Does GoPuff Take EBT Cards? (2024)

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is a system that allows state welfare departments to issue benefits via a magnetically encoded payment card, similar to a debit or credit card. Recipients of programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) use EBT cards to purchase eligible food items at authorized retail stores. This system streamlines the distribution of food assistance and ensures that recipients can access essential groceries with ease.

With the rise of delivery services, many people are looking for convenient ways to use their benefits. Gopuff, a delivery service that offers everyday essentials, snacks, drinks, and more, has become increasingly popular. This article examines whether Gopuff accepts EBT and details what items can be purchased using EBT on the platform.

EBT acceptance at Gopuff

As of now, Gopuff does not accept EBT cards as a form of payment. Gopuff’s business model primarily focuses on delivering convenience store items and household essentials within a short time frame, but it does not currently participate in the EBT program. The SNAP EBT system is regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and participating retailers must meet certain criteria and undergo approval processes. Unfortunately, Gopuff has not integrated this payment option into their service.

Items that could be purchased with EBT at Gopuff

While Gopuff does not accept EBT, it is useful to understand what types of items would be eligible for purchase if they did. Generally, SNAP benefits can be used to buy food items that are intended for home consumption. Here’s a breakdown of eligible and ineligible items:

Eligible items

• Bread and cereals
• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products
• Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat

Ineligible items

• Alcoholic beverages
• Tobacco products
• Hot foods and foods meant to be eaten in-store
• Non-food items such as pet foods, cleaning supplies, paper products, and household supplies
• Vitamins and medicines

If Gopuff were to accept EBT, customers could potentially use their benefits to buy groceries like snacks, canned goods, and other eligible food items available on the platform.

Additional tips

Locating EBT-accepting retailers

For those looking to use their EBT benefits, it’s crucial to find retailers that accept EBT. Most grocery stores and supermarkets participate in the SNAP program, and many have expanded their services to include online orders. Here are some tips to locate EBT-accepting retailers:

1. USDA SNAP retailer locator: Use this online tool to find authorized SNAP retailers by entering your address or ZIP code.
2. Store websites: Many large grocery chains, such as Walmart and Amazon, have dedicated sections on their websites detailing their EBT acceptance and online ordering processes.
3. Local farmers’ markets: Some farmers’ markets accept EBT and even offer matching programs to increase purchasing power for fresh produce.

Gopuff’s special programs

While Gopuff does not accept EBT, they offer other programs that may be beneficial for customers:

• Gopuff fam: This membership program offers benefits like free delivery on all orders over a certain amount, exclusive deals, and faster delivery times.
• Discounts and promotions: Gopuff frequently runs promotions and discounts on various items. Keeping an eye on these deals can help customers save money on their purchases.

The bottom line

Currently, Gopuff does not accept EBT cards as a form of payment. While this limits the options for SNAP recipients, there are many other retailers and grocery delivery services that do participate in the EBT program, offering a wide range of eligible food items. For those interested in using their EBT benefits for online shopping, it’s recommended to check the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator and individual store policies.

For the most accurate and updated information, contacting local Gopuff locations or visiting their website is advisable. Staying informed about the available options can help SNAP recipients make the most of their benefits and ensure they have access to necessary food items.

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