How to Use Your EBT Card Online

By More Food

After applying and being approved for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits on the state of North Carolina, you may think that your only option for purchasing eligible items is at a physical store. However, SNAP can also be used for buying food online.

On one of our previous blog posts, we discussed all of the stores that will accept your EBT card online as well as in person in North Carolina. Today, we will cover the step-by-step of how to use this benefit to your advantage from the comfort of your own home.

For the purposes of this demonstration, we will be showing how to use EBT online on the Food Lion website. Each store that accepts EBT may have a slightly different process. Customers in the U.S. can pay for online orders with a valid EBT card, in full or in part, from participating Food Lion stores in select states. If you are using the Food Lion app and don’t see EBT SNAP as an option for your local Food Lion store, make sure you have the latest version of the app.

Account Set-Up

To add an EBT card to your account on shop.foodlion.com or in the Food Lion To Go app:

  1. Click or tap on “My profile”
  2. Select EBT/SNAP
  3. Choose Add EBT card
  4. Enter the card number on the EBT card.
  5. Click or tap Save

Only one EBT card can be saved to your profile. To add a different EBT card, remove the first one.

Making a Purchase

Next, start filling up your cart with eligible SNAP items. When you are ready for check out, follow these steps:

1. Enter your credit or debit card information and address

2. Add your EBT card information

3. Click or tap Edit to change the amount that will apply to your EBT card

4. Click or tap Confirm payment method

5. On the Place Order page, confirm all information is correct

6. Click or tap Place Order

7. After placing your order, you will be prompted to enter your EBT card pin to verify your purchase

To successfully use your EBT card, some stores may require a credit or debit card must also be linked to your online account to cover fees, bottle deposits in some states, taxes, delivery tips, and any other non-EBT SNAP eligible items you may want to purchase. Aldi, Publix, Sprout’s, Food Lion, and Target are some examples of stores that require a debit card. There are typically order minimums when ordering groceries, however when using an EBT card some stores may waive the order minimums.

By weight products (typically produce) may alter the price of your order. Stores may charge an additional 10-15% upcharge to cover the price difference. Be sure to read the store policy if purchasing by weight products with your EBT card online.

Now that you have the knowledge necessary to take full advantage of your benefits, access your local stores websites or download their apps to be able to try using your EBT card for online purchases.

Information accessed at: https://www.foodlion.com/customer-service/snap-ebt/#snap

For questions about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or to receive SNAP Application Assistance contact the More In My Basket staff:

Visit: morefood.org

English Toll Free: 1-855-240-1451

Spanish Toll Free: 1-888-382-7105

Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash