Finding EBT Items on Walmart.com
Shopping for groceries with EBT on Walmart's website is a straightforward process once you know where to look. To begin, navigate to the dedicated SNAP page on Walmart.com. From there, you can either browse curated categories of eligible foods or use the built-in filters to refine your search. Here’s a detailed step-by-step breakdown:
- Create or Log In to Your Walmart Account: Before you begin, you need a Walmart account. You can create one for free or log in if you're an existing customer.
- Add Your EBT Card to Your Wallet: Go to your account settings and select "Payment Methods." Add your EBT card number to your wallet. This step is essential for the online system to recognize your payment type and apply the EBT eligibility filter correctly.
- Search or Browse for Groceries: Enter a product into the search bar, such as "milk," "canned beans," or "fresh produce." Alternatively, browse the grocery department sections.
- Filter for EBT Eligibility: On the search results or department page, look for the filter options, typically on the left-hand side. A dedicated "EBT" filter is available that will show only SNAP-eligible products. Select this to view products you can purchase with your benefits.
- Identify Eligible Products with the Badge: Even without using the filter, individual product listings will have a distinct blue and white "EBT" badge clearly indicating eligibility. You can spot this badge on both the search results page and the individual product page, which makes finding eligible items very easy.
Shopping for EBT Items on the Walmart App
The process for the Walmart app is very similar to the website, providing a seamless mobile shopping experience.
- Add Your EBT Card: As with the website, you must add your EBT card to your account wallet via the app's settings before shopping.
- Enable the EBT SNAP Eligibility Filter: Some app versions or operating systems may require you to enable a specific setting. Go to your Account, then Settings, and look for EBT SNAP to toggle the "Show EBT SNAP eligibility by item" setting.
- Search and Apply Filters: Search for items just as you would on the website. After searching, tap the filter icon next to the search bar. Swipe down to find and select the EBT filter to see eligible products.
Using EBT for In-Store Shopping at Walmart
For in-person shopping, using your EBT card is just like using a debit card, but with specific item restrictions. The eligibility of items is determined automatically at the register.
- Select Your Groceries: Fill your cart with SNAP-eligible foods. There's no special marking system in-store, so familiarity with the rules is important.
- Checkout Process: At both regular and self-checkout lanes, follow the machine prompts. The system will separate your items into EBT-eligible and non-eligible categories.
- Pay with EBT First: Swipe your EBT card to pay for the eligible groceries. Enter your PIN when prompted. The remaining balance for non-eligible items can then be paid for with another method, like cash, credit, or a debit card.
What You Can and Can't Buy with SNAP Benefits
Understanding the general rules set by the USDA for the SNAP program helps you shop more efficiently at Walmart.
EBT Eligible Food Categories
- Fruits and Vegetables: All fresh, frozen, and canned produce.
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish: Fresh, frozen, or canned options.
- Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy items.
- Breads and Cereals: Bread, rolls, wraps, breakfast cereals, and oatmeal.
- Snack Foods and Beverages: Chips, crackers, and most non-alcoholic beverages with a "Nutrition Facts" label.
- Food-Producing Seeds and Plants: Seeds and plants intended to grow food for the household.
- Cakes and Gift Baskets: As long as the non-edible items don't exceed 50% of the cost.
What SNAP Does Not Cover
- Hot, Prepared Foods: Items like hot rotisserie chicken or pizza from the deli that are ready to eat.
- Alcohol and Tobacco: All alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
- Vitamins and Supplements: Items with a "Supplement Facts" label.
- Non-Food Household Items: Cleaning supplies, paper products, toiletries, cosmetics, and pet food.
- Marketplace Items (Online): Products sold by third-party sellers on Walmart.com are often not eligible.
- Delivery Fees and Tips: These must be paid separately with a different payment method.
EBT Eligible vs. Non-Eligible Item Comparison
| Item Category | Typically EBT Eligible | Typically Not EBT Eligible |
|---|---|---|
| Beverages | Bottled water, soda, iced tea (with Nutrition Facts) | Hot coffee from deli, energy drinks with Supplement Facts |
| Prepared Foods | Cold deli sandwiches, ready-to-bake pizzas | Hot rotisserie chicken, hot pizza from counter |
| Gift Baskets | Food-based gift baskets (over 50% food value) | Baskets with dominant non-food items |
| Infant Items | Infant formula, baby food | Baby wipes, diapers, non-food items |
| Online Items | Products shipped and sold by Walmart.com | Third-party marketplace items |
Troubleshooting EBT Shopping Issues
Sometimes an item that appears eligible online may not scan correctly in-store, or there might be an issue with your online cart. Here’s how to handle common problems:
- Online/App Errors: If your online cart shows a $0 EBT eligible balance, try removing and re-adding all items. Ensure no non-eligible items like gift wrapping are selected.
- In-Store Discrepancies: If an item that should be eligible is rejected at the register, speak with a store manager or customer service representative. The issue might be a coding error in their system.
- Delivery Issues: For online delivery, remember that tips and fees are not covered. Some third-party delivery drivers may reject orders with no tip shown upfront.
Conclusion
Finding EBT eligible items at Walmart is simple and efficient, especially when leveraging the online filters and on-product eligibility badges. Whether you prefer the convenience of online shopping with pickup or delivery or shopping in-store, understanding SNAP guidelines is key to a smooth transaction. Be mindful of restrictions on prepared foods and delivery costs, and always add your EBT card to your account wallet for the best experience. For the most comprehensive list of eligible items, always check the official USDA SNAP website..
