Does Walgreens take EBT? (WIC, Foodstamps, etc?)

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With the government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) reaching millions of people across the country, demand for stores that accept WIC, EBT, and food stamps as payment for buying groceries and other food items is growing at a very fast pace.

So the question a lot of us have is if Walgreens accepts EBT, WIC & Food Stamps?

Read further to learn more about this.

Does Walgreens take EBT, WIC, & Food Stamps?

Walgreens Does take and Accept EBT payments made through EBT, WIC, and Food Stamps in 2023.

But we highly suggest that you contact the store nearest to your location in order to verify, and also to check which items you can purchase with your EBT, such as bread, meat, dairy products, and others.

You can read further if you want to find out more about how to use your EBT card, and what specific items can be purchased using this form of payment.

Does Walgreens Accept EBT Cards for payment?

The Electronic Benefit Transfer cards (commonly known as EBT) are very similar to the debit cards which we personally own, and use for our daily purchases.

The EBT is provided by the government to recipients who qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which in turn makes it easier for the state government to provide assistance to its beneficiaries, and also monitor their usage.

That being said, the downside is that not all Walgreens stores accept EBT, WIC, and Food Stamps as a form of payment, though a majority of their outlets already do. 

This is mostly because of certain state laws which can be different from state to state.

How to Find Out if Your Nearby Walgreens Accepts WIC & Food Stamps?

Since we currently have no online information on which specific Walgreens stores accept EBT, WIC, or Food Stamps, the best way to find is by contacting the store where you plan to make your purchases.

Thankfully, finding the Walgreens store closest to your location and getting their contact details is very convenient using their store locator.

You simply have to visit the link and provide your zip code or general address, and you can get details on the specific store operating hours, address, and contact number.

If there is a Walgreens store you already frequent, the next time you are there you can ask them directly whether they accept EBT, WIC, and food stamps as a form of payment.

How To Make A Purchase With Your EBT Card At Walgreens?

Using your EBT card to make purchases at Walgreens is actually very simple and similar to the way you would use your own credit or debit card.

Follow these steps:

  • Tap or swipe your Card (EBT or WIC) at the checkout POS
  • Input your 4-digit PIN (Personal Identification Number)
  • It will then ask you if the purchase amount is ok. If it is, you will accept.
  • Take the copy of the receipt with your updated balance for EBT

If you are unfamiliar with the process of using your EBT card, the Walgreens clerk will be more than willing to help you out and walk you through the whole process.

What Products Can I Buy At Walgreens With My EBT, WIC, or Food Stamps?

Since EBT is a state assistance program mainly for household nourishment, there are certain limitations as to what food and items you are allowed to purchase using your EBT card, WIC, and food stamps, and these are the following:

  • Dairy Products
  • Meat
  • Fish
  • Poultry
  • Bread and cereal
  • Plants and Seeds that can produce food for the household

It is also worth noting that since Walgreens is mainly a drugstore, some food items you are looking for may not be available in their stores.

So it is best to ask attendants and store clerks whether the specific food items you are looking to purchase are available inside the store.

Also, if they are out, it would be good to know if they can ask the branch which is closest to them if they would have the items you’re looking for.

What Products Are Not Eligible For Purchase Using EBT, WIC, Or Food Stamps?

There are quite a few product categories that you are not allowed to purchase using your EBT card, especially those that fall under non-essentials, like cigarettes, tobacco, liquor, and beer.

On top of that, the following items are also ineligible for purchase using your EBT:

  • Prescriptions and deliveries
  • Vitamins and medicines
  • Household supplies
  • Soaps and paper products
  • Pet Food
  • Food consumed in store
  • Hot foods

How To Locate Other WIC-approved Stores Other Than Walgreens Nearby?

There are a lot of other choices if you are looking for stores that accept EBT, WIC, and other Food Stamps as payment for your grocery purchases.

Considering other stores and supermarkets would also be a wise idea since Walgreens will definitely have a limited selection of food items since they are mainly a pharmacy.

If you want to find the WIC-approved stores which are closest to your location, you can visit the WIC store locator and simply enter your state and street-level address to get a list of all stores that accept WIC in your vicinity.

Conclusion

Most of Walgreens 8000+ outlets accept EBT cards as payment for grocery purchases in their store, though it is best to check and contact the specific branch beforehand so you don’t end up visiting a store that apparently doesn’t accept EBT as payment.