In today’s busy world, getting groceries delivered right to your doorstep has become incredibly convenient. This service saves time and makes shopping easier, especially for individuals who may face challenges getting to a physical store. Many people who rely on EBT cards, also known as food stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, often wonder if they can also enjoy this modern convenience. A common question that arises is: “Can I use my EBT card to order groceries through DoorDash?” This article aims to provide a clear answer to this question and explain exactly how this process works.
The very existence of this question points to a significant societal need to ensure that advancements in retail, such as online delivery, are accessible to everyone. For many, limited mobility, transportation issues, or a lack of nearby grocery stores can make obtaining nutritious food a daily struggle. By integrating EBT payments, platforms like DoorDash are taking a crucial step toward ensuring that digital conveniences help bridge the gap in food access. This development helps to make essential services available to all, potentially reducing food insecurity and improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations who might otherwise face substantial barriers to getting the food they need.
Does Doordash take EBT?
The straightforward answer is yes, DoorDash now accepts Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) payments for items that are eligible under the SNAP program. This means that individuals can use their food stamps to order groceries and convenience store items directly from the DoorDash app or website. This service is not limited to a few select areas; it is available across all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. This widespread availability marks a significant advancement in making grocery shopping more accessible for many families.
While there might have been some initial confusion or limited availability in the past, with some early reports suggesting that widespread adoption was still in its early stages , DoorDash has rapidly expanded its EBT service. The platform has successfully navigated the complexities of integrating EBT, making it a robust, nationwide offering. This rapid expansion is evident in the numbers: since beginning to support SNAP/EBT payments in 2023, DoorDash has processed 1.5 million SNAP orders, with over 1.1 million consumers adding their SNAP/EBT cards to the platform. Furthermore, the network of stores accepting SNAP/EBT payments on the DoorDash Marketplace has grown to over 15,000 across the United States. This rapid growth and high user engagement demonstrate a significant, previously unmet demand for online grocery delivery among SNAP recipients. It also highlights the agility of large technology platforms in adapting their services to meet both consumer needs and evolving government program guidelines, thereby expanding their market reach while providing a vital service to a demographic that greatly benefits from increased convenience and access to food.
What You Can (and Can’t) Buy with EBT on DoorDash
It is important for users to understand that EBT funds have specific rules regarding what can be purchased. On DoorDash, EBT cards can be used for most grocery and convenience store items that are intended to be prepared and consumed at home. However, there are certain items that cannot be bought with EBT, most notably hot, ready-to-eat meals from restaurants.
Eligible Items
Your EBT card is valid for “SNAP-eligible grocery and convenience store items”. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) establishes the guidelines for what is considered eligible. Generally, this includes a wide range of staple food items:
- Fruits and vegetables: This includes fresh, frozen, and canned produce.
- Meat, poultry, and fish: This covers raw, deli, and frozen options.
- Dairy products: Items such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are eligible.
- Breads and cereals: This category includes pasta, rice, oats, and various baked goods.
- Other foods: Snack foods like chips and candy, non-alcoholic beverages such as bottled water, juice, and soda, as well as condiments, spices, and eggs are typically covered.
- Seeds and plants: These are eligible if they produce food for the household to eat.
Ineligible Items
Understanding what cannot be purchased with EBT is crucial to avoid issues at checkout. The rules are quite strict, reflecting the program’s core purpose of providing basic nutritional assistance for home food preparation.
- Hot, Prepared Foods / Restaurant Meals: EBT cards generally cannot be used to pay for hot food or ready-to-eat meals from restaurants. The USDA defines these as items that are “hot at the point of sale” or prepared by the retailer for immediate consumption. This is why DoorDash’s EBT acceptance primarily focuses on groceries, not typically on orders from fast-food restaurants. For instance, other popular food delivery apps like Grubhub usually do not accept EBT for typical restaurant orders because they deliver “hot, prepared food—which is explicitly excluded from food items covered by SNAP”. While there are rare exceptions under the “Restaurant Meals Program” for specific vulnerable groups, this is not a general rule for most users. The strict distinction between eligible staple foods intended for home preparation and ineligible hot or prepared foods ensures that funds are directed towards essential food security, rather than discretionary spending on restaurant meals.
- Non-Food Items: EBT benefits are strictly for food. Therefore, users cannot purchase:
- Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, liquor), cigarettes, or tobacco.
- Vitamins, medicines, or supplements; if an item has a “Supplement Facts” label, it is not eligible.
- Live animals, with the exception of shellfish or fish removed from water.
- Household supplies such as cleaning products, paper towels, or toiletries.
- Pet foods.
- Delivery Fees, Service Charges, and Tips: These additional costs are never covered by EBT cards. A separate payment method is always required for these charges.
This strict adherence to USDA guidelines maintains the integrity and focus of the SNAP program. For consumers, it means understanding that “food delivery” via EBT is primarily for stocking the pantry, not for ordering takeout. This clarity helps manage expectations and ensures users utilize their benefits as intended, contributing to better household budgeting and food management.
Here is a table summarizing what can and cannot be purchased with EBT on DoorDash:
| EBT-Eligible Items (Examples) | Non-Eligible Items (Examples) |
| Fruits and Vegetables | Hot Prepared Meals (from restaurants) |
| Meat, Poultry, and Fish | Alcohol, Tobacco |
| Dairy Products | Vitamins & Supplements |
| Breads and Cereals | Pet Food |
| Snack Foods (chips, candy) | Cleaning Supplies, Paper Products, Hygiene Items |
| Non-Alcoholic Beverages (water, juice, soda) | Delivery Fees, Service Fees, Tips |
| Eggs | |
| Seeds & Plants (that produce food) |
How to Use Your EBT Card on DoorDash: A Step-by-Step Guide
Using an EBT card on DoorDash is a straightforward process once the steps are understood. Here is a simple guide to help users get started:
1. Add Your EBT Card to Your Account
To begin, users need to link their EBT card to their DoorDash account. This can be done by opening the DoorDash app or visiting the website. From there, navigate to the “Account” section, typically located at the bottom right of the app. Select “Payment” or “Payment Methods,” then look for “Program Cards” and choose “SNAP/EBT Card”. Users will then enter their 16-digit EBT card number. Alternatively, the EBT card can be added during the checkout process when an order is being placed.
2. Find Stores and Items That Accept SNAP
Once the EBT card is linked, users can begin shopping. On the DoorDash home screen, it is recommended to look for icons such as “Grocery” or “Convenience” to access eligible stores. Within the grocery section, a “SNAP filter” is available at the top of the page, which can be applied to display only stores that accept EBT payments. As users browse products, they should look for a “SNAP icon” or label on individual item pages, indicating that the item is eligible for EBT purchase.
3. Checkout and Apply Your SNAP Benefits
When an order is ready, proceed to the cart for checkout. The total amount for SNAP-eligible items will automatically be set to be paid by the EBT card. Users have the flexibility to adjust the amount of SNAP benefits they wish to apply to the order by selecting “Apply SNAP Amount” and entering a different value. If this field is left blank or set to $0, the EBT card will not be charged.
4. Have a Backup Payment Method Ready
This step is critically important. As previously mentioned, EBT cards can only cover eligible food items. They cannot be used for delivery fees, service charges, or any non-food items that might be included in the cart. Therefore, it is essential to have a separate payment method, such as a debit card, credit card, or DoorDash credits, linked to the account to cover these additional costs. DoorDash’s system is designed to automatically split the payment at checkout. For example, if a cart contains $50 worth of SNAP-eligible groceries, $15 of non-eligible paper towels, and a $7 delivery fee, the EBT card will be charged $50, and the credit card will be charged $22. This hybrid payment model is not merely a DoorDash policy but a practical necessity stemming directly from federal SNAP regulations, which strictly limit the use of benefits to eligible food items. While this model enables the convenience of online EBT grocery delivery, it is important to acknowledge that the requirement for a secondary payment method for delivery fees can still pose a financial hurdle for some users, even with discounted membership options.
By providing clear guidelines on processes like refunds, allowing the use of promotion codes, and repeatedly emphasizing the need for a backup payment method, DoorDash is committed to creating a transparent and user-friendly experience for its EBT customers. These features help to reduce potential points of confusion and provide users with a greater sense of control over their benefits and spending. The encouragement to track EBT balances further supports responsible financial planning. This focus on a smooth user experience is vital for encouraging widespread adoption and continued use of online grocery delivery, ultimately making it a reliable and accessible option for essential food purchases.
Which Stores Accept EBT on DoorDash?
DoorDash has established partnerships with numerous popular grocery and convenience stores across the country to facilitate EBT payments. This means that users are likely to find several options available in their vicinity.
A wide array of stores accept EBT through DoorDash, including many major national and regional chains. Some of the prominent partners include:
- ALDI
- Albertsons
- Acme
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- DashMart
- Duane Reade
- Food City
- Food Lion
- Giant Food
- Hannaford
- Hy-Vee
- Jewel-Osco
- Kings Food Markets
- Meijer
- Pavilions
- Price Rite Marketplace
- Safeway
- Shaw’s
- Sprouts Farmers Market
- Star Markets
- Stop & Shop
- Target
- Walgreens
- Wegmans
- Winn-Dixie
- Select 7-Eleven and Speedway locations
The extensive and diverse list of partnering retailers demonstrates a deliberate and successful strategy by DoorDash to integrate with a wide array of grocery and convenience store chains. By leveraging existing retail infrastructure and brand recognition, DoorDash can rapidly expand its EBT service footprint without needing to build its own grocery inventory or distribution centers. This approach is mutually beneficial: DoorDash gains a larger customer base of SNAP recipients, and retailers gain access to a new segment of online shoppers. This broad network of partnerships significantly enhances food access for SNAP recipients, as users are likely to find familiar stores and a wide variety of products, comparable to their in-person shopping experience. This increased choice and convenience contribute directly to improving food security and empowering individuals to manage their household’s nutritional needs more effectively.
To find out which specific stores in a user’s area accept EBT, the easiest method is to use the DoorDash app or website. Simply navigate to the “grocery” or “convenience” section and apply the “SNAP filter”. Users can also visit DoorDash’s dedicated SNAP-EBT page at
doordash.com/p/snap-ebt to identify eligible stores near their address.
Here is a table of common stores that accept EBT on DoorDash:
| Common Stores Accepting EBT on DoorDash |
| ALDI |
| Albertsons |
| Food Lion |
| Giant Food |
| Meijer |
| Safeway |
| Stop & Shop |
| Target |
| Walgreens |
| 7-Eleven (select locations) |
| Acme |
| BJ’s Wholesale Club |
| DashMart |
| Duane Reade |
| Food City |
| Hannaford |
| Hy-Vee |
| Jewel-Osco |
| Kings Food Markets |
| Pavilions |
| Price Rite Marketplace |
| Shaw’s |
| Sprouts Farmers Market |
| Star Markets |
| Wegmans |
| Winn-Dixie |
Save More with DashPass for EBT Users
DoorDash is committed to making grocery delivery even more affordable for EBT users by offering a special discounted membership called DashPass.
Discounted Price and Benefits
Individuals with a SNAP/EBT card can sign up for DashPass at a reduced rate of $4.99 per month for one year, a significant saving compared to the regular price of $9.99 per month. The primary benefit of DashPass membership is $0 delivery fees on eligible orders. Since delivery fees are one of the costs that EBT does not cover , this discount can lead to substantial savings, particularly for those who frequently order groceries online.
Eligibility and Enrollment
This special DashPass plan is available to U.S. customers who have placed an order using a SNAP/EBT card on DoorDash within the last six months. New DashPass users who upload a verified SNAP/EBT card may even be eligible for an offer of two free months of DashPass.
For existing DashPass members, switching to the discounted EBT plan is possible. This typically involves canceling the current subscription, ideally before the next payment cycle, and then enrolling in the SNAP/EBT DashPass plan. Enrollment can be completed through the DoorDash app by tapping “Me,” then “Get $0 delivery fees with DashPass,” and finally selecting “SNAP / EBT monthly plan.” On the website, users can log in, select “Account,” then “Get $0 delivery fees,” and choose “SNAP / EBT monthly plan”.
Offering a discounted DashPass is a strategic move by DoorDash that extends beyond simply facilitating EBT payments. It directly addresses a significant financial barrier for SNAP recipients: the delivery fees not covered by EBT. By reducing or eliminating these fees, DoorDash enhances the overall appeal of its service for this demographic, transforming online grocery delivery into a more economically viable and attractive option. This proactive approach underscores a commitment to serving the SNAP community as a valuable customer segment. This initiative, which is also seen with similar offers from competitors like Uber Eats and Instacart , indicates a growing trend among online delivery platforms to actively compete for and cater to SNAP recipients. It helps to democratize the convenience of online shopping, potentially leading to greater food security and improved access to healthier food options by reducing the incidental costs of delivery.
Important Tips for Using EBT on DoorDash
To ensure a smooth experience when using EBT on DoorDash, here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind:
How Refunds Work
If an item purchased with an EBT card is missing or incorrect and a refund is necessary, the funds will be returned directly to the EBT card. For items paid for with a different method (such as delivery fees or non-EBT eligible items), the refund will be issued back to the original payment method or as DoorDash credits. If an item in an order is out of stock, the refund will also be issued to the original payment method used for that item.
Using Promotion Codes
Users can apply promotion codes or discounts to their DoorDash orders even when paying with an EBT card. The promo code should be entered at checkout as usual.
Always Have a Backup Payment Method
This point cannot be overstressed. Because an EBT card exclusively covers eligible food items, it is mandatory to have another payment method, such as a debit or credit card, linked to the DoorDash account. This is absolutely necessary to cover delivery fees, service charges, and any non-SNAP eligible items in the cart. Without a backup payment method, the order will not be processed.
Track Your EBT Balance
It is advisable for users to regularly monitor their monthly EBT balance. This practice assists in budgeting and effectively planning grocery purchases. By providing clear guidelines on refund processes, allowing the use of promotion codes, and repeatedly emphasizing the need for a backup payment method, DoorDash is committed to creating a transparent and user-friendly experience for EBT customers. These features reduce potential points of friction and provide users with a sense of control over their benefits and spending. The encouragement to track EBT balances further supports responsible financial planning, which is crucial for fostering trust and confidence among SNAP recipients.
Beyond DoorDash: Other Online EBT Options
While DoorDash is a prominent option for EBT grocery delivery, it is part of a broader movement among online services to make food access easier. Many other popular online grocery services also accept EBT, reflecting a growing trend in digital inclusion for food assistance.
DoorDash is a leader in this area, but it operates within a larger landscape where online grocery shopping is increasingly accessible with EBT. Other major platforms that accept EBT for SNAP-eligible grocery items include:
- Instacart: This widely used grocery delivery service also accepts EBT at many of its partner retailers, such as ALDI, Safeway, and Stop & Shop. Similar to DoorDash, Instacart offers a discounted membership (Instacart+) for EBT cardholders.
- Uber Eats: Recently, Uber Eats joined DoorDash in allowing SNAP recipients to use their EBT cards for grocery delivery and pickup nationwide. They even provide a free 3-month Uber One trial for new EBT users who add their card as a payment method.
- Major Retailers: Many large grocery chains and retailers have developed their own online EBT options. This includes Amazon (through Amazon Fresh and Groceries on Amazon), Walmart, and Target (through their delivery service, Shipt).
The widespread adoption of EBT by multiple major online grocery platforms signifies a fundamental shift in how food assistance is delivered and accessed. This is not merely an isolated company initiative but a systemic change reflecting both consumer demand for convenience and a policy push for digital inclusion. This broad network of acceptance democratizes the convenience of online shopping, potentially reducing transportation barriers and increasing access to fresh, healthy foods for SNAP recipients. It also highlights a competitive market where platforms are vying to offer the best services and discounts to this growing user base, ultimately benefiting the consumer. This movement toward digital solutions for essential services is a key aspect of modern social welfare.
Important Distinction About Restaurant Apps
It is crucial to reiterate the distinction regarding hot, prepared food. While some sources might mention Grubhub accepting EBT , it is important to understand that most food delivery apps like Grubhub and PostMates generally do not accept EBT for typical restaurant orders. This is because SNAP benefits do not cover hot, prepared meals. Any limited acceptance would be for very specific circumstances under a special “Restaurant Meals Program,” which is not widely available or applicable to the majority of users. The consistent distinction between grocery delivery (eligible) and prepared meal delivery (generally ineligible) across these platforms underscores the regulatory boundaries that shape this evolving landscape.
Conclusion
DoorDash has successfully integrated EBT payments for SNAP-eligible grocery and convenience store items, making online food access available across all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. This widespread acceptance signifies a major step in bridging the digital divide for food access, offering a convenient solution for individuals who may face mobility or transportation challenges.
Users can purchase a wide range of staple food items, including fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, and breads, but it is critical to remember that EBT funds cannot be used for hot, prepared meals from restaurants or for non-food items like household supplies. Additionally, delivery fees, service charges, and tips are not covered by EBT and require a separate payment method.
DoorDash further enhances affordability for EBT users through a discounted DashPass membership, which eliminates delivery fees on eligible orders. This initiative, alongside similar offerings from other major online grocery platforms like Instacart and Uber Eats, demonstrates a growing commitment within the digital commerce sector to serve SNAP recipients. This expanding ecosystem of online EBT options represents a significant advancement in improving food security and empowering individuals to manage their nutritional needs more effectively by making convenient, digital grocery shopping a more accessible reality.