You can use SNAP at most grocery stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers, but not at restaurants, gas stations, or for non-food items

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) works at any store that displays the SNAP logo or the words "We accept SNAP" — usually near the entrance or checkout. The store must be authorized by the USDA to accept SNAP benefits. You use your EBT card (Electronic Benefits Transfer card) the same way you would use a debit card at checkout. The card works only for food you will cook or prepare at home; it cannot be used for hot food, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, pet food, or household items like soap or paper towels.

Where you can shop varies slightly by state because each state's SNAP program contracts with different retailers. Most large chains like Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, and Whole Foods accept SNAP in all or most of their locations. Smaller independent grocers, ethnic markets, and corner stores often accept SNAP too — you can check before you go by searching the USDA's SNAP retailer locator at fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator, which shows authorized stores by address or ZIP code.

Key Takeaways

  • SNAP works at grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers markets, and some online retailers that display the SNAP logo or are listed in the USDA retailer locator.
  • You cannot use SNAP for restaurant meals, prepared hot food, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, pet food, or household supplies.
  • The USDA retailer locator tool lets you search by ZIP code or address to find authorized stores near you before you shop.
  • Some farmers markets and farm stands accept SNAP, and a few online retailers including Amazon Fresh and Instacart partner with SNAP in certain states.

Grocery stores and supermarkets that accept SNAP

Nearly all major supermarket chains accept SNAP nationwide, though a few smaller regional chains may not. Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, Food Lion, Publix, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Costco all accept SNAP at most or all of their locations. Many independent and locally-owned grocery stores also accept SNAP — these are often easier to find by using the USDA locator than by calling ahead.

When you shop, remember that SNAP covers only food items meant to be prepared at home. The cashier's register will automatically reject non-food items and prepared foods. If you buy a mix of SNAP-may be able to access and ineligible items, you will need to pay for the ineligible ones separately with cash or another card. Some stores have customer service desks that can answer questions about what is and is not covered before you check out.

Farmers markets and farm stands

Many farmers markets accept SNAP, though not all do. Markets that accept SNAP display the SNAP logo or accept EBT cards at a central booth. You cannot swipe your EBT card directly at individual vendor stalls — instead, you exchange your EBT card for tokens or vouchers at the market's information booth, then use those tokens to buy from any vendor at that market. The tokens work only at that specific market and only on that day.

Some farm stands and pick-your-own farms also accept SNAP, but this varies widely by location and season. The USDA retailer locator includes farmers markets and farm stands, so searching your ZIP code will show you which ones near you accept SNAP. Call ahead if you are unsure, because farmers markets are seasonal and some only accept SNAP on certain days.

Online shopping with SNAP

Online SNAP shopping is available in most states but not all, and the retailers that accept SNAP online are limited. Amazon Fresh, Instacart, and Walmart.com accept SNAP in many states, but availability depends on your state and sometimes your specific ZIP code. You must have an EBT card to shop online — you cannot use a paper voucher or authorization letter. When you check out, you enter your EBT card information the same way you would enter a debit card.

Not all items sold online are SNAP-may be able to access even at stores that accept SNAP in person. Some retailers restrict which products can be purchased with SNAP online, and delivery fees are not covered by SNAP. Check the retailer's website or call their customer service to confirm which stores in your state offer online SNAP shopping and what their rules are.

What you cannot buy with SNAP

SNAP covers only food meant to be prepared and eaten at home. This means you cannot use SNAP for restaurant meals, deli hot food, prepared salads, rotisserie chicken, or any food that is hot or ready to eat when you buy it. You also cannot use SNAP for alcohol, beer, wine, or any drink with alcohol; tobacco or cigarettes; vitamins or medicines; pet food; seeds or plants; or any non-food household items like soap, paper towels, or cleaning supplies.

Some items are less obvious. You cannot use SNAP for hot coffee or hot soup from a grocery store deli counter, but you can buy cold soup or cold coffee drinks. You cannot buy a rotisserie chicken, but you can buy a raw whole chicken. You cannot buy a prepared sandwich, but you can buy bread and lunch meat separately. If you are unsure whether something is covered, ask the cashier or store manager before you check out.

Using the USDA retailer locator

The USDA's SNAP retailer locator is the fastest way to find stores near you that accept SNAP. Go to fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator, enter your ZIP code or address, and the tool will show you all authorized SNAP retailers in that area. The results include the store name, address, phone number, and sometimes hours. You can filter results by store type — grocery store, farmers market, online retailer, or other — to narrow your search.

The locator is updated regularly but not in real time, so a store listed may have closed or stopped accepting SNAP since the last update. If you find a store you want to shop at, it is worth calling ahead to confirm they still accept SNAP, especially for smaller independent stores or farmers markets that may have changed their status.

What happens if a store is not authorized

If you try to use your EBT card at a store that is not authorized to accept SNAP, your card will be declined at checkout. This happens most often at convenience stores, gas stations, and dollar stores, which generally do not accept SNAP even though they may sell some food items. Some small independent stores may not be authorized either, even if they sell groceries.

If a store you shop at regularly stops accepting SNAP or was never authorized, you can report it to your state's SNAP program or to the USDA. Stores that fraudulently claim to accept SNAP or that try to buy SNAP benefits from customers are breaking the law, and you can report those situations to your state's SNAP office or to the USDA Office of Inspector General.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use SNAP at Costco or Sam's Club?

Costco accepts SNAP at most locations, but Sam's Club does not. Costco does not require a membership to use SNAP, though you will need one to shop there for non-SNAP items. Check the USDA locator for your specific Costco location to confirm it accepts SNAP.

Can I buy hot food or prepared meals with SNAP?

No. SNAP covers only cold, unprepared food meant to be cooked at home. You cannot buy hot rotisserie chicken, deli sandwiches, hot soup, or prepared salads. You can buy the raw ingredients to make these foods yourself.

Do all farmers markets accept SNAP?

No. Some farmers markets accept SNAP and some do not. Use the USDA retailer locator to search for farmers markets in your area that accept SNAP, or call the market directly to ask. Markets that accept SNAP usually exchange your EBT card for tokens at an information booth.

Can I use SNAP to buy vitamins or medicine?

No. SNAP covers only food. Vitamins, medicines, and supplements are not covered, even if they are sold in a grocery store. You also cannot use SNAP for non-food items like soap, paper towels, or pet food.

What do I do if my EBT card is declined at a store that says it accepts SNAP?

Ask the cashier to call a manager — the store may have a technical problem with their SNAP reader, or you may have tried to buy an ineligible item. If the store claims to accept SNAP but consistently declines your card, contact your state's SNAP program to report it.