12 Items You Can Buy with EBT at Walmart

If you have an EBT card, understanding what you can buy with it can make a big difference in managing your household budget. Walmart, one of the largest grocery store chains in the United States, accepts EBT cards for a wide range of eligible items. In this detailed guide, we will explore the 12 items you can buy with EBT at Walmart and answer your questions about what can and cannot be purchased. This information will help you make the most out of your SNAP benefits and ensure your family is getting the food and essentials they need.

What is an EBT Card?

An EBT card, or Electronic Benefits Transfer card, is a form of payment that allows recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase eligible food items. This system helps families in need, providing them access to affordable groceries. The EBT card works similarly to a debit card but is specifically designated for SNAP benefits, cash assistance, and other assistance programs.

Walmart is one of the largest EBT-friendly retailers in the country, offering SNAP recipients access to essential groceries at concessional prices. But it can be confusing to know exactly what you can buy with an EBT card and what you cannot, especially since Walmart offers a huge variety of items. Below, we explore some of the items you can buy with an EBT card at Walmart.

Items You Can Buy with an EBT Card at Walmart

Walmart offers a wide variety of food products that are USDA SNAP-eligible. Here’s a detailed breakdown of 12 items you can buy with EBT at Walmart:

1. Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are among the essential items you can buy with your SNAP EBT card. This includes fresh produce, frozen fruits and vegetables, and even canned varieties. Healthy food options such as basil or food-producing plants can also be purchased, allowing you to grow your own produce at home.

Benefits of Buying Fresh Produce

• Fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in essential nutrients like vitamins and fiber.
• Access to fresh produce supports the overall family well-being and contributes to a healthier diet.

Fruits and vegetables are not only a cornerstone of a healthy diet, but they also help in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Walmart provides a wide range of fresh produce at reasonable prices, making it accessible for low-income families. You can also find frozen and canned varieties, which often come at a lower cost and can be stored longer, minimizing waste.

Buying basil or food-producing plants with your EBT card is a great way to extend the value of your benefits. Growing your own herbs or vegetables at home can help your family have access to fresh produce without additional cost and can be a fun activity for children to participate in.

2. Dairy Products

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy-related items are covered under SNAP benefits. You can also buy specialty items like Cheese Cups and Cheese Original Macaroni to provide more variety for your household.

Why Dairy Products are Important

• Dairy products are an excellent source of calcium, which helps build strong bones.
• They provide important nutrients like vitamin D, potassium, and protein.

Dairy products are crucial for growing children, providing the nutrients they need for strong bones and teeth. At Walmart, you can use your EBT card to purchase a variety of dairy products, from milk to cheese to yogurt. This allows you to ensure that your family is getting the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development.

Walmart offers several different types of dairy products, including organic and lactose-free options, which means there is something for everyone. Additionally, using your EBT card to purchase Cheese Cups or Cheese Original Macaroni can be a convenient way to prepare a tasty meal that children will love.

3. Meat, Poultry, and Fish

Walmart offers a wide range of meat, poultry, and fish, all of which are eligible for purchase with an EBT card. Whether you’re shopping for chicken, beef, pork, or seafood, your EBT card can cover the cost of these essential proteins to feed your entire household.

The Benefits of Adding Meat, Poultry, and Fish to Your Diet

• Provides high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth and maintenance.
• Meat and fish are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Protein is essential for every meal, and Walmart makes it easy for EBT cardholders to access quality protein options. From fresh meats to frozen varieties, you can use your SNAP EBT card to buy chicken breasts, pork chops, ground beef, and seafood like salmon or shrimp. Fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and brain development.

By using your EBT benefits to purchase quality meat, poultry, and fish, you can ensure that your family is receiving a diet that is well-rounded and filled with necessary nutrients.

4. Bread and Cereal

Bread, cereal, and other grain-based products are SNAP-eligible items available at Walmart. You can use your EBT card for a variety of baked goods, including whole wheat bread, rolls, tortillas, and different types of cereal to provide breakfast options for your family.

Bread and Cereals as Staple Foods

• Bread and cereals are versatile and can be used for various meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Whole-grain products are a good source of fiber, which is essential for digestion and heart health.

Walmart has a wide selection of grain products, ranging from traditional sandwich bread to tortillas, rolls, and breakfast cereals. Having a variety of grains is important because they provide fiber, which aids in digestion and can help lower cholesterol. Whole-grain breads and cereals also tend to have more nutrients compared to refined grains, making them a healthier choice.

When shopping at Walmart, you can use your EBT card to purchase kid-friendly cereals that are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, ensuring your family gets a healthy start to their day.

5. Snack Items

Snack items are also eligible for purchase with an EBT card. From chips to granola bars and other packaged snacks, these items are helpful when you need a convenient option for school lunches or quick bites.

Smart Snacking for Families

• Snacking helps to prevent overeating at mealtimes.
• Healthy snacks can provide nutrients that are missed during regular meals.

Snacks can be a useful addition to your family’s diet, as they help maintain energy levels throughout the day. At Walmart, you can use your SNAP benefits to purchase snack items like chips, popcorn, granola bars, and crackers. While some snacks are less healthy, there are also options like whole grain crackers or granola bars with minimal sugar that can provide your family with essential nutrients while being a tasty treat.

Healthy snacking options help maintain a balanced diet and can prevent overeating during mealtimes by providing small portions of calories between meals. Choosing snacks that contain fiber, protein, and healthy fats is a great way to make sure snacks are both nutritious and filling.

6. Beverages (Non-Alcoholic)

You can use your EBT card to buy a wide variety of non-alcoholic beverages at Walmart, such as milk, juice, tea, bottled water, and soft drinks. Keep in mind that alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, and liquor, are not allowed under SNAP benefits.

H3: Staying Hydrated with Healthy Beverages

• Juice can provide essential vitamins, like vitamin C.
• Water and non-sugary drinks are essential for staying hydrated and maintaining health.

Non-alcoholic beverages are essential for keeping your family hydrated, and Walmart offers a wide selection of EBT-friendly items like fruit juice, bottled water, tea, and coffee. Juice is an easy way to add vitamins to your diet, but it is important to choose 100% juice varieties to avoid added sugars. Soft drinks and sugary drinks are also eligible for purchase, but it is recommended to consume these in moderation to maintain a healthy diet.

7. Frozen Meals and Convenience Foods

Frozen meals such as pizza, ready-to-eat dinners, and other frozen food items are eligible for EBT purchases. These items are convenient for busy days when you don’t have time to cook from scratch.

Convenience Without Compromise

• Frozen meals are great for busy families who need quick and easy options.
• Some frozen meals are healthier options that include vegetables and lean proteins.

For families that are busy and don’t always have time to cook full meals, frozen dinners are a convenient option. Walmart offers a range of frozen meals, including pizzas, pasta dishes, and stir-fry dinners. Many of these meals now come in healthier versions, with reduced sodium or with added vegetables and lean proteins. These options are perfect for nights when you’re short on time but still want to feed your family a wholesome meal.

8. Canned Goods and Shelf-Stable Foods

Canned goods like vegetables, fruits, beans, and soups are available at Walmart and can be purchased using your EBT card. Shelf-stable items like pasta, rice, and macaroni are great for maintaining an affordable and versatile pantry.

Pantry Essentials for Long-Term Storage

• Canned goods are shelf-stable and can be stored for long periods.
• Items like canned beans and vegetables are affordable and nutrient-dense options.

Canned goods are an essential part of any household pantry. They are versatile, shelf-stable, and provide an affordable way to include nutritious foods in your meals. Canned vegetables and beans are rich in nutrients, while canned fruits can provide an easy, ready-to-eat dessert option. Walmart offers a wide variety of canned soups, fruits, and vegetables, as well as pasta, rice, and other grains, all of which can be purchased with your EBT card.

Maintaining a well-stocked pantry with canned and shelf-stable foods is key to preparing budget-friendly meals for your family. These items are not only economical, but they are also useful when you need to put together a meal quickly.

9. Seeds and Plants for Growing Food

A lesser-known but valuable use of your EBT card is buying seeds and plants that produce food. For example, you can buy herb plants like basil, tomato plants, or vegetable seeds to create your own garden and grow fresh produce at home. This is a great way to make your benefits stretch further while promoting healthy eating.

Benefits of Growing Your Own Food

• Growing your own food helps save money in the long run.
• Gardening can be a fun and educational activity for children.

Buying seeds and plants using your EBT card is an effective way to maximize your benefits and add a source of fresh food to your family’s diet. Home gardening also provides an opportunity to involve children in a productive and educational activity. Having a small vegetable garden can reduce the cost of buying produce from the store and ensure that you always have access to fresh vegetables and herbs.

10. Baby Food and Infant Formula

Baby food, infant formula, and essential baby nutrition products are eligible for EBT purchase at Walmart. This ensures that families with infants are well-supported with adequate nutrition for their children.

Baby Nutrition is a Priority

• Ensures infants get the nutrients they need for healthy growth.
• SNAP benefits cover a wide range of baby food options, from infant formula to jarred baby foods.

Ensuring that babies receive adequate nutrition is a top priority for families. At Walmart, you can use your EBT card to buy baby formula, jarred baby food, and toddler snacks. Providing adequate nutrition during the early stages of development is crucial, and SNAP benefits make it easier for families to access the necessary products to support their child’s health and development.

Walmart carries well-known brands of baby formula, as well as organic options and alternatives for babies with special dietary needs. Your EBT card can also be used to buy snacks and finger foods for toddlers, helping them transition to solid foods.

11. Cooking Ingredients and Baking Supplies

Items like flour, sugar, cooking oils, and spices are also covered by SNAP benefits. You can use your EBT card to buy ingredients that will allow you to make homemade meals and save money in the long run.

Homemade Cooking on a Budget

• Cooking ingredients allow families to prepare meals from scratch, saving money and controlling ingredients.
• Baking supplies like flour and sugar are essential for homemade bread, cakes, and pastries.

Cooking from scratch is one of the best ways to save money on food. By purchasing flour, sugar, oils, and spices with your EBT card, you can create homemade meals that are both nutritious and budget-friendly. Walmart has a wide selection of cooking oils, baking essentials, and spices that allow you to add flavor to your meals without the added cost of buying pre-prepared sauces or mixes.

Homemade meals also give you complete control over the ingredients used, allowing you to provide your family with healthier, balanced meals without the added preservatives or sugars often found in pre-packaged foods.

12. Non-Alcoholic Beverages

While alcoholic beverages are not eligible, your SNAP EBT card can be used for non-alcoholic drinks like coffee, bottled water, and teas.

Non-Alcoholic Options for the Whole Family

• Beverages like bottled water, coffee, and tea are eligible for purchase with an EBT card.
• Helps maintain hydration and provides low-cost, nutritious drink options.

Walmart offers a wide variety of non-alcoholic beverages that can be purchased using your EBT card, including fruit juices, bottled water, teas, and coffee. These drinks can be a healthy and affordable option for the entire family. While soft drinks are also eligible, it is a good idea to limit the consumption of sugary drinks to maintain a healthy diet.

Staying hydrated is important for overall health, and ensuring access to water, juice, and other beverages makes it easy for families to prioritize healthy choices. Many households rely on their SNAP benefits to cover not only food but also beverages that play a critical role in maintaining good health.

Items You Cannot Buy with an EBT Card at Walmart

While there are many eligible items, there are also restrictions on what you can buy with an EBT card at Walmart. Below are some of the items you cannot purchase using your EBT card:

• Alcohol (beer, wine, liquor)
• Cigarettes and tobacco products
• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
• Warm, prepared food items (e.g., hot deli food)
• Nonfood items like pet foods, cleaning products, paper products, and personal care products

These items do not fall under USDA regulations for food assistance and, therefore, cannot be purchased using an EBT card.

Non-Food Items and EBT Cash Benefits

If your EBT card is linked to TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) benefits, you can use EBT cash benefits to purchase a broader range of items beyond food. These items may include:

• Clothing
• Household goods like furniture, electronics, and kitchenware
• Cleaning products

Unlike the strict regulations for SNAP EBT benefits, EBT cash assistance provides greater flexibility and can be used like a typical debit card for non-food expenses that support family well-being.

Using EBT for Online Purchases at Walmart

Walmart also allows SNAP recipients to use their EBT cards for online grocery purchases. You can select the EBT card option during checkout for eligible items and choose between scheduled home delivery or pickup tomorrow options, based on your ZIP Code.

Tips for Using Your EBT Card Online

• Delivery fees are not covered by SNAP benefits, so you may need to use an alternate payment card like a credit or debit card to pay for any additional costs.
• Ensure that your EBT card info is saved securely and that your card balance is sufficient before making purchases.

Using your EBT card online at Walmart is a convenient way to shop for groceries without needing to leave home. However, it’s important to note that while you can use your SNAP benefits to pay for food, additional costs like delivery fees or tips need to be paid for with another form of payment, such as a debit or credit card.

Walmart’s online platform also offers scheduled delivery slots and pickup tomorrow options, making it easier for families to plan their shopping according to their needs. Be sure to double-check your card balance before making online purchases to avoid any issues during checkout.

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