Why Hot Rotisserie Chicken is Not EBT Eligible
The primary reason you cannot purchase a hot rotisserie chicken with your EBT card at Sam's Club is because of federal SNAP regulations. The USDA, which oversees the SNAP program, defines eligible food as items meant for "home preparation and consumption". A rotisserie chicken, sold hot and ready-to-eat, does not fall into this category. The rules specifically exclude items that are hot at the point of sale, a rule that has been in place since the 1970s.
This rule applies not just to Sam's Club but to any retailer that accepts EBT. It also extends to other hot items like prepared soups, hot dogs, and food court pizza. While a retailer may accept EBT for eligible groceries, they must have a system to separate and reject transactions for ineligible items. In the case of a hot rotisserie chicken, the transaction will be declined when using an EBT card for the SNAP portion of the payment.
What You Can Buy with EBT at Sam's Club
Despite the restriction on hot food, Sam's Club accepts EBT for a wide range of other grocery items. This is particularly beneficial for SNAP recipients due to the bulk quantities and competitive pricing offered by the warehouse club.
Here is a list of common EBT-eligible purchases at Sam's Club:
- Fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables.
- Raw meat, poultry, and fish.
- Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt.
- Eggs.
- Bread, cereals, pasta, and rice.
- Bulk snack foods, such as chips and nuts.
- Non-alcoholic beverages, including juice and water.
- Seeds and plants that produce food for your household.
Can You Use EBT for Online or Curbside Orders?
No, currently Sam's Club does not accept EBT for online purchases, which includes curbside pickup and delivery. These orders are processed differently than in-store transactions, and EBT payment is not an integrated option for them. You must make your purchase in person, whether at a regular checkout or using the Scan & Go app.
Comparison of EBT-Eligible and Ineligible Purchases at Sam's Club
| Item | EBT Eligibility | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Rotisserie Chicken | Ineligible | Considered hot, ready-to-eat food. |
| Packaged Uncooked Chicken | Eligible | Raw meat is a staple food for home preparation. |
| Cold Deli Sandwich | Eligible | Packaged cold for take-home consumption. |
| Hot Deli Sub | Ineligible | Hot at the point of sale. |
| Frozen Lasagna | Eligible | A frozen meal intended for home preparation. |
| Sam's Club Cafe Pizza Slice | Ineligible | Hot, ready-to-eat item from the food court. |
What About the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)?
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is an exception to the hot food rule, but it is not applicable for buying rotisserie chicken at Sam's Club. The RMP is a state-optional program for certain SNAP recipients who may have limited ability to cook, such as the elderly, disabled, and homeless. It allows them to use their EBT benefits at approved, participating restaurants. Sam's Club is a retailer, not a restaurant participating in the RMP, and therefore their hot food items remain ineligible.
The Sam's Club Membership Requirement
A common point of confusion is the membership requirement. To shop at Sam's Club, you need a membership, which you cannot pay for with your EBT card. However, if you are a SNAP recipient and a new member, you may qualify for a discount on your membership fee when joining online. The membership allows you to take advantage of bulk purchasing with your EBT card for eligible items.
Conclusion
In summary, while you cannot buy the famously affordable hot rotisserie chicken at Sam's Club using your EBT card, you can still use your benefits to purchase a wide variety of other eligible foods, including uncooked chicken and frozen meals. Federal SNAP rules prevent the use of EBT for hot, prepared foods, and the Sam's Club rotisserie chicken falls under this restriction. For those looking for convenient meal options with EBT, the best strategy is to buy frozen or uncooked items and prepare them at home. It's important to keep track of eligible and ineligible items to avoid issues at the checkout.
For more information on SNAP eligibility and the hot foods rule, you can refer to authoritative sources like the National Council on Aging.
