Bakeries That Accept EBT or SNAP: What You Need to Know

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This information is current as of April 22, 2022.

Bread, cookies, cakes, and donuts – these sweet baked goods may not be on our diets but make most of our mouths water. If you’re receiving SNAP benefits, there’s a good chance you’re using them for healthy foods at your local grocery store. However, did you know plenty of bakeries also accept EBT?

You can purchase bakery items with your EBT card at big-name retailers like Whole Foods, WinCo, Walmart, Kroger, Aldi, and Food Lion, to name a few. Please keep reading our list of bakeries that accept EBT or SNAP below.

This article also includes:

A list of bakery items you can and cannot buy with food stamps
How to order bakery items online and pay for them with EBT
Tips for saving money while grocery shopping, and more

Which Bakeries Accept EBT or SNAP?

SNAP is the federal program that gives money to each state for food assistance. States then hand out this money on EBT cards to participants. We discuss the same payment form when we pay with SNAP, EBT, or food stamps. More than 248,000 vendors accept EBT/SNAP across the country.

Think might qualify for SNAP but haven’t applied yet? Skip ahead to the end of the article for some instructions on how to do so. Then, be sure you’re receiving the assistance you need today!

For those who already have SNAP benefits, we want you to use them in the most effective way possible. For example, you may already be shopping at your local grocery store using EBT but may not know of all the additional stores you can shop at.

You can use the SNAP retailer locater created by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to find all places that accept EBT in your area. Click on the link, select your city and zip code, and check out a list of all SNAP-accepting grocery stores and bakeries in your area.

Below is a list of 35 of the most common bakeries, outlets, and grocery stores with bakeries across the U.S. that accept food stamp payments.

Meijer: Meijer is a family-owned brand of supercenters originating in Michigan and found in IN, KY, WI, IL, and OH.
Great Harvest Bread Company: This bakery-only retailer has over 200 locations across the U.S.
Walmart: Walmart is known for its competitive prices and has locations in all 50 states worldwide.
Kroger: You can enjoy brands like Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Baker’s, and more at the Kroger bakeries nationwide.
Aunt Millie’s Bakery Outlet: Another bakery favorite, Aunt Millie’s outlets can be found in IN, MI, and OH.
Whole Foods: Whole Foods is found in 40 states and counting. You can also use Amazon’s grocery delivery service to order EBT-accepted products straight to your home!
WinCo Foods: WinCo accepts EBT and has special offers to help you cut costs. Check out this article with helpful tips for shopping with SNAP at WinCo.
Food Giant: This chain has over 100 locations in AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, MO, MS, and TN.
Vons: Vons was initially a neighborhood store that helped local families meet their needs. Now you can find them in both California and Nevada.
ShopRite: With over 500 stores worldwide and millions of loyal customers, you may want to browse the ShopRite bakery in CT, DE, MD, NJ, NY, or PA.
Piggly Wiggly: Piggly Wiggly was the first self-service grocery store! They now have locations in over 15 states and even have special discount days – such as 5% off for senior citizens on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
Winn-Dixie: This southern chain operates in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, and Mississippi.
Food Lion: This chain is widespread in southern states, primarily used in DE, GA, KY, MD, NC, PA, SC, TN, VA, and WV.
Fred Myer: Fred Meyer stores have merged with Kroger. However, some Fred Meyers stores still have their original name in the Pacific Northwest.
Wegmans: Famous for its large selection of healthy and organic products. Primarily found in the northeast, you can shop at Wegmans in MA, MD, NJ, NY, NC, PA, and VA.
Franz Bakery Outlets: Franz Bakery holds the Guinness World Record for the longest hot dog bun. So, you’ll want to check out their other excellent bakery items. Find these outlets in AK, CA, ID, MT, OR, UT, and WA.
Hy-Vee: You may have heard of Hy-Vee’s catchy slogan, “Where’s there’s a helpful smile in every aisle.” Check them out in IL, IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, SD, and WI.
Publix: Publix is known for its subs on fresh bread and bakery cookies. Give them a try in AL, FL, GA, NC, SC, TN, and VA.
Aldi: As the first discount store globally, Aldi has since spread across the world and 36 states.
Bimbo Bakery Outlets: You’ve probably eaten Bimbo bread at least once in your life, but did you know they have outlets in over 20 states?
Tops Friendly Markets: Find Tops Markets in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.
Albertsons: Albertsons has been around for almost 100 years and now spans AZ, AR, CA, CO, ID, LA, MT, NV, NM, ND, OR, TX, UT, WA, and WY.
Pepperidge Farm Outlet Stores: While Pepperidge Farm is a real farm, the outlet stores offer fresh and natural flavors at your convenience.
Safeway: Safeway is the third-largest supermarket chain in the U.S. and North America. Find a Safeway in AK, AZ, CA, CO, DE, HI, ID, MD, MT, NE, NV, NM, OR, SD, VA, WA, and WY.
Fred Myer: Fred Meyer stores have merged with Kroger, although some Fred Meyers stores still have their original name in the Pacific Northwest.
Wegmans: Famous for its large selection of healthy and organic products. Primarily found in the northeast, you can shop at Wegmans in MA, MD, NJ, NY, NC, PA, and VA.
Franz Bakery Outlets: Franz Bakery holds the Guinness World Record for the longest hot dog bun, so you’ll want to check out their other excellent bakery items. Find these outlets in AK, CA, ID, MT, OR, UT, and WA.
Hy-Vee: You may have heard of Hy-Vee’s catchy slogan, “Where’s there’s a helpful smile in every aisle.” Check them out in IL, IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, SD, and WI.
Publix: Publix is known for its subs on fresh bread and bakery cookies. Give them a try in AL, FL, GA, NC, SC, TN, and VA.
Aldi: As the first discount store globally, Aldi has since spread across the world and 36 states.
Bimbo Bakery Outlets: You’ve probably eaten Bimbo bread at least once in your life, but did you know they have outlets in over 20 states?
Tops Friendly Markets: Find Tops Markets in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.
Albertsons: Albertsons was founded almost 100 years ago, now spanning AZ, AR, CA, CO, ID, LA, MT, NV, NM, ND, OR, TX, UT, WA, and WY.
Pepperidge Farm Outlet Stores: While Pepperidge Farm is a real farm, the outlet stores offer fresh and natural flavors at your convenience.
Safeway: Safeway is the third-largest supermarket chain in the U.S. and North America. Find a Safeway in AK, AZ, CA, CO, DE, HI, ID, MD, MT, NE, NV, NM, OR, SD, VA, WA, and WY.

SNAP-Approved Bakery Items

Your EBT card will only pay for SNAP-approved items, so you need to be careful about which foods you put in your cart. By using your EBT card at a SNAP-accepting location, you can enjoy bakery items such as:

Cookies
Cakes
Pies
Donuts
Bread (buns, rolls, biscuits, loaves, bagels)
Danishes
Cinnamon rolls
Tortillas
Muffins and cupcakes
Snack cakes

Non-Approved Bakery Items

Most bakeries will only sell non-personalized items as SNAP-approved foods. This means you will be able to buy a general cake for a special event. Still, you may not be able to personalize a message on it or choose unique flavors.

Bakeries that sell any items created for pastry decorating are considered non-food items and will not be covered by EBT. However, you can always get creative and make your frosting at home with generic ingredients, an easy workaround for this SNAP rule.

Another good rule to follow is that it is likely considered a food item and can be purchased with an EBT card if it has a nutritional label.

How to Pay with EBT at a Bakery

Once you’ve picked out your bakery items, it’s time to pay with EBT. Every month, your EBT card is reloaded with your SNAP benefits. Any benefits you did not use that month will roll over to the next month.

Your bakery may be able to add on decorations or a message for an additional cost. However, this cost is usually paid out of pocket and won’t be covered by your EBT card.

1. Know Your Balance

It’s essential to keep track of your SNAP balance. Most EBT card balances can be checked online through your state’s SNAP portal. However, many require you to make an account when you first receive your EBT card. If you don’t have an online account, you should be able to call a number listed on your EBT card or online to check the balance.

2. Notify the Cashier

You’ll have to tell the cashier you’re paying by (EBT) card. Letting them know beforehand could help you identify items that don’t meet SNAP policy. Sometimes a non-SNAP item could sneak into our shopping carts without noticing, and if you don’t come with cash or another card, you’ll be stuck.

If you plan to buy both SNAP-approved and non-approved items, you’ll have to pay twice. The cashier should automatically tally your SNAP items so you can first pay with EBT. Then, you’ll be asked to pay the remaining balance with another payment source.

3. Ask About the Return Policy

Bakery items may have a different return policy than standard supermarket items. Ask the cashier about the return policy if you think there’s a chance you will need to return the item for one reason or another.

The return policy for EBT items is the same as for non-EBT items, but bakery items may have different protocols.

4. Use Your EBT Card

When the cashier tells you to pay, you’ll need to insert, tap, or swipe your EBT card into the card machine. You’ll then be asked for your PIN.

You should have created a 4-digit PIN when you first receive your EBT card. Some PINs can be made online through the state’s SNAP portal or via phone call when activating your card.

To remember your PIN, choose a series of memorable numbers for you but not easy for others to guess. For example, using your birthday is usually too easy to guess, but other special dates may be better options. Be sure not to enter an incorrect PIN too many times, or you may get locked out of your account.

After entering your PIN, your transaction will be complete.

5. Pay for Any Remaining Items

If you’ve decided to buy some non-SNAP items, you will be prompted to pay for them with another payment source. Most grocery stores will accept cash, debit card, credit card, or even checks.

Ordering Bakery Items Online with EBT

Over the last couple of years, many families have saved time and energy by grocery shopping online. It may seem impossible for families on a budget, but you can buy SNAP items online through certain retailers.

For example, Amazon groceries accepts EBT payments on certain products, such as foods from the 365 – Whole Foods exclusive brand. You may still have to pay for the delivery out of pocket, but making a large food order online could save you a long and stressful trip to the grocery store.

How to Save More Money While Grocery Shopping

There are some other money-saving strategies you can implement when grocery shopping. Discounts, sales, and coupons are at the forefront. Check your local complimentary newspapers for weekly specials at the large grocery stores. You might also be able to get these flyers at the stores’ entrances.

Be careful of marketing strategies that make you spend more. For example, just because an item has a red or yellow price tag doesn’t always mean it’s on sale – some stores use these to showcase their “everyday low prices” that aren’t on sale.

When shopping, look for generic brands that are sometimes hidden on the top or bottom shelves. You’d be surprised how similar generic brands can be too famous brands that cost almost twice as much.

Finally, ask your favorite supermarkets about any rewards programs or free subscriptions you can join to gain points, cashback, or special deals for loyal customers.

Applying for SNAP

Think you may be eligible and haven’t applied for SNAP yet? Then, check out the federal guidelines to ensure your income is under the set limit.

If so, find your SNAP program through the USDA Locator and begin the application form either online or in a local SNAP office.

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of bakeries that accept EBT payments, from Whole Foods to WinCo. So you can enjoy plenty of bread, cakes, cookies, and more through your SNAP benefits, pairing them with healthy foods from thousands of retailers in the U.S.

Make sure the items you buy are generic, as personalized cakes and pastries may cost extra. Learn more about buying a cake with SNAP here.

Finally, combine your SNAP benefits with coupons, sales, and free grocery store memberships for extra savings, and check out our other blog articles for great ways to save.

Save Money on Your Wireless Phone Service

If you qualify for SNAP benefits, there’s a good chance you’re eligible for Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Both Lifeline and ACP are government programs that help low-income consumers receive free or deeply discounted communication services.

Click here to find out more and apply for this valuable benefit.

Get a Tablet for $10.01

If you qualify, you can get an 8″ tablet for just $10.01. Apply here to get started!

Save Even More With Recommended Resources and Amazon Deals

Looking to save on additional items for you and your family? Check out our Recommended Resources page. For example, you can learn how to save 50% on Amazon Prime membership and use your EBT card.