Ralphs, a major supermarket chain operating under the Kroger Co. name, plays a crucial role in providing food access to low-income families and individuals in California. One of the most common questions from consumers receiving government assistance is whether Ralphs accepts EBT, SNAP, or food stamps. The answer is yes: Ralphs accepts EBT cards for SNAP-eligible purchases, both in-store and online.
This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about using EBT, SNAP, or food stamps at Ralphs, including in-store purchases, online orders, eligible items, the checkout process, and frequently asked questions.
Understanding EBT, SNAP, and Food Stamps
Before diving into Ralphs policies, it’s important to understand these three commonly used terms:
- EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer): This is the payment system used to issue SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits to eligible recipients. It works like a debit card and can be used at participating retailers.
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): A federal nutrition program, formerly called food stamps, that provides monthly funds to eligible low-income households for the purchase of food.
- Food Stamps: An older term for SNAP benefits. Though no longer used officially, many still use “food stamps” to refer to SNAP.
Does Ralphs Accept EBT and SNAP In-Store?
✅ Yes. Ralphs Accepts EBT for In-Store Purchases
Every Ralphs grocery store accepts EBT cards for eligible grocery purchases at regular checkouts and self-checkout kiosks.
In-Store Payment Process
- Shop for SNAP-eligible items (explained below).
- At checkout, swipe your EBT card just like a debit card.
- Enter your 4-digit PIN.
- If your cart includes both SNAP-eligible and non-eligible items (e.g., soap, paper towels), you must pay the balance for non-eligible items with cash, credit, or debit.
Does Ralphs Accept EBT for Online Orders?
✅ Yes. Ralphs Accepts EBT for Pickup and Delivery Orders
Ralphs is part of the SNAP online shopping pilot, which means you can use your EBT card to shop online at Ralphs.com or through the Ralphs mobile app.
Online Shopping Options
| Option | EBT Accepted? | Delivery Available? |
|---|---|---|
| In-store | ✅ Yes | N/A |
| Pickup | ✅ Yes | Pickup only |
| Delivery | ✅ Yes | Yes (via Ralphs or Instacart)* |
*Delivery fees, tips, and service charges cannot be paid with SNAP benefits. You must use another payment method for those.
How to Use EBT/SNAP for Ralphs Online Orders
Step-by-Step Guide
- Create an account at ralphs.com or download the Ralphs mobile app.
- Link your EBT card by navigating to:
- “My Account” → “Wallet” → “Add New Card” → Choose “EBT”
- Shop online and add items to your cart.
- At checkout:
- Choose SNAP EBT as the payment method.
- The system automatically separates SNAP-eligible items.
- Use a secondary payment method for delivery fees and non-eligible items.
- Enter your EBT PIN to confirm and complete the transaction.
What Can You Buy at Ralphs With EBT?
✅ SNAP-Eligible Items
According to USDA guidelines, you can use SNAP at Ralphs to buy the following:
- Fruits and vegetables (fresh, canned, frozen)
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Bread and cereals
- Snack foods
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food
❌ Non-Eligible Items (Must Use Cash or Credit)
You cannot use your SNAP EBT benefits at Ralphs to buy:
- Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, liquor)
- Tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, vape)
- Vitamins, supplements, and medicines
- Live animals (except shellfish or fish removed from water)
- Hot prepared foods or foods sold to be eaten in-store
- Non-food items (cleaning supplies, paper products, soap, pet food)
Can You Use WIC at Ralphs?
✅ Yes, But Only In-Store
Ralphs accepts WIC (Women’s, Infants’, and Children’s) benefits, but only in-store, not online. WIC recipients must make their purchases in person, as federal regulations do not yet allow online WIC transactions.
Best Practices
- Link your EBT card in the Ralphs app or website under “Your Wallet” before ordering
- Review your cart—EBT portion will automatically cover eligible items.
- Keep a backup card ready to handle delivery or service charges.
- Track budgeting: your EBT balance is visible at checkout in-app.
- Expect minor holds/refunds due to price variances, handled automatically.
Final Takeaway:
Yes, Ralphs fully accepts SNAP EBT card payments for eligible food items, regardless of the purchase method. Just remember to use a credit/debit card for any non-EBT spending and check your account for any refunds due to order changes or weight variances.
