From More In My Basket

In the past few months, you may have heard about the SNAP program. It stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and its used to be commonly known as the “Food Stamps” program. In North Carolina, SNAP is also called Food and Nutrition Services or FNS. All three names represent the same program.

While there used to be paper stamps that SNAP recipients could use to purchase food, today, those who are approved for benefits receive a card that they can swipe at the store. This is called an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card, and it works much like a debit card. This makes it easy for SNAP recipients to purchase eligible food items at local grocery stores, convenience stores, some gas stations, and some farmers’ markets. 

What you may not know is that you can use your SNAP benefits through your EBT card online. Shopping online can be a great way to stick to a budget and save money on grocery bills. Many grocery stores offer the option for you to add your EBT card number on their website and use your benefits to purchase food, which can sometimes even be delivered to your doorstep.

Today, we will be sharing some tips on how to use your EBT card online. We will use Food Lion as an example. The process should be similar at other retailers. For a list of grocery stores in NC which allow SNAP recipients to shop online with their benefits, click here.

Create an account

First, you will need to create an account on the website. Click “Sign In” at the top right corner of your screen and then select “Create Account.” You will need to provide an email and password. Creating an account can feel time-consuming, but it also ensures your payment information is kept secure. And the great thing is, you only need to do it once.

Next, if you already have an MVP card, or started creating an account in the past but did not finish, you can select “Add Existing Card.” For this step you will enter your phone number or the number on your physical MVP card. If you have never created an account or used an MVP card, click “Set up New Card” and then use an email and password to create your MVP card account.

Adding your EBT card

Once you have successfully created an account and logged in, navigate to “My Account.” From there, locate and select the “Payment Information” section. Within this menu, choose the SNAP EBT option and carefully input your unique EBT card number. By saving this information to your secure profile, you can easily process all future transactions. Please keep in mind that only one EBT card can be used per account.

Now that your EBT card has been added, you can start shopping. To maximize your benefits and avoid impulse buys, it is highly recommended that you treat digital shopping just like a physical trip to the store: start by taking an inventory of your pantry and drafting a comprehensive list. Establishing a clear budget beforehand ensures you stay within your planned monthly expenses.

As you browse the digital aisles, keep a close eye on product descriptions and site banners. Look specifically for clear signage such as “EBT card accepted” or “SNAP EBT eligible” next to individual items. This ensures that the products you choose are authorized for purchase with your benefits, preventing any surprises or declined items when you reach the final checkout screen.

Coupons and deals

A benefit of shopping online is quick access to store sales, coupons and deals. Many stores have a section for digital coupons that you can “clip” and add to your cart. Check this page before you start shopping so you know specific brands you might need to select. If you find digital coupons for some of the items on your grocery list (and you stick to your list), you will actually end up spending less than your original estimate.

Remember, just because you have a coupon or an item is on sale, does not mean you have to buy that item. An item that has a coupon might still be more expensive than the brand you normally buy or the store brand. And always purchase food that you need and will use.

What is eligible to purchase with your EBT card?

Most groceries are SNAP eligible. This includes meats, seafood, produce (fruits and vegetables), dairy items, bread, rice, cereal, snack foods, spices and pantry staple ingredients like flour, sugar and salt. You can also purchase diet-specific foods such as gluten-free pasta, non-dairy milk (like almond or soy milk), and plant-based foods like tofu and meat alternatives.

Remember that alcohol, household supplies like toothpaste, laundry detergent, vitamins and pet foods are not SNAP-eligible. Additionally, you cannot purchase hot or ready-to-go foods like rotisserie chicken, prepared sandwiches or hot pizzas with your benefits. But a quick tip is you can buy a rotisserie chicken if it has been packaged and placed in the deli refrigerator section.

More In My Basket

If you enjoyed learning more about SNAP and EBT, remember that you can ask More In My Basket about any additional questions you have about this program.

More In My Basket is an NC State Extension program that helps North Carolinians from mountains to coast to apply for SNAP for free. They are available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. You can reach them by calling 1-855-240-1451 or visiting their website at morefood.org.

Enjoy stretching your food budget from the comfort of your own home.

Source: Adapted from MIMB’s Shopping Online with SNAP curriculum.