Baby formula is one basic food item that breastfeeding mothers and infants need. With the recent financial hardships, the EBT card comes in handy when purchasing grocery items. The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women Infants and Children (WIC) beneficiaries receive the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to enable them to purchase basic food items from participating grocery stores across the United States. Let’s know Can I buy formula with EBT?
Yes, one can use the EBT card to purchase baby formula since the baby formula is classified under nutritious foods that are eligible for purchase using the EBT card but as long as you are a WIC recipient. One can buy as much baby formula they require.
What is the EBT card?
An Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is a government-issued card that works like a credit or debit card that allows beneficiaries to pay for purchases of qualifying products under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at registered stores. Beneficiaries can use the card to purchase eligible basic food items at participating stores. Can I buy formula with EBT?
What other Baby food items can one purchase using the EBT Card?
Breastfeeding mothers with children under five years and expectant mothers qualify for the SNAP benefits. With the SNAP benefits, you cannot just buy for whatever you want since some items are not eligible for purchase using the EBT card. Beneficiaries can only buy basic food items such as vegetables and fruits that they can buy and prepare at home.
Apart from baby formula, one can purchase the following nutritious baby foods using the EBT card:
- Milk
- Infant formula
- Brown rice
- Eggs
- Oatmeal
- Infant food
- Canned fish
- Whole wheat/grain bread
- Cereals
- Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, canned, or dried)
What Baby items that cannot be purchased using EBT card?
Not all items are eligible for purchase using EBT. The SNAP benefits were intended to help families purchase basic food items. The following is a list of baby items that cannot be purchased using EBT:
- Medicines and drugs
- Non-canned seafood
- Breaded vegetables
- Feeding utensils or devices
- Fast food
- Food delivery
- Spices and herbs
If one wants to purchase these items, you can use alternative payment methods such as cash, debit, and credit cards.
Does the EBT card have a limit on the Formula purchase?
No, one is not limited to how much formula you can purchase using your SNAP benefits. As long as you have a high EBT balance on your card that can be able to cover the cost of your purchase, you can purchase as much as you wish.
However, not all types of baby formula are eligible for purchase, for example, a baby formula that is intended for medical use cannot be purchased using the EBT card. Before making your purchase, you should contact the nearest SNAP office so that they could provide you with a list of eligible baby formula brands available in your area. Can I buy formula with EBT? – let’s know.
Where can one use the EBT Card?
Many stores across the United States accept the EBT card but, some selected stores may not accept this form of payment. The following are stores that accept EBT cards: Aldi, Acme Fresh Market, Costco, CVS, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Publix, Rite Aid, Safeway, Sam’s Club, ShopRite, Target, Walgreens, Walmart, Whole Foods, and many more. You can also look at what stores accept this payment method before visiting the store.
Also, certain farmers’ markets that participate in the program accept payments via the EBT card.
How to pay using an EBT Card?
Using the EBT card is simple since it functions like regular credit and debit cards. Before using your EBT card for purchases, ensure that you have enough funds in your card to cover the costs of your purchases.
Pick your items and place them in your cart. At the cashiers’ desk inform him/her that you will be paying using your EBT card. Swipe your card and enter your pin to complete the purchase.
Conclusion
The EBT card can be used to purchase baby formula and the best thing is that there is no limit to the number of baby formulas you purchase as long you have enough balance on your card. However, you need to remember that not all brands are covered under the EBT benefits such as baby formula intended for medical use. EBT can also be used to purchase other baby foods such as fruits, milk, cereal, vegetables, and meat.
Frequently asked questions
- Can one purchase diapers using the EBT card?
No, diapers are not on the list of eligible items that one can purchase using the EBT card benefits.
- What is the eligibility for one to receive SNAP benefits?
The eligibility criteria for SNAP are different from state to state and one can check state requirements by checking your state guidelines or contacting your local SNAP office. In general, they base the requirements on household income.
- Can one purchase Enfamil using EBT?
Yes, beneficiaries of the SNAP program can purchase Enfamil using their EBT cards.
