Does the Amish Market Take SNAP, EBT, or Food Stamps?
This information is current as of July 27, 2022.
Are you curious about Amish culture or their delicious foods at the local market? Are you asking yourself, Does the Amish market take EBT or food stamps?
You can use your EBT card at local Amish Markets, but not all of them. Since the Amish reject most modern technology, they don’t offer readily available information online about their payment options. Instead, you can find the Amish market closest to you and see if it participates in SNAP through this link.
Now let’s dive into all things Amish market and EBT!
What Are SNAP, EBT, and Food Stamps?
EBT and food stamps are two unofficial names for the SNAP program. This federally funded government assistance program helps low-income Americans pay for groceries for their family every month. EBT is the name of the card given to families to purchase food through this program.
EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer. It is a card preloaded with money monthly and can be swiped like a debit card at check out. Participating food retail stores include grocery stores, farmer’s markets, convenience stores, and Amish markets.
To get an EBT card, you must first qualify and then apply. Once approved, you’ll receive the EBT card in the mail and can begin using it to purchase SNAP-approved food items.
Amish Markets That Take EBT
The Amish are notorious for using limited electricity. This means they don’t use the internet, so having their markets accept EBT is relatively new. There isn’t much information online to steer you in the right direction because of this; however, this extensive list displays up-to-date information on Amish markets and retailers per state.
Once you find an Amish market near you, you can look it up on the SNAP Retailer Locator to see if they accept EBT payments. You can also try searching online or calling to ask if they accept EBT cards. Better yet, if the market is nearby, why not make a day of it and go see what the Amish are all about by visiting in person.
If you live in Ohio, a few vendors at the Amish Market accept EBT. They are Yoder’s Fruit and Produce, Yoder’s Country Deli, Harley’s Smokehouse Barbeque for meat only, and Killcreek Meats.
The Amish Country Market in Junction City, Kentucky, also accepts EBT.
You can use your EBT card in Pennsylvania at the Easton Farmer’s Market.
Where Are Amish Markets Located?
The Amish live in about 30 states in the U.S. and sell their products in many more. Suppose there isn’t an Amish market in your state.
In that case, there may be an Amish vendor at:
- A regular farmer’s market
- An Amish-run store
- Another store that sells Amish-made goods or Amish-grown produce near you
For a complete list of Amish markets listed by state, click here.
Who Are the Amish?
The Amish are a Christian subculture that can trace their roots back to the 16th-century Protestant Reformation. They are unique in that they live without many modern amenities.
For example, the Amish use a horse-and-buggy for transportation instead of modern vehicles and they use a specific Pennsylvania German dialect in daily conversation and church services.
The Amish prefer a simpler life outside of modern society and choose to reject technology, electricity, online access, and television.
They are also known for wearing simple and plain clothes, polite manners, and discipleship.
The Amish are also known for their craftsmanship, making, and selling fine wooden furniture, fresh produce, hand-made butter, and delicious homemade food.
Things to Buy at Amish Markets With EBT
The Amish are famous for their freshly grown produce, hand-churned butter, and homemade jams. If you have a chance to visit a market, consider buying their:
- fresh fruits
- vegetables
- meat
- eggs
- cheese
- milk
- yogurt, bread
- baked goods
- flour
- granola
- coffee beans
- honey
- maple syrup
- jams and jellies
- soups
- salsas
You can even buy vegetable plants from them to start a garden.
You cannot buy foods and beverages intended to be enjoyed on site, like a cup of coffee or an ice cream cone. You also can’t buy wine, beer, liquor, flowers, or any non-food-producing plants.
The Benefits of Shopping at Amish Markets
There are many benefits to shopping at Amish markets. For one, it’s hard to find fresher, better-tasting produce. Many grocery stores pick fruits and vegetables too early and then let them ripen on the journey to the store.
At the Amish market, on the other hand, produce is picked the day or morning before the Farmer brings it to the market, meaning it’s perfectly ripe. This is how fruits and vegetables are supposed to taste. They’re healthier for you since they haven’t lost all their nutrients on the journey to the grocery store.
Shopping Amish may also introduce new foods to your diet, as it’s always seasonal and not what you find at the local grocery store. You could even ask for a recipe and broaden your chef’s horizons while learning about the Amish culture.
Shopping locally supports farmers so they can keep producing the best quality food and keeps money local. Shopping at the market gives the Amish farmers 100% of the profit versus losing money by selling through another vendor.
Local shopping is also great for the environment. Usually, food travels over 1,000 miles before making it to the shop. Buying local cuts pollution caused by shipping and keeping the farmland in use can help preserve a natural ecosystem, support biodiversity, and maintain open spaces.
Farmers are taking care of the land and your ecosystem, directly affecting the air you breathe and the food you eat. Help them help you and, in turn, help preserve the landscape for the next generation. Plus, Amish food tastes fantastic!
In Summary
More farmer’s and Amish markets are now accepting EBT cards. So, take advantage and buy your fruits, vegetables, bread, honey, granolas, jams, eggs, meat, and more from local markets.
These farmers care about the land and focus on growing and creating fresh and delicious food. This will benefit you, the farmers, the ecosystem, and the world for the next generation. Plus, it’s a fun day immersed in a new culture with your family and full of EBT savings!
Save Money on Your Wireless Phone Service
If you qualify for programs like SNAP, you may also be eligible for Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Lifeline and ACP are government-run programs that help low-income consumers receive free or heavily 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? You may want to check out our Recommended Resources page. For example, you can learn how to save 50% on Amazon Prime membership and use your EBT card.
