You may have heard of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) but did you know that recipients are eligible for more than just free food?
SNAP – sometimes referred to as “food stamps” – is available across the United States to people who make under a certain amount of income (less than 200% of the federal poverty level). How much assistance each household receives depends on income and family size. Qualifying households receive an EBT card (Electronic Balance Transfer) to use at participating retailers for select food items. Some states use different names for the program – for example, California calls it CalFresh and Wisconsin calls it FoodShare; but the benefits are the same – including those beyond groceries.
Read on for all the discounts and freebies available to SNAP EBT cardholders! Please note that EBT cards themselves cannot be used to purchase some of the discounted items and memberships but will be used in order to quality.
Free and Discounted Museum Admission
For over 10 years, the Museums for All program by the Institute of Museum and Library Services has offered reduced and free admission to over 1,300 museums for anyone receiving SNAP benefits. Museums are located across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Participating locations include everything from zoos to aquariums to botanical gardens.
Depending on the museum, tickets can be reserved or purchased online ahead of time or at the location itself. Entry is granted with your EBT Card and a photo ID. Admission is free to many of the museums and deeply discounted at others (no more than $3 per person). Each EBT Card grants access for up to four people with several locations with limits even higher.
To take advantage of this amazing program, simply visit the Museums for All website to browse the list of participating locations or to search by state. Once you find a spectacular spot, visit their website to see if you need to book your tickets ahead of time. And you can use your privileges in any state, so if you go out of town, be sure to check for participating museums in the area.
Free One-Year Membership to Thrive Market
The Thrive Gives program offers free memberships to SNAP EBT cardholders, students, first responders, and more. Membership will give you access to shop organic and sustainable groceries, and eligible items can also be paid for with your EBT card. Plus, there are exclusive discounts offered to members only.
Discounted Amazon Prime Membership
There are many perks to being an Amazon Prime membership including free fast delivery on your orders, access to Amazon Prime Video and Music, RxPass for discounted prescriptions, and much more. SNAP EBT cardholders can sign up here and receive their Prime membership for the discounted rate of $3.50 for the first three months followed by a $6.99 rate for subsequent months. This program is also available to families receiving Medicaid and other government assistance. Savings through this program are about half what you would normally pay for Amazon Prime.
Discounted Walmart+ Membership
SNAP members can get about half off of a Walmart+ membership with their EBT card. With the discount, you will pay $6.47 a month or $49 for a whole year. Perks of W+ include free delivery from your local Walmart, free shipping with no minimum purchase, video streaming on Paramount+, and more. One recently added perk is 25% off digital orders from Burger King!🍔
Discounted Shipt Membership
You can save over 50% on a Shipt Membership with EBT. Shipt offers free same-day delivery from retailers like Target and Meijer stores with prices the same as you would pay in store. With the $4.99 a month membership (usually $10.99), you’ll also have access to members-only offers on groceries and more.
Non-Food Items Eligible for Purchase with EBT
If you have extra funds in you SNAP account and your fridge and pantry are full, here are some ways you can use your EBT card to purchase non-food items.
Plant Seeds and Seedlings
Got a green thumb? Any seeds or seedlings that will grow fruit, vegetables, or herbs can be purchased using your SNAP EBT card. This benefit is a great opportunity for parents to spend quality time in the garden teaching their children how to nurture plants and trees. Everything from tomato seed packets to apple trees is included with this benefit. The USDA estimates that gardeners can produce an average of $25 worth of food for every dollar spent on seeds and fertilizer. How’s that for more bites for your buck?
Hunting and Fishing Equipment in Alaska
If you happen to live in remote areas of the state nicknamed The Last Frontier, hunting and fishing supplies can be purchased with your EBT card. Eligible equipment includes items like nets, hooks, fishing rods, and knives.
Individual states may offer additional discounts and freebies for EBT cardholders so it’s worth searching your state’s name with EBT and/or SNAP to see what you can find. Happy discount digging!
Related: How to Eat Out Every Day of the Week Without Spending a Dime