Does Publix Take EBT?

Yes, Publix accepts EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly known as food stamps. 

Publix appears on the SNAP Retail Locator, which finds locations near you that accept EBT. Locations can be found by city and state or zip code. 

For those who qualify, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) deposits funds onto the same EBT card as SNAP benefits, and TANF funds can be used like cash, to be spent on necessities such as food, rent, medical bills, transportation, or child care.

Publix is a grocery store that sells groceries, alcoholic drinks, pet supplies, baby items, household items, flowers, and personal care items. Products may be purchased in-store or online. Please proceed to read the rest of this article to fully understand the details of shopping at Publix with EBT.

What Can You Buy With EBT at Publix?

The Publix items that may be purchased with EBT include any grocery items such as dairy, produce, meat, deli items, frozen food, bakery items, snacks, cereal, and non-alcoholic beverages.

What Can You NOT Buy With EBT at Publix?

According to this government website, products such as hot foods, alcohol, tobacco products, non-food items, vitamins, medicines, and supplements may not be purchased on EBT. For example, Publix items that may not be purchased with EBT include alcoholic beverages, hot cafe beverages, hot chicken wings, home goods, vitamins, supplements, pet supplies, personal care items, flowers, and baby items. These items can be purchased with TANF funds, however.

How to Use an EBT Card at Publix

1. Check Your Balance:  Before going to Publix, check your balance on your EBT account to make sure you know your spending limit. You can check your balance by calling the number on the back of your card and following the prompts on the call.
2. Separate Items:  In order to avoid charging items that are not eligible on your EBT card on accident, it’s best to separate EBT eligible items and regular items before checkout. It is a good idea to present the EBT eligible items to the cashier first and pay first using your EBT card. The cashier will then tell you your total for the non-EBT items, and you would pay for them another way. You may use cash or a debit card for non-EBT items. Aldi does not accept credit cards.
3. Swipe your EBT card and enter your PIN. Alternatively, you may need to hand the card to the cashier.
4. Take your receipt. Your current EBT balance is on the receipt. 

What is the Publix Return Policy for Items Purchased With EBT?

According to this federal law, all SNAP recipients must be treated like any other customer. It says that “you may return or refund an item bought with a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, so long as store policy allows it. 

All refunds for food items that you purchased with SNAP benefits go directly onto your EBT card. Cash refunds are not allowed for food items purchased with SNAP benefits under any circumstances.”

The Publix refund policy states: “To return or exchange an item, simply bring it to the store with a receipt and we will replace it or give you a full refund in the form of your original payment.”

What Publix Locations Accept EBT?

All Publix locations accept EBT. You may find a Publix location here. There are Publix stores in the following states:

• Alabama
• Florida
• Georgia
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Virginia 

EBT Card FAQ at Publix