Using your EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card at bakeries can open a world of fresh and delicious options while supporting local businesses. This guide explores everything you need to know about finding and utilizing bakeries that accept EBT near you.
What is EBT?
EBT, or Electronic Benefit Transfer, is a payment system that allows individuals receiving government assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to purchase eligible items. Managed by EBT debit cards, transactions are fast and secure.
Can You Buy Bakery Items with EBT?
You can purchase baked goods with your EBT card at major retailers like Whole Foods, WinCo, Walmart, Kroger, Aldi, and Food Lion, to name a few.
Breads, cookies, cakes, and donuts—these sweet baked goods may not be part of our diet, but they make most of us’ mouths water. If you receive SNAP benefits, chances are you’re using them to buy healthy foods at your local grocery store.
Which Bakeries Accept EBT or Snap Near Me?
Many bakeries across the United States accept EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. However, not all bakeries qualify, as they must sell food items that are considered essential or staple foods under SNAP guidelines.
SNAP is a federal program that helps with food assistance. States then provide that money on EBT cards to participants. We’re talking about the same form of payment when we pay with SNAP, EBT, or food stamps. More than 248,000 retailers nationwide accept EBT/SNAP.
For those of you who already receive SNAP benefits, we want you to use it as effectively as possible. For example, you may already be shopping at your local grocery store using EBT, but you may not know all the additional stores you can shop at.
List of Bakeries That Accept EBT Near Me
Here I have listed the bakeries that accept EBT near me:
✔️– Meijer is a family-owned grocery brand that originated in Michigan and is located in Indiana, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Ohio.
✔️Harvest Bread Company – This upscale bakery retailer has over 200 locations across the United States.
✔️Walmart – Known for its competitive prices, Walmart has locations in all 50 states around the world.
✔️Kroger – You can enjoy brands like Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Baker’s, and more at Kroger bakeries across the country.
✔️Aunt Millie’s Bakery Outlet – Other favorite Aunt Millie’s locations can be found in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.
✔️ Foods – Whole Foods is in 40 states and counting. You can also use Amazon’s grocery delivery service to order EBT-accepted items right to your door!
✔️WinCo Foods – WinCo accepts EBT and has special offers to help you cut costs. Check out this article for helpful tips on shopping with SNAP at WinCo.
✔️Food Giant – This chain has over 100 locations in AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, MO, MS, and TN.
✔️Vons – Vons was originally a local grocery store that helped local families meet their needs. You can now find them in California and Nevada.
✔️ShopRite – With over 500 stores worldwide and millions of loyal customers, you might want to visit a ShopRite bakery in CT, DE, MD, NJ, NY, or PA.
✔️Piggly Wiggly – Piggly Wiggly was the first self-service grocery store. It now has locations in over 15 states and even special discount days, like a 5% discount for seniors on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
✔️Winn-Dixie – This southern chain operates in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, and Mississippi.
✔️Food Lion – This chain is widely spread throughout the southern states, especially Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
✔️Fred Meyer – Fred Meyer stores have merged with Kroger. However, some Fred Meyer stores still retain their original name in the Pacific Northwest.
✔️Wegmans – Known for their large selection of healthy and organic products. Located primarily in the Northeast, you can shop at Wegmans in Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
✔️Franz Bakery Outlets – Franz Bakery holds the Guinness World Record for the longest hot dog bun. For that reason, you’ll want to check out their other amazing bakery products. You can find these outlets in Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
✔️Hy-Vie – You’ve probably heard of Hy-Vie’s catchy slogan, “Where there’s a helpful smile in every aisle.” Try them in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Carolina, and Wisconsin.
✔️Publix – Publix is known for its fresh sandwiches and baked cookies. Try them in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
✔️Aldi – As the world’s first discount store, Aldi has expanded globally to 36 states.
✔️Bimbo’s Discount Stores – You’ve probably tried Bimbo’s Bread at least once in your life, but did you know they have discount stores in over 20 states?
✔️Friendly Markets – Find the best friendly markets in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.
✔️Albertsons – Albertsons was founded nearly 100 years ago and now extends to Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Los Angeles, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
✔️Pepperidge Farm Discount Stores – While Pepperidge Farm is a real farm, the discount stores offer fresh, natural flavors to suit your taste buds.
✔️Safeway – Safeway is the third largest grocery chain in the United States and North America. You can find a Safeway store in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming.
✔️Fred Meyer – Fred Meyer stores merged with Kroger, although some Fred Meyer stores still carry the original name in the Pacific Northwest.
✔️Wegmans – Known for their great selection of healthy and organic products, Wegmans is located in the Northeastern United States, and you can shop at their stores in MA, MD, NJ, NY, NC, PA, and VA.
✔️Franz Bakery Outlets – Franz Bakery holds the world record for the longest hot dog bun, so you might want to check out their other great bakery products. Find these locations in AK, CA, ID, MT, OR, UT, and WA.
✔️Hy-Vee: You’ve probably heard Hy-Vee’s catchy slogan, “Where there’s a helpful smile in every aisle.” You can check them out in IL, IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, SD, and WI.
✔️Publix: Publix is known for its fresh sandwiches and baked cookies. You can try them in AL, FL, GA, NC, SC, TN, and VA.
✔️Aldi: Aldi, the world’s first discount grocery store, has expanded globally to 36 states.
- Also read: Does Publix Accept EBT
How to Find Bakeries That Accept EBT or SNAP?
Here is the process to find bakeries that accept EBT or SNAP:
Use the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator
Visit the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator and enter your ZIP code to find nearby businesses that accept EBT. Look for bakeries or grocery stores with bakery sections.
Check With Local Chains
Many large bakery chains and grocery store bakeries accept EBT. Examples include:
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Publix
- Safeway
These stores often have bakery sections where you can purchase bread, cakes, pastries, and other eligible items.
Contact Local Bakeries
Call or visit bakeries in your area to ask if they accept EBT or SNAP. Smaller, independent bakeries are less likely to participate, but some may qualify.
Ask Community Members
Local forums, social media groups, or neighborhood networks can be a great resource for finding bakeries that accept EBT.
Look for “EBT Accepted Here” Signs
Look for “EBT Accepted Here” SignsBakeries often display signs indicating they accept EBT payments. This is especially common in grocery stores or chain bakeries.
What Can You Buy with EBT at Bakeries?
Generally, you can use your EBT card to purchase hot, prepared food items at bakeries. This typically includes:
- Baked goods: Bread, rolls, pastries and cakes.
- Hot food items: Pizza, hot sandwiches, and other prepared foods.
However, keep in mind that specifications may vary by state and bakery. Some bakeries may have restrictions on EBT purchases.
To be sure, check with your local bakery and your state’s EBT guidelines.
Remember, cold, pre-packaged items like cookies, chips, and soda are usually not eligible for purchase with EBT.
Also read: Does Kroger Accept EBT
What Are the Non-Approved Bakery Items?
Most bakeries only sell items that are not designated as SNAP-approved foods. This means that you will be able to purchase a generic cake for a special event. However, you may not be able to personalize a message on it or choose unique flavors.
Bakeries that sell any items designed to decorate cakes are considered non-food items and will not be covered by EBT. However, you can always get creative and make your frosting at home with generic ingredients, which is an easy workaround for this SNAP rule.
Another good rule to follow is that an item is likely considered food and can be purchased with an EBT card if it has a nutrition label.
How to Pay with EBT at a Bakery?
✅Confirm EBT Acceptance
Look for the sign: Look for the “EBT Accepted Here” sign at the bakery entrance or checkout counter.
Ask the employee: If you don’t see the sign Ask the cashier or employee if they accept EBT payments.
Call ahead: If you’re unsure. Call the bakery in advance to confirm.
✅Choose SNAP-Eligible Items
Not all bakery products can be purchased with EBT. Eligible items typically include:
- Bread and rolls
- Bagels
- Muffins
- Pastries
- Pre-packaged cakes or pies
Non-eligible items include:
- Hot or ready-to-eat foods
- Custom-made cakes or desserts
- Items intended for immediate consumption
✅At the Checkout Counter
When you’re ready to pay, follow these steps:
- Swipe Your EBT Card: Use the card reader to swipe your EBT card.
- Select the Correct Payment Option:
- Choose “SNAP” or “EBT Food” from the available options.
- Enter Your PIN: Use the keypad to enter your four-digit EBT PIN. Ensure no one else sees your PIN for security purposes.
- Review Your Total: Confirm the eligible items and total amount before completing the transaction.
✅Pay for Ineligible Items Separately
If your purchase includes non-SNAP-eligible items, such as hot foods or custom orders, you’ll need to pay for those items using another form of payment like cash, debit, or credit.
✅Keep Your Receipt
Your receipt will show the total amount spent and the remaining balance on your EBT card. Save it for your records and to monitor your benefits.
Additional Tips
- Know the Rules: Familiarize yourself with what is eligible under SNAP to avoid confusion during checkout.
- Be Polite: If a bakery doesn’t accept EBT, politely thank the staff and look for another location that does.
- Plan: Use the USDA’s SNAP Retailer Locator to find bakeries or stores with bakery sections near you that accept EBT.
When following these steps you will be able to use your EBT card efficiently and confidently to pay for eligible bakery items by following SNAP guidelines.
How to Order Bakery Items Online with EBT?
In recent years, many families have saved time and energy by shopping online. It may seem impossible for budget-conscious families, but SNAP items can be purchased online through some retailers.
For example, Amazon Groceries accepts EBT payments for certain products, such as groceries from its exclusive 365 brand – Whole Foods. You may still have to pay for delivery out of pocket, but placing a large order online can save you a long and stressful trip to the grocery store.
Conclusion
Exploring bakeries that accept EBT near you is a fantastic way to enjoy delicious baked goods while maximizing your SNAP benefits. By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to find and support local businesses that make your community more inclusive and vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use my EBT card at bakeries?
Yes, you can use your EBT card at bakeries that are authorized to receive SNAP benefits. These bakeries often sell items such as bread, pastries, and cakes for home consumption. However, hot or ready-to-eat foods are typically not covered.
Can I purchase a custom cake with EBT?
Yes, you can buy a custom cake if the primary cost is for the edible portion and it’s not overly decorated with inedible components. Always confirm eligibility with the bakery.
