
- Choose “Add EBT SNAP card.”
- Tap “Add” next to EBT SNAP.
- Enter the first name, last name, and card number from the EBT card.
- Re-enter the card number to confirm.
- Tap “Save.”
On the Website:
- Click the three horizontal lines in the upper left corner.
- Go to “Your account settings.”
- Click “Add EBT SNAP card” under EBT SNAP settings.
- Click “Add” next to EBT SNAP card.
- Enter the first name, last name, and card number from the EBT card.
- Click “Save.”
Please note that only one EBT card can be saved to your account. If you need to change your EBT card, remove the first one before adding another.
Note: To use your EBT card, you must also add a credit or debit card to your Instacart account. Your credit or debit card will cover fees, bottle deposits (in some states), taxes, delivery tips, and any other non-EBT eligible items you may wish to purchase. For assistance in adding a credit or debit card, refer to the “Updating your payment methods” section.
Removing EBT Card from Instacart Account:
In-App:
- Tap the three horizontal lines in the upper left corner.
- Select “Account settings.”
- Tap “Payment methods.”
- Tap the pencil icon in the upper right corner.
- Tap the red minus icon next to your EBT card.
- Tap “Delete.”
- Confirm by tapping “Ok.”
On the Website:
- Click the three horizontal lines in the upper left corner.
- Go to “Your account settings.”
- Click “Payment methods.”
- Click “Delete” next to your EBT SNAP card.
- Confirm deletion by clicking “Delete” again.
Below is a compilation of items that qualify for EBT SNAP. You can use your EBT card to purchase the following:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Other food items, including snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that yield food for household consumption
Essential Tips:
- Look for the EBT logo: While most major stores accept EBT, it’s always best to check for the EBT logo at the entrance or inquire with cashiers to ensure acceptance.
- Understand program limitations: CalFresh EBT cards can only be used to purchase approved food items. While some restaurants accept EBT through the Restaurant Meals Program, takeout food and prepared meals outside that program are not eligible purchases.
- Stay informed: Regulations and participating stores can change occasionally. Access the latest information through the California Department of Social Services website or call the CalFresh hotline at 1-855-355-5757.
How can I inquire about my California EBT Card Balance?
You have three convenient options to check the balance on your Golden State Advantage EBT Card:
- Receipt Check:
- Locate your most recent purchase receipt.
- The current balance on your California EBT Card can be found at the bottom of the receipt.
- Phone Inquiry:
- Dial the California EBT Card Customer Service phone number at (877) 328-9677.
- The hotline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Online Balance Check:
- Visit www.ebt.ca.gov to check your California EBT Card balance online.
For additional assistance, you can contact the California EBT Customer Service center through the following:
- Call:
- Customer Service: 1-877-328-9677
- TTY (Text Telephone): 1-800-735-2929
Also Read:How to check calfresh application status?
The California EBT Card customer service center can assist you with the following:
- Reporting a lost or stolen card.
- Changing your PIN due to forgetting it or concerns about its security. Your public assistance office may also provide support for changing your PIN.
- Inquiring about the remaining balance in your account.
- Addressing issues where your card is not functioning.
- Resolving discrepancies, such as being charged for a purchase without receiving the food or facing overcharges.
- Any other questions or problems you may encounter.
The EBT online service does not encompass expenses such as delivery, shipping fees, tips, and other additional charges. Consequently, many stores allow the use of your EBT card in conjunction with an alternative payment method to handle non-CalFresh eligible items and associated costs.
The state of California remains committed to expanding the roster of retailers that accept EBT online, continually working towards increased accessibility for users.