Although most food delivery apps do not take SNAP or EBT payments (food stamps), you may in some circumstances use EBT/SNAP to order meals using food delivery apps.
In California, for example, you may use your Calfresh (EBT) benefits at Amazon and Walmart (online), with the exception of the deli at Walmart or Whole Foods and other “prepared foods” that would not be eligible for reimbursement using EBT/SNAP elsewhere.
However, such situations are uncommon. We’ll go through what’s feasible in the majority of the country, as well as any exceptions that may exist now, as well as alternative food-delivery strategies to utilize your EBT/SNAP benefits if you aren’t able to or don’t want to shop for groceries or meals.
What is EBT/Snap?
SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly food stamps), is an entitlement program that ensures access to healthy food for low-income households. SNAP benefits are loaded onto a plastic card, similar to a debit card or credit card, and may only be used on eligible items at supermarkets or other retailers.
SNAP benefits are accepted at over 260,000 stores nationwide, but what about for food delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, Amazon Fresh or Postmates?
Does Instacart Accept EBT/SNAP? Yes.
Yes, Instacart now takes EBT and SNAP payments for some businesses, including well-known names such as Whole Foods, Aldi, and Walmart.
They announced this on October 22, 2020 in a company update post.
Through the Istacart app, you can order pretty much anything that these businesses have to offer — with the exception of cooked chicken and other warm-foods that are already heated – because their availability is restricted and they aren’t always permitted for purchase using EBT/SNAP.
Related Instacart Resources
- Instacart Referral Code: Make Money Referring New Drivers
- How Instacart Grocery Delivery Works
- Is Instacart Worth It For Drivers? [Know The Truth]
Does Amazon (Fresh or Pantry) Accept EBT/SNAP? Yes.
Yes — Amazon Fresh and Amazon Pantry are payable using your EBT or SNAP benefits.
You may also save money on Amazon Prime if you have a EBT or SNAP card, but keep in mind that you don’t need Amazon Prime to get free shipping or buy a variety of food items on Amazon.
However, you should keep in mind that your benefits will not allow you to buy non-food items like electronics or furniture on Amazon.
Related Amazon Fresh Resources
- Shipt vs Amazon Fresh: Which is Better for Grocery Delivery?
- Amazon Fresh vs Instacart: Which is Better for Grocery Delivery?
Does DoorDash Accept EBT/SNAP? Yes
Yes, DoorDash now accepts EBT/SNAP payments for grocery and convenience store orders at participating retailers. DoorDash launched SNAP/EBT payments in 2023 and has expanded rapidly since then, with over 50,000 stores now accepting SNAP/EBT on the platform, including ALDI, Albertsons, Safeway, Dollar General, Walgreens, CVS, Meijer, Sprouts, and Wegmans. Nearly 3 million consumers have linked their SNAP/EBT cards to DoorDash, and 94% of U.S. households receiving SNAP benefits have access to at least one participating store.
To use your benefits, add your EBT card under “Program Cards” in your account settings. The app marks SNAP-eligible items and automatically applies your benefits at checkout. You will need a separate credit or debit card on file to cover delivery fees, service fees, tips, and any non-SNAP items. SNAP recipients can also get a discounted DashPass membership for $4.99/month, which includes $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders.
Keep in mind that EBT is only accepted for grocery orders on DoorDash. You cannot use SNAP benefits to order restaurant meals through the platform.
Related DoorDash Resources
Does GrubHub Accept EBT/SNAP? No.
Grubhub does not accept EBT/SNAP at this time. Because Grubhub exclusively delivers hot, prepared restaurant meals, its offerings are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits under federal law. Grubhub also does not participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). This may change in the future, but there are no announced plans to integrate EBT payments.
Related Grubhub Resources
- Grubhub vs DoorDash: Which Food Delivery Service is Better?
- Grubhub vs Uber Eats: Driver Comparison Guide
Does Postmates Accept EBT/SNAP? No.
Postmates does not accept EBT/SNAP. Since Postmates was acquired by Uber in 2020, the platform primarily focuses on restaurant and prepared meal delivery, which is not eligible under SNAP rules. If you want to use your EBT benefits for grocery delivery through Uber’s ecosystem, use the Uber Eats app instead and look for SNAP-eligible grocery stores.
Does Uber Eats Accept EBT/SNAP? Yes (Grocery Only).
Yes, Uber Eats now accepts EBT/SNAP payments for eligible grocery delivery from participating stores nationwide. Uber Eats partners with over 50 retail chains, including Albertsons, Safeway, Jewel-Osco, Vons, Walgreens, 7-Eleven, CVS, Meijer, Sprouts, Save A Lot, Winn-Dixie, and many more. Payments are powered by Forage, a USDA-approved payment processor.
To get started, go to Account > Wallet > Add Payment Method in the Uber Eats app and enter your EBT card details. Look for the SNAP filter on the home screen and items marked with a “SNAP” tag to find eligible groceries. When you link your EBT card, you get a $0 delivery fee on your first three SNAP-eligible orders and a free three-month trial of UberOne.
As with DoorDash, EBT on Uber Eats is limited to grocery delivery only. You cannot use your SNAP benefits for restaurant meal orders, and you will need a backup payment method for fees, tips, and non-eligible items.
Food Delivery EBT/SNAP Summary
The landscape for using EBT/SNAP on food delivery apps has changed significantly. Four major platforms now accept SNAP/EBT for grocery delivery: Instacart, Amazon, DoorDash, and Uber Eats. GrubHub and Postmates still do not accept EBT.
The key thing to remember is that EBT acceptance on DoorDash and Uber Eats is for grocery store orders only, not restaurant meals. SNAP rules still prohibit using your benefits on hot, prepared food. You will also need a separate payment method for delivery fees, service fees, and tips on any platform.
If you are a SNAP recipient, you can get groceries delivered from stores like ALDI, Walmart, Albertsons, Safeway, Dollar General, and many others through Instacart, Amazon, DoorDash, or Uber Eats and have them delivered directly to your home using your EBT benefits.
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Yes I qualify trying to figure out how I can get food delivery from me