SNAP benefits cover food basics, but recipients’ EBT cards can also unlock perks and extra savings beyond the grocery store.
You can stretch your budget further by taking advantage of discounts at major retailers, online shopping companies and local organizations. Here are some SNAP shopping perks worth knowing about and how they can actually save you money.
Kroger’s Verified Savings Program
This program from Kroger’s allows verified SNAP recipients to receive discounts of up to 20% off qualifying produce items, like fresh fruit and vegetables. Considering these prices remain high, it could lower your weekly grocery bill.
SNAP users may also get up to 50% off Kroger Boost memberships, which unlock access to exclusive pricing and fuel discounts. You’ll pay $4.50 or $6.50 per month depending on the membership tier you choose, and you can get free streaming on ESPN+, Disney+ and Hulu, as well as free unlimited delivery on orders of at least $35.
To enroll in the program, you will need to create an online account and verify your SNAP eligibility. Afterwards you should be able to automatically see discounts you qualify for once you log into your account.
Explore More: The Hidden SNAP Benefits Most Low-Income Families Don’t Know They Qualify For
Check Out: 6 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000
Amazon Prime
SNAP recipients can qualify for a discounted Amazon Prime membership, about half the regular monthly rate. Yes, you’ll be able to get free shipping, discounts on household essentials, groceries and streaming.
If you don’t want to join, you can still take advantage of Prime Access, where you can shop SNAP and EBT eligible items, sometimes at a discount.
Instacart
Instacart partners with dozens of major grocery retailers nationwide to accept SNAP or eligible food purchases. SNAP users can shop from these participating stores, choose items that are SNAP eligible and apply their benefits at checkout.
Sometimes, Instacart will offer some grocery discounts on eligible items. Currently, your first three delivery offers don’t cost you anything, as long as the order is at least $10.
Farmers Market Programs
Many cities and states run incentive programs that match your EBT spending at farmers markets. These programs help to increase your buying power for produce.
For example, New York City offers the Health Bucks program, which gives SNAP recipients $2 in bonus credit for every $2 they spend, up to a certain limit. Your state may also offer something similar.
Free and Discounted Museum Admission
Through the Museums for All program, SNAP recipients can receive free or deeply discounted admission at more than 1,500 museums nationwide. In many cases, you pay $3 or less. To qualify, you will need to show your EBT card and a photo ID at participating museums.
Restaurant Meals Programs
Some states operate a Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) that allows eligible SNAP recipients to purchase prepared meals using their EBT card. For example, the state of California has a CalFresh program across 58 counties that allow those eligible to purchase food at approved restaurants.
In New York, approved SNAP participants can buy meals at qualifying restaurants and usually receive a 10% discount.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 SNAP Shopping Perks and Discounts You Didn’t Know About
