For millions of families struggling with buying food in the United States, SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides people in need with a steady and consistent way to get food every month. There were around 38 million people using SNAP benefits in the United States in 2019.
EBT, or Electronic Benefit Transfer is how those families on SNAP are able to receive and use the funds given to them. Through this, they are able to spend their money in stores that sell food products to purchase food for themselves and their families.
If you are working with a limited budget, like most SNAP recipients, it makes sense to shop at stores that will allow you to stretch your budget as much as you can. You want stores that have low prices and great discounts. Aldi is a well-known store that provides both of these and has in stock all of the groceries you may need.
But, for EBT users to be able to use their EBT – the store must first accept it. And since Aldi is a popular choice amongst customers on EBT – one of the most common questions revolve around if Aldi takes EBT.
After some research, we have found the answer to this question. So, if you’d like to find out if Aldi takes EBT across the U.S. – continue reading.
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Does Aldi Take EBT Cards In 2023?
Aldi does accept EBT at all of its more than 2,000 stores in the United States, which is great news for any family using SNAP benefits. Aldi has stores in over 30 states, with many different locations in each.
At Aldi you are able to use your EBT to buy SNAP approved food and beverages for your family. You can not only use your EBT in Aldi’s stores, but you can also use it online. Aldi and Instacart accept EBT when making online orders for delivery and pick-up.
For more information on using EBT at Aldi, continue reading below.
What Can You Buy At Aldi With EBT?
Aldi is a great store to use EBT at because it is easy to stretch your budget with all of Aldi’s discounts, sales, and low prices. Just like at any other grocery store, you are able to purchase food and food products that are made to be consumed by humans.
These options include fruits and veggies, meats, seafoods, dairy products, snack foods, frozen foods, desserts, candies, baking ingredients, sodas, and juices. You can also purchase seeds and seedlings that will grow into food, which are occasionally offered in the Aldi Finds section.You can find a list of all approved items here, on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) website.
What Can’t You Buy At Aldi With EBT?
Even with the vast list of food products you can buy with your EBT, there are still certain items you cannot purchase. This list is the same regardless of what store you are shopping at, so it will pertain to Aldi, as well.
First, you will not be able to buy any alcoholic products at Aldi with your EBT. If your Aldi sells wine, beer, or other alcoholic beverages, you will have to buy them without using EBT. You also cannot purchase pet food when using EBT.
You cannot use your benefits to buy any household goods or hygiene products for yourself or your family. Lastly, and most controversially, you are unable to buy baby formula using your EBT.
If you want to double check what is allowed or not, the link provided above will let you know.
How Do You Use Your EBT At Aldi?
To use your EBT anywhere, including Aldi, you will need to first have a SNAP account set up and ready to go. You will then receive an EBT card, which is very similar to a debit or credit card. This is what you will use when checking out.
You need to set up a PIN for your card that only you know. Next, you will want to make sure you know the balance you have on your EBT card. If you go over that balance, it will be on you to pay whatever remains.
You will also have to cover the cost of whatever is not eligible for SNAP. Most stores enable you to scan all of your items together, in one transaction, and have their computers differentiate which items are SNAP eligible and which are not.
At the end, make sure to keep your receipt. It will show you the remaining balance, if any, so that you know for next time. Remember to check your balance on your refill day each month.
Can You Use Your EBT With Instacart?
As of 2020, Aldi and Instacart partnered up to make food accessible to families on EBT, who wanted to order groceries for delivery or pick-up. This means that you can use your EBT card on the Instacart app to purchase food products for delivery or pick-up, as long as you are ordering SNAP approved items.
Unfortunately, this option is not available in every state that Aldi is in. It began with a limited number of states, then expanded to 29 out of the states that Aldi was located in, at the time. Now EBT is accepted on Instacart at 38 of the 39 states Aldi currently has stores in, with only Louisiana not included.
How Do You Add Your EBT Card To Instacart?
The first thing you’ll need to do is set up and activate your EBT account and card. You will also need an Instacart account.
You will need to open the app, open the menu, and find account settings. This section should enable you to access your payment methods for Instacart. Here, it will show you any credit cards you have added, as well as giving you the option to add an EBT card.
Double check your first and last name, which may already be filled in, since it is on your account. Add your EBT card number and save it to your account.
Remember that you can still only use this for purchasing SNAP approved food products. No delivery or pick-up fees or tips will be covered when using your EBT card. You will have to pay separately with a debit or credit card on your Instacart account for these fees.
However, Instacart does seem to run free delivery promotions for its customers that use EBT quite frequently, so make sure to check for them on Instacart’s website.
Does Aldi Accept WIC?
Another program that helps families facing food insecurity is WIC, or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, who the program is geared towards. WIC helps pregnant women and families with young children purchase nutritious foods.
It is similar to SNAP but has a much more strict outline of what you are allowed to buy with the benefits it provides. You are allowed to purchase specific cheeses, milk, fruits, vegetables, and a few other items, like whole wheat bread. WIC allows its recipients to buy baby formula.
Unfortunately, WIC is most of the time only compatible with brand name food products, like Cheerios. The products Aldi sells consist mostly of Aldi’s private label, with Aldi selling around 10% products that are name brand.
Some private labels are okay on WIC in some states. However, it would be a lot of hoops for Aldi to jump through with the difference in each state’s rules.
Conclusion – Does Aldi Accept EBT?
To the relief of many families using SNAP benefits, Aldi does accept EBT at all of its United States stores. You are able to use your EBT in-store at any Aldi location.
You can also use your EBT card online, through Instacart, in every state Aldi operates in, except for Louisiana. This aligns with Aldi’s mission to help feed families regardless of the income they make.
