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Does Grocery Outlet Take EBT? (Shopping with EBT)

By AirTalk Team
4-minute read
In This Article

Most of us don’t have the luxury of shopping without consideration for price tags. But we can find places that help us make the most of every dollar. We can shop at stores that make nutritious food more affordable and that welcome SNAP EBT users. Grocery Outlet is one of those places. 

Does Grocery Outlet take EBT? In fact, yes. Every one of its locations accepts EBT as a payment method.

1. Is a Grocery Outlet a regular grocery store? 

Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, or Grocery Outlet, is one of the nation’s largest extreme value grocery retailers, offering customers significant savings on brand-name products every day.  

Instead of ordering products the same way traditional stores do, Grocery Outlet uses an opportunistic buying model. Their expert buyers scour the country and the globe for special deals on name-brand groceries, often due to packaging changes, product overruns, or surplus inventory. 

You’ll still find everyday staples like milk, eggs, and produce, but alongside them are incredible discounts on high-quality items.  

Local families independently operate each Grocery Outlet location. Grocery Outlet is technically a regular store, but it’s also where shoppers go to stretch their budget and discover unexpected deals.

does the grocery outlet take ebt
Grocery Outlet is well-known for offering brand-name food at low prices. But does the Grocery Outlet take EBT?

2. Does Grocery Outlet Take EBT?

The good news is that you can shop at all Grocery Outlet locations with your EBT card for eligible food items.  

The store accepts EBT for all items approved under the SNAP programs. Here’s what you can expect to be able to buy: 

  • Fresh products (fruits and vegetables of all kinds) 
  • Meat and poultry 
  • Seafood, including fish and shellfish 
  • Dairy products  
  • Eggs and non-dairy alternatives 
  • Frozen foods 
  • Grains and pantry staples 
  • Bread and baked goods 
  • Snack foods  
  • Non-alcoholic beverages  
  • Cooking oils and seasonings 

You cannot use EBT to purchase at Grocery Outlet: 

does grocery outlet take ebt near me
Does Grocery Outlet take EBT near me? Use the Store Locator on the Grocery Outlet website to find your nearest location.

If you’re not completely happy with your purchase, returns with a receipt are accepted within 30 days for a full refund, either in cash or credited back to your EBT card or credit, or debit card. 

Each Grocery Outlet location is independently owned and operated; therefore, inventory and return policies may vary slightly. It’s a good idea that all returns should be made at the same store where you originally made your purchase. 

3. Can You Use EBT for Delivery at Grocery Outlet? 

You can use your EBT card when shopping in person at Grocery Outlet stores. Yet, its delivery partners, including DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart, currently do not support EBT payments for Grocery Outlet delivery orders. 

If you want to use your SNAP benefits at Grocery Outlet, the only way is to visit the store to shop with EBT. Use the Store Locator tool on the Grocery Outlet website to find the location near you. 

Besides, you might want to explore Amazon or Walmart, which accept SNAP EBT online in many locations. This can be especially convenient if you live in an area with limited access to grocery stores or prefer the ease of online shopping.  

>>> Check more:

4. Get a Free Phone with EBT

If you’re on SNAP, you automatically qualify for a free smartphone through the Lifeline program.

does grocery outlet take ebt cards
Receiving SNAP is one of the eligibility criteria for Lifeline services qualification.

Lifeline offers free or discounted phone and internet services for low-income households, and many of its providers include a free phone when you enroll.  

AirTalk Wireless, for example, gives eligible customers unlimited talk, text, and a free smartphone, such as the iPhone 8 and Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G.

Step 1: Go to the AirTalk website. Enter your zip code. 

Step 2: Pick a Lifeline plan. 

Step 3: Select a free phone.  

Step 4: Upload your documents (if needed). 

Step 5: Get approved & receive your device.  

Once approved, your free phone is shipped within a few business days.

If you’re not a SNAP recipient, no worries – you may qualify through your household income alone (at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Line).  

Besides SNAP, you could automatically qualify for Lifeline through Medicaid, FPHA, SSI, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, or certain Tribal programs. And if you live in California, the list is broader, including WIC, LIHEAP, NSLP, or TANF. 

FAQs 

Can I use my EBT card at Grocery Outlet in California? 

Grocery Outlet accepts EBT in-store for eligible food purchases. If you want to use your SNAP benefits at Grocery Outlet, the only way is to visit the store to shop with EBT.  

What forms of payment does Grocery Outlet accept? 

Grocery Outlet accepts credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and SNAP EBT. 

Why are things cheap at Grocery Outlet? 

Grocery Outlet uses opportunistic buying. Their expert team scouts for deals on surplus inventory, packaging changes, and product overruns, buying high-quality items at deep discounts. 

Instead of limited-time sales, their everyday prices are consistently lower than traditional grocery stores. They even offer name-brand products, organic NOSH items, and fresh foods through this model. 

Can I buy diapers or hygiene items with EBT? 

No. You cannot buy non-food items, such as diapers and hygiene items, with EBT. You must use another form of payment for those purchases. SNAP benefits only cover food items meant for human consumption.  

Can I use my California EBT card anywhere? 

In California, you can use your EBT card at any authorized grocery store, farmers’ market, and participating restaurant meal programs. 

Conclusion 

Now, take a look at Grocery Outlet and find a nearby store to enjoy your benefits. Here’s a simple practice that could make the most of your EBT benefits: Schedule regular trips to Grocery Outlet and treat them like a check-in for your grocery budget and household needs. 

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