Can you use EBT to buy pumpkins at Walmart?

January 3, 2026 •

4 min read

According to USDA guidelines, pumpkins are classified as a fruit and are considered a SNAP-eligible food item. This means that as long as the pumpkin is intended for consumption, shoppers can use their EBT benefits to purchase them at Walmart and other authorized retailers.

Quick Summary

EBT/SNAP benefits can be used for edible pumpkins at Walmart, provided they are intended for food consumption, not solely as decoration. Payment is available for both in-store and online grocery orders for pickup or delivery.

Key Points

EBT Eligibility: Yes, you can use EBT to buy pumpkins at Walmart because they are classified as an edible fruit.
Intent Matters: The purchase is justified by the intent to consume the pumpkin as food, not solely for decoration.
Walmart Acceptance: Walmart accepts EBT for eligible food items, including pumpkins, both in-store and through their online pickup and delivery services.
In-Store Convenience: The process works seamlessly at standard checkout and self-checkout lanes; the system differentiates eligible items.
Online Ordering: For Walmart's online grocery service, you can pay with EBT for the pumpkin, but any associated fees like delivery require a separate payment method.
Seasonal Distinction: While edible pumpkins are covered, non-food seasonal items like decorative gourds or carving kits are not eligible.

EBT and the Edibility Rule

For many families, picking out the perfect pumpkin is a cherished fall tradition. For those who rely on SNAP benefits, also known as EBT or food stamps, understanding what can and cannot be purchased can be confusing. The core rule, established by the USDA, is that benefits can be used for any food or food product intended for human consumption. Pumpkins, from the small sugar varieties to the larger carving types, fall into this category because they are edible. The key distinction lies in the intent of the purchase. If the pumpkin is to be used for cooking, baking, or roasting the seeds, it is a perfectly valid EBT purchase. If it is bought solely for ornamental purposes, like a decorative gourd, it is technically not eligible. However, since many use pumpkins for both decoration and eventual consumption, retailers do not enforce the purpose at the point of sale.

Can All Pumpkins Be EBT-Purchased?

Not all types of pumpkins and gourds are created equal in the eyes of the EBT rules. While standard pumpkins are acceptable, purely decorative items are not. The general rule of thumb is simple: does it have a 'Nutrition Facts' label? If so, it's typically eligible. This helps distinguish between edible produce and non-food items.

Shopping for Pumpkins at Walmart with EBT

Walmart, a widespread retailer, fully accepts EBT payments for SNAP-eligible items. Shoppers can use their EBT card just like a debit card at any checkout lane, including self-checkout, for eligible items. The process is straightforward, and the system automatically identifies eligible products during the transaction. For many, shopping with EBT at Walmart is a convenient and essential part of their grocery routine.

How to use EBT online at Walmart for pumpkins

Walmart also supports EBT for online grocery orders for both pickup and delivery in most states. To use your EBT card online, you must link it to your Walmart account. When checking out, select your EBT card as the payment method. For any non-eligible items or fees, such as delivery charges or tips, a secondary form of payment must be used. This allows for the flexibility of online shopping without the need to manage two transactions at the physical store.

Creative Ways to Use Your EBT-Purchased Pumpkin

Since your EBT purchase of a pumpkin is justified by its use as food, here are some delicious and budget-friendly ideas for the autumn season:

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: A simple, salty snack that's easy to make. Just scoop out the seeds, rinse them, toss in oil and seasonings, and roast until golden.
Pumpkin Purée: Excellent for pies, soups, and batters. The flesh can be boiled or baked, then puréed and stored in the freezer for months.
Pumpkin Soup: Create a hearty, warm soup by blending pumpkin purée with vegetable broth, onions, and spices. It's a nutritious and filling meal.
Pumpkin Stew: Incorporate chunks of edible pumpkin into a savory stew with meat or other vegetables for a comforting one-pot dinner.

Comparison of EBT-Eligible vs. Non-Eligible Seasonal Items at Walmart


Seasonal Item	EBT Eligible?	Reason
Edible Pumpkin	Yes	Falls under the 'fruits and vegetables' category.
Decorative Gourd	No	Lacks a 'Nutrition Facts' label and is intended purely as a non-food item.
Pumpkin Pie (Ready-to-eat)	No	Pre-cooked, hot, or ready-to-eat foods sold at the deli are not eligible.
Boxed Pumpkin Pie Mix	Yes	Non-hot, pre-packaged food item intended for cooking or baking.
Pre-carved Pumpkin	No	Considered a non-food, decorative item once altered.
Carving Kit	No	Non-food item, including tools and stencils.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of SNAP benefits, especially with seasonal items, can be confusing, but the rules are designed to be straightforward. The central principle is that if an item is an edible food, it is eligible for purchase with EBT. At Walmart, this means pumpkins are fair game for purchase both in-store and online, as long as they are for food consumption. By understanding the distinction between edible and decorative, families can enjoy the full benefits of seasonal produce while sticking to their budget. For more information on what constitutes an eligible food, you can refer to the USDA's official SNAP guidance. USDA SNAP Eligible Food Items.

Potential Issues and Tips

While using EBT for pumpkins at Walmart is generally easy, it's wise to be aware of a few things. If you are purchasing both eligible and non-eligible items in the same transaction, such as a pumpkin and a carving kit, you will need two separate payment methods. The Walmart system will automatically split the transaction and prompt you for the additional payment. It is also important to note that EBT benefits cannot cover fees for online services, such as delivery charges for online orders. Planning your purchase in advance can help avoid any confusion at the checkout counter. Ultimately, knowing the rules empowers consumers to make informed choices and take full advantage of their benefits during the fall season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, as long as the grocery store is authorized to accept SNAP benefits, you can use your EBT card to buy pumpkins. The rules are the same across all approved retailers, including Walmart.

Yes, you can buy a pumpkin for carving with EBT. Since the pumpkin itself is edible, as long as you have the intention to use it as food afterward (e.g., roasting the seeds or using the flesh for purée), the purchase is valid.

No, decorative gourds are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits because they are not intended for human consumption. Only items with a 'Nutrition Facts' label or clearly categorized as edible produce qualify.

No, the size of the pumpkin does not affect its EBT eligibility. Both large carving pumpkins and smaller pie pumpkins are edible and can be purchased with your benefits.

The Walmart system will separate the items at checkout. Your EBT card will cover the pumpkin, and you will need to provide another form of payment, like a debit card or cash, for the non-food carving kit.

Yes, Walmart accepts EBT for online grocery orders with pickup. You must link your EBT card to your online account and pay for the eligible items during checkout. Delivery and service fees are not covered by EBT.

No, EBT benefits cannot be used to pay for service fees, delivery charges, or driver tips for any online order. These costs must be covered by a separate payment method.

Yes, pre-packaged, non-ready-to-eat pumpkin pie mix is typically eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits, as it is a food product intended for home preparation.