We’ve all had it pretty tough these last few years with the pandemic basically stopping the world in its tracks.
A lot of people found themselves without a regular income anymore, creating the struggle to feed their families healthy, nutritious food. Thankfully EBT can still help the many families it did, plus a host of newbies. So what exactly is EBT? How does it work? At what stores can you even use it? What food items can you even buy with it? And finally, Does Dollar General accept EBT and Food Stamps?
So, let’s find the answers to these questions and more!
Contents
What Is EBT?
When you are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), you get help from the government to buy food. EBT or Electronic Benefits Transfer is the electronic payment system they created. It replaced paper food stamps in 2008 and worked very well. So well, that paper food stamps were phased out by February of 2009.
Does Dollar General Accept EBT And Food Stamps?
Yes. Dollar General accepts SNAP EBT for food purchases in its stores. Plus, it has been reported that every single one of their 18,216 stores accepts it. You can confidently head to your nearest Dollar General, knowing you’ll never be caught off guard or out of pocket for those very important groceries!
Can I Use EBT For Dollar General Online Shopping?
No. It’s unfortunate, but Dollar General does not currently accept SNAP EBT payments for their online shopping site. They accept many other forms of payment but not this one. Therefore you will have to go to an actual store to utilize your Electronic Benefits Transfer for grocery shopping.
What About Curbside Pick Up?
Again, it’s a no because the curbside collection is still ordered and paid for via Dollar Generals’ online shop. You will not be able to complete the order using EBT as it’s currently not an accepted form of payment. The only way to pay for your food shopping using EBT at Dollar General is to go to an actual store location.
What Food Can I Purchase?
As a participant in the SNAP program, you have access to healthy, wholesome, and nutritious staple food items. The program is designed to cover food items to be prepared, cooked, and eaten at home.
Items include:
- Fruit and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned).
- Fish, meat, and poultry (fresh, frozen, or canned).
- Bread and cereal (including baked goods).
- Dairy (fresh or shelf-stable).
- Non-dairy substitutes (oat, soy, nut milk/yogurt, etc.).
- Snacks (popcorn, pretzels, chips, ice cream, etc.).
- Non-alcoholic beverages (water, juice, iced tea, soda, etc.).
- Baby formula.
- Maple syrup, honey, sugar, artificial sweeteners, etc.
- Seeds and plants for growing your own produce.
- Cold sandwiches and salads.
- Staple pantry items – herbs, spices, seasonings, oil, cake mix, flour, ketchup, condiments.
What Is Excluded?
As always, there are certain items excluded from the scheme.
These include:
- Tobacco and cigarettes (including e-cigarettes and refills).
- Beer, wine, and spirits.
- Pharmacy items (prescription or over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, etc.).
- Pet food.
- Personal and house care items (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, diapers, toilet cleaner, makeup, etc.).
- Hot and pre-made food (pizza slices, rotisserie chicken, soup, etc.).
Can I Use EBT In Dollar Stores In Other States?
Yes. As mentioned, you can use your EBT in any of Dollar General’s locations. So if you happen to be interstate, rest assured you can still get assistance with your groceries. For example, if you reside in California and need to make a trip to Louisiana. Your EBT card will still work for you at any of the 615 Dollar General stores located in that state.
In fact, as of August 2023. You’ll find that Dollar General has stores located in every state except for Hawaii, Montana, and Alaska.
What Other Stores Accept EBT?
There are a lot of other businesses that will accept payment for your groceries via your SNAP EBT card. These include supermarkets, fresh farmers’ markets, grocery stores, and convenience stores. Then there are more specialty stores like some butchers and fish mongers. The general rule is that 50% of what the store sells must be ‘staple’ food items.
You should be able to see some sort of signage, sticker, or poster indicating they are affiliated with the SNAP program and will therefore accept EBT as payment. If in doubt, it’s always best to enquire with an employee before you start your shopping. That way, you won’t get to the checkout only to find that your card won’t work there.
Participating stores across the USA:
- 7/11 Store
- Whole Foods Market
- Kroger
- Duane Reade
- Target
- Randalls
- Amazon Fresh
- HEB Food Store
- Z Chevron
- Metro Mart
- Kwick Deals
- Trader Joe’s
- Wawa
- Safeway
- Amazon Go Grocery
- Friendly Food Market
- Crystal City Fresh Farm Market
- Spring Mini Mart
- Chapman Market
- PUBLIX
- Speedway
There is also this SNAP Retailer Locator Tool which is super handy for locating a participating store near you! You just need to put a street address, city, and state or zip code into the search bar. Then the map will show you retailers within a 5 to 25 miles radius of that address.
Supporting A Large Family?
Food prices just seem to soar, and the healthier you’d like your family to eat, the more it costs! So, find out which stores support the assistance programs by checking Does Whole Foods Take EBT, Does Sams Club Take EBT, and for your superstores, Does Costco Take EBT, Does Target Take EBT, and if you’re doing home improvement, Does Trader Joes Takes EBT Card?
Do you have a new addition on the way? Then, you’ll need to know Does Target Take WIC, along with Does Walgreens Accept EBT, WIC, And Food Stamps to help with the financial strain of baby shopping!
We all need a treat every now and then, so check out Does Starbucks or Take EBT for a yummy frappuccino, or if the kiddies are craving a ‘Happy Meal,’ Does McDonalds Take EBT in 2023?
Does Dollar General Accept EBT And Food Stamps – Final Thoughts
Yes, it’s great to know that you can buy your staple food items from any Dollar General store location because they are all participating in the fantastic SNAP EBT payment scheme.
You should be able to find all of your favorite fruits and vegetables, meats, bread, condiments, dairy and non-dairy products. Plus spices, pantry items, and much more for purchase here via your SNAP EBT card.
With over 18,000 locations across America except in Alaska, Hawaii, and Montana, there’s sure to be a Dollar General close to you. If not, there are plenty of other EBT participating stores that will help keep nourishing food on the table for you and your family.
Enjoy shopping for your family with your EBT Card!