Does ampm Take SNAP, EBT, or Food Stamps?
This information is current as of May 24, 2022.
Ampm is a convenience store chain with about 950 stores in five states, including southern California and northern Oregon. Many ampm convenience stores are attached to bp fuel stations. These stores are usually open 24 hours a day and sell coffee, sodas, bakery items, fresh sandwiches, and hot prepared foods. You can find your nearest ampm store location here.
If you’re an EBT cardholder and have an ampm convenience store near you, you may be asking, “Does ampm take Food Stamps or SNAP benefits?” Like Circle K, Sheetz, and Arco, AMPM accepts SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps) and EBT cards to purchase specific items. This article will focus on what you can and cannot buy at ampm stores using your SNAP EBT card.
What Is SNAP and EBT?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps about 9.5 million low-income Americans purchase groceries for their families. Formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, SNAP benefits are paid to qualified recipients via an Electronic Benefit Trader (EBT) card.
When a SNAP participant shops at a SNAP or EBT authorized retail store, their SNAP EBT account is debited to reimburse the store for purchased food. EBT has been the only method of SNAP issuance in all U.S. states since June of 2004.
SNAP is the most extensive federal nutrition assistance program in the nation. Qualified individuals and families get help purchasing nutritious food using an EBT card. The EBT card is reloaded monthly and ready to buy food and beverage items at authorized SNAP stores every month like a debit card.
To qualify for SNAP benefits, you must reside in the state in which you apply and meet a variety of household bank balance limits according to the size of your family. Find out if you and your family are eligible for SNAP here.
What Can You Buy at ampm With SNAP and EBT?
Your SNAP EBT card can be used to purchase the following items at ampm stores:
- Fruits and veggies
- Juices and non-alcoholic beverages
- Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheeses
- Bread
- Snacks
- Cereals, crackers, and some cookies
- Seeds and plants which produce food
Depending on your location and your eligibility, some stores may participate in the Restaurant Meal Program (RMP). As a result, you may be able to purchase hot prepared foods.
These states take part in the RMP:
- Arizona
- Certain California counties
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
- Illinois counties such as Dewitt, Franklin, and Cook County – zip code areas include 60619, 60620, 60628, and 60617
What Can’t You Buy at ampm With SNAP and EBT?
When using your EBT card, you cannot purchase the following items at ampm or any convenience stores, gas stations, or grocery stores:
- Gas
- Alcohol
- CBD
- Cigarettes
- Lottery Tickets
- Pet Food
- Toiletries
- Vitamins
- Medicine
- Hot Food
Paying With Your EBT Card at ampm Stores
Your Electronic Benefit Card (EBT) card is automatically replenished with your SNAP benefits every month. EBT cards work like debit or bank cards. However, they can only be used to purchase grocery items at specific EBT retailers.
When ready to pay for your EBT-approved items, insert, tap, or swipe your EBT card into the store’s card machine. Next, enter your PIN. Your PIN is a four-digit PIN you should have created when you first received your EBT card. Depending on where you live, some PINs can be made online using the SNAP website or phone when activating your card.
When creating PIN codes, it’s always best to use memorable numbers for you. For example, maybe you can select a particular date that isn’t too obvious. For example, your birthday can be easily guessed, but maybe use a family member or friend’s birthday or anniversary.
Avoid entering an incorrect PIN several times in a row. You don’t want to get locked out of your account. Once you enter your PIN, your transaction will be complete.
Other Forms of Payment Accepted at ampm
You can use major credit cards or cash to pay for gas or other items at ampm convenience stores. It may pay to download the store’s app to get in on any deals, offers, and specials ampm are running. In addition, the retailer has a rewards program app you can download to your cell phone.
Do You Qualify for Free Gas Cards?
Did you know there are a few ways to get free fuel? National nonprofit Free Gas USA, Inc., founded in 2008, offers free gasoline to those who qualify. Free Gas was partners with churches and private, public, and philanthropic organizations to help those in need with free gas.
Gas vouchers and grants from Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, Saint Vincent de Paul, and other nonprofits can help those who can’t afford fuel for their cars. Check out this blog to learn more.
Cash-back apps are another way to free access to additional funds or gas cards. Additionally, most gas stations provide a discount if you can sign up for a gas card. For example, 7-11 offers a savings of up to 7 cents per gallon on gasoline at 7-Eleven, Stripes, and APlus gas stations when using the store card.
In Summary
It’s good to know you can use your EBT card for food and beverage purchases at your local ampm convenience stores. Convenience stores are placed along busy highways and are easy to get to by car, bus, or foot.
Because they’re so “convenient,” it’s essential to consider that the pricing may be slightly higher than your local grocery store. However, life is busy, and we often seek items while on the road or on the go, so stores such as ampm come in handy.
Save Money on Your Wireless Phone Service
Are you looking for help with your wireless phone service? Did you know that if you qualify for programs like SNAP, you may also be eligible for Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)? Both Lifeline and ACP are government 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
Now for a limited time, get an 8″ tablet for just $10.01 when you qualify and sign up for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Once approved for the program, you’ll receive a separate email to unlock your one-time discount on a brand-new tablet.
Click 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.
