Does Whole Foods take EBT?

Can you use EBT at Whole Foods self-checkout?

Yes, you can use your EBT card at Whole Foods for both self-checkout and regular checkout. The Whole Foods self-checkout kiosk will guide you through the process, you just have to scan your SNAP-eligible items and select "pay with EBT."

The screen will ask you to swipe your card and enter your PIN. After payment, the screen will show any remaining balance for non-EBT items in your cart. Ask the self-checkout attendant for help if you have trouble checking out.

Can you use EBT at Whole Foods online?

Yes, but not on the Whole Foods website directly. You can use your EBT card to buy Whole Foods grocery items on Amazon. You have three options for ordering Whole Foods online through Amazon when you pay with EBT:

• Doorstep delivery: You can choose same-day delivery and you’ll get groceries at your front door within a 2-hour window. Tipping is optional, but there is a $9.95 service fee that isn’t covered by SNAP.
• Curbside pickup: You can order with free curbside pickup at your local Whole Foods. After you add items to your cart, you'll select a pickup window. When it is time to pick up your order, you can let Whole Foods know you are on the way and park in a curbside parking spot. Whole Foods will load the groceries for you.
• In-store: You can also go inside the store to pick up your order for free. After you add items to your cart, you'll select a pickup window. Then, you can let Whole Foods know you are on the way, and the Amazon app will tell you where to go.

When buying Whole Foods online at Amazon with EBT, be aware of changes or extra costs that will require a backup payment method, like:

• Any items that aren't SNAP-eligible, like household goods or hot foods
• Delivery fees
• Driver tips
• Higher-cost substitutions
• Changes in weight for produce or meat

How to use your EBT card for Whole Foods online:

1. Create or sign in to your Amazon account on the website or in the Amazon app
2. Hover over "accounts and lists" in your browser or click the profile icon in the Amazon app and click “account.”
3. Select "your payments" to view your Amazon Wallet
4. Click "add a payment method" and select the "add an EBT card" option
5. Make sure you add a backup payment method to cover any fees, delivery tips, and non-SNAP items
6. Add your Whole Foods items to your cart through Amazon’s Whole Foods brand page
7. At checkout, enter your EBT card PIN and submit the order

What can I buy with EBT at Whole Foods?

You can use your EBT card to buy any SNAP-eligible food items at Whole Foods, but the Whole Foods online options through Amazon might be different than what’s available in-store. Here are some common SNAP-eligible items:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat and fish
• Milk, yogurt, cheese and eggs
• Bread and other grains like cereal
• Snack foods like pretzels and chips
• Non-alcoholic drinks like orange juice, seltzer, lemonade or bottled water

Can you get discounts for using EBT at Whole Foods?

Yes, you can get a 10% discount on eligible food items when shopping in-store at Whole Foods if you have Amazon Prime. To get the discount in-store, have your Whole Foods or Amazon app ready to scan at check out.

And people who get certain government benefits, including SNAP (food stamps) and Medicaid, can get a 50% discount on Prime memberships.

This special version of Prime, called "Prime Access," costs $6.99 per month and gives you access to the same perks as a full-price Amazon Prime membership, including:

• Free shipping
• Access to Prime Video, Prime Music, Prime Reading, and Prime Gaming
• Amazon photos for unlimited photo storage
• 50% off unlimited grocery delivery on orders over $35 (you'll pay $4.99 a month, down from $9.99, and get access to a 90-day free trial)
• Discounts on prescription medications from Amazon Pharmacy

What isn’t EBT eligible at Whole Foods?

You can’t buy anything that’s not SNAP-eligible when you’re paying with your EBT card at Whole Foods, including:

• Hot and prepared foods like rotisserie chicken, pizza, or other hot bar items
• Vitamins and supplements
• Alcoholic beverages like beer and wine
• Non-food items like toys, soap, or cleaning products
• Pet food or treats

These rules apply to all stores that accept SNAP with two exceptions. The first exception is the the Restaurant Meals Program. RMP lets some SNAP recipients buy prepared foods at eligible restaurants.

The other exception is Disaster-SNAP (D-SNAP), which offers temporary benefits during natural disasters. This can include the ability to buy hot foods with your EBT card, among other things.

Does Whole Foods take WIC?

Yes, some Whole Foods locations accept WIC, which is an additional program that offers benefits for people who are pregnant or caring for young children. You can call your local Whole Foods and ask if they accept WIC before shopping.

Protecting your EBT card while shopping at Whole Foods

Wherever you swipe your EBT card, safeguarding your benefits is essential. Here’s how to protect your card from theft while shopping at Whole Foods:

• Be on the lookout for hidden skimming devices on card readers. Always shake the card reader before you swipe your EBT card. If it’s loose or wobbly, report the issue to an employee and avoid using that card reader
• Don't share your PIN with anyone
• Keep your EBT card secure so your physical card doesn't get stolen
• Change your PIN every month before you get your benefits
• Check your EBT transaction history regularly. It should have only approved purchases

Immediately report a lost or stolen card by calling your state’s EBT customer service number