Does Whole Foods Market Take EBT?

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

Whole Foods Market 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. 

Whole Foods Market is a grocery store that sells groceries, prepared foods, alcoholic drinks, personal care items, supplements, and floral 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 Whole Foods with EBT.

What Can You Buy With EBT at Whole Foods Market?

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

What Can You NOT Buy With EBT at Whole Foods Market?

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, Whole Foods items that may not be purchased with EBT include alcoholic beverages, prepared foods, supplements, personal care items, and floral items. 

How to Use an EBT Card at Whole Foods Market 

1. Check Your Balance:  Before going to Whole Foods, 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. 
3. Swipe your EBT card and enter your PIN. Alternatively, you may need to hand the card to the cashier.
4. Take your receipt. Unfortunately the receipt will not reflect your current EBT balance.

What is the Whole Foods Market 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.”

Whole Foods Market accepts returns for products within 90 days of purchase. You must have a receipt to return or exchange items. Items that are damaged may be denied a refund or exchange

For Whole Foods orders placed through Amazon, follow the below steps: 

1. “Start your return at Amazon’s Online Return Center.
2. Select your favorite Whole Foods Market as the drop-off location. If you don’t see your preferred store as an option, your item or delivery ZIP code may not be eligible for return at Whole Foods Market.
3. Check your email — you’ll receive a QR code from Amazon that will be scanned when you drop off your package.
4. Bring your item to the Whole Foods Market you selected — no need to bring the original shipping box — and locate the return drop-off point either at the Customer Service desk or Pickup & Return kiosk.
5. Show your QR code to the Whole Foods Market team member or Amazon associate. They’ll take it from there — from the packing to the labeling to the shipping, all at no cost to you.”

What Whole Foods Market Locations Accept EBT?

All Whole Foods locations accept EBT. You may find a Whole Foods location here. 

EBT Card FAQ at Whole Foods Market