Grocery Stores That Accept EBT: Guide to Shopping with SNAP

If you’re using an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), you’re in good company—over 42 million Americans rely on SNAP to put food on the table. Known as CalFresh in California, SNAP helps low-income households buy nutritious groceries.

But where can you shop with your EBT card? The good news is that over 250,000 retailers nationwide accept EBT, from major grocery chains to local farmers’ markets.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the top grocery stores that accept EBT in 2025, covering in-store and online options, how to find them, and what you need to know about eligible purchases. Plus, we’ll touch on how the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (signed July 4, 2025) might affect your benefits. Ready to shop smart? Let’s dive in!

Why EBT Matters for Grocery Shopping

SNAP benefits, delivered via EBT cards, let you buy essentials like fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, and breads. With food prices rising (a modest meal cost $3.79 in 2024, per USDA), EBT is a lifeline for many. However, recent changes from the “One Big Beautiful Bill” could cut SNAP by $186 billion through 2034, potentially impacting 645,000 CalFresh recipients in California alone.

Knowing where to use your EBT card ensures you maximize your benefits, whether you’re shopping at a supermarket or online. Use the SNAP Eligibility Calculator to check your status.

Major Grocery Stores That Accept EBT (SNAP) in 2025

Here’s a rundown of popular grocery chains accepting EBT across all 50 states, including in-store and online options where available. These stores are USDA-authorized for SNAP-eligible foods, but you can’t use EBT for hot foods (unless under special programs), alcohol, tobacco, or non-food items like household supplies.

1. Walmart

EBT Acceptance: In-store and online (pickup or delivery via Walmart.com or app).
Why Shop Here: With over 4,600 stores nationwide, Walmart offers affordable groceries, from fresh produce to pantry staples. Online, filter for “EBT eligible” items and enter your PIN at checkout. Delivery fees require a separate payment method (e.g., debit card).
Pro Tip: Walmart+ members get free delivery, but EBT doesn’t cover the membership or fees.

2. Target

EBT Acceptance: In-store and online (pickup or same-day delivery via Target.com or app).
Why Shop Here: Target’s 1,900+ stores carry a wide range of groceries, and their online platform makes EBT shopping easy. Select EBT as payment and cover non-eligible items (like cleaning supplies) separately.
Pro Tip: Use Target Circle for deals, but delivery fees aren’t EBT-eligible.

3. Albertsons (Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco)

EBT Acceptance: In-store and online (pickup or delivery via Albertsons.com or Instacart).
Why Shop Here: With 2,200+ stores, especially in California, Albertsons offers fresh produce and quality meats. Online shopping through Instacart is available in 30+ states.
Pro Tip: Check for EBT-compatible stores in your area via Instacart’s SNAP filter.

4. Kroger (Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Harris Teeter)

EBT Acceptance: In-store and online (pickup or delivery via Kroger.com or Instacart).
Why Shop Here: Kroger’s 2,700+ stores provide variety, and online EBT is available in 20+ states. Filter SNAP-eligible items for easy checkout.
Pro Tip: Ralphs in California is a go-to for CalFresh users looking for budget-friendly options.

5. Publix

EBT Acceptance: In-store only.
Why Shop Here: Publix’s 1,300 stores in the Southeast (Florida, Georgia, etc.) offer fresh bakery items and produce. EBT works at checkout for eligible groceries.
Pro Tip: Pair with weekly BOGO deals to stretch your benefits.

6. ALDI

EBT Acceptance: In-store and online (via Instacart, not ALDI’s site directly).
Why Shop Here: ALDI’s 2,300+ stores focus on low-cost staples, perfect for SNAP budgets. Instacart delivery is available in many areas.
Pro Tip: Shop in-store for the lowest prices, as Instacart fees add up.

7. Whole Foods Market

EBT Acceptance: In-store and online (via Amazon, owned by Whole Foods).
Why Shop Here: With 500+ stores, Whole Foods offers organic and premium groceries. Use Amazon.com for EBT-eligible online purchases.
Pro Tip: Look for SNAP-eligible filters on Amazon to avoid non-covered items.

8. Trader Joe’s

EBT Acceptance: In-store only.
Why Shop Here: Trader Joe’s 500+ stores, especially in California, offer unique, affordable groceries like frozen meals and snacks.
Pro Tip: Check for EBT acceptance at your local store, as policies are consistent but not online.

9. Costco

EBT Acceptance: In-store only (membership required).
Why Shop Here: Costco’s 500+ warehouses provide bulk groceries, ideal for large households. EBT covers food but not membership fees.
Pro Tip: Split a membership with family to save on costs.

10. Sam’s Club

EBT Acceptance: In-store only (membership required).
Why Shop Here: Similar to Costco, Sam’s Club’s 600 clubs offer bulk buys for SNAP users.
Pro Tip: Use EBT for groceries and a separate card for membership or non-food items.

11. BJ’s Wholesale Club

EBT Acceptance: In-store and online (pickup or delivery).
Why Shop Here: BJ’s 240 clubs in the Northeast and Southeast support bulk shopping with EBT, including online orders.
Pro Tip: Online EBT checkout is seamless, but cover delivery fees separately.

12. Dollar General & Family Dollar

EBT Acceptance: In-store only.
Why Shop Here: With 18,000+ combined stores, these are convenient for quick grocery runs, especially in rural areas.
Pro Tip: Stock up on canned goods and snacks to maximize benefits.

13. Grocery Outlet

EBT Acceptance: In-store only.
Why Shop Here: Known for discounted overstock, Grocery Outlet’s 450 stores (mostly West Coast) are great for budget-conscious CalFresh users.
Pro Tip: Check weekly deals for extra savings.

California’s CalFresh: Where to Shop with EBT

In California, CalFresh benefits are accepted at over 50,000 retailers, making it easy to shop for groceries. Popular options include:

Safeway, Albertsons, Vons: In-store and online via Instacart.
Ralphs, Food 4 Less, Foods Co.: Budget-friendly Kroger stores, with online options.
WinCo Foods, Grocery Outlet: Affordable bulk and discount shopping.
Walmart, Target, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods: As listed above.
Farmers’ Markets: Many accept EBT with wireless devices, and California’s Market Match program doubles your benefits (up to $20/day) for fresh produce. Find markets at www.cafarmersmarkets.com.

Use California’s EBT Locator (www.ebt.ca.gov/locator) or BenefitsCal.com to find stores near you.

Shopping Online with EBT: A Game-Changer

Since the USDA’s online pilot began in 2020, 48 states plus D.C. allow EBT for online grocery purchases. Here’s how it works:

Amazon: Shop SNAP-eligible items on Amazon.com, with delivery nationwide. Filter for EBT-eligible products and enter your PIN at checkout. Delivery fees require a separate payment method.
Walmart: Offers pickup and delivery in all 50 states. Use Walmart.com or the app, selecting EBT for eligible items.
Instacart: Partners with ALDI, Costco, Food Lion, Hannaford, Safeway, Sam’s Club, Target, and Vons. Available in all 50 states; filter for SNAP-eligible items.
Membership Programs: Walmart+ and Target Circle offer free delivery, but EBT doesn’t cover fees or memberships.

Note: SNAP covers only food; delivery fees, tips, and non-eligible items (e.g., paper towels) need another payment method. Check www.fns.usda.gov/snap/online for participating retailers.

How to Find EBT-Accepting Stores Near You

Not sure where to shop? Try these tools:

USDA SNAP Retailer Locator: Enter your ZIP code at www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator for a map of authorized stores.
California’s EBT Locator: Use www.ebt.ca.gov/locator or BenefitsCal.com for CalFresh retailers.
Store Websites/Apps: Search “EBT” on Walmart.com, Target.com, or Instacart to confirm acceptance.
Call Ahead: Verify with smaller stores, as policies can vary.
ebtEDGE App: Check balances and locate nearby ATMs or POS terminals for EBT use.

What Can You Buy with EBT?

EBT covers SNAP-eligible foods, including:

Fruits and vegetables
Meats, poultry, fish
Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt)
Breads, cereals, pasta
Snacks (chips, cookies)
Seeds/plants for growing food

Not Covered:

Hot prepared foods (unless under Restaurant Meals Program or disaster waivers, e.g., California wildfires until February 8, 2025)
Alcohol, tobacco, vitamins
Non-food items (pet food, cleaning supplies)

In California, CalFresh follows the same rules, and Market Match boosts produce purchases at farmers’ markets.

How the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Affects EBT Shopping

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” introduces $186 billion in SNAP cuts through 2034, potentially affecting your benefits:

Work Requirements: Starting 2026–2027, adults aged 18–64 and parents with kids 14+ must work 20 hours/week, risking benefit loss for 3.2 million people.
Immigrant Restrictions: From October 2026, noncitizens (except lawful permanent residents, Cubans, Haitians) lose eligibility, impacting 60,000–125,000.
State Costs: California faces $705 million annually from 2028, which may tighten eligibility.

While store acceptance remains unchanged, reduced benefits could limit purchasing power. Monitor your CalFresh status on BenefitsCal.com or call 1-877-328-9677.

Tips for Shopping with EBT

Check Balances: Use the ebtEDGE app or state EBT numbers (e.g., 1-877-328-9677 for California) before shopping.
Look for Deals: Shop at ALDI, Grocery Outlet, or farmers’ markets with Market Match for savings.
Online Convenience: Use Amazon or Instacart for delivery, but budget for fees.
Protect Your Card: Lock your EBT card via ebtEDGE to prevent fraud; report issues immediately.
Plan Purchases: Stick to SNAP-eligible items to avoid checkout surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which grocery stores accept EBT in 2025?

Major chains like Walmart, Target, Albertsons, Kroger, Publix, ALDI, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s accept EBT. Online options include Amazon, Walmart, and Instacart partners.

Can I use EBT at dollar stores?

Yes, Dollar General and Family Dollar accept EBT for groceries in-store at 18,000+ locations.

Is online grocery shopping with EBT available?

Yes, 48 states + D.C. allow it via Amazon, Walmart, and Instacart (from ALDI, Safeway, etc.). EBT covers food only; fees need another payment method.

Do farmers’ markets take EBT in California?

Many do, with Market Match doubling benefits (up to $20/day) for produce. Check www.cafarmersmarkets.com.

How do I find stores that accept EBT near me?

Use www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator or, in California, www.ebt.ca.gov/locator.

Wrap-Up

Whether you’re grabbing groceries at Walmart, stocking up at ALDI, or shopping online with Amazon, EBT makes it easy to use your SNAP benefits at over 250,000 retailers. In California, CalFresh works at Safeway, Ralphs, Grocery Outlet, and farmers’ markets with Market Match.

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” may reduce benefits, so stay proactive by checking your status on BenefitsCal.com or calling 1-877-328-9677. Find stores with the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator (www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator) and estimate eligibility at the SNAP Eligibility Calculator or SNAP Income Limits. Happy shopping!