Amazon Enhances Grocery and Pantry Essentials Availability for New York Residents
Using SNAP and Cash EBT Benefits on Amazon: A Guide for New Yorkers
In an effort to make grocery shopping more accessible and affordable, Amazon has introduced a new initiative called Amazon Access. This online hub is designed to help residents in New York City, particularly those who rely on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, to easily purchase a wide range of quality grocery items and everyday essentials at low, competitive prices.
Shopping with SNAP EBT Benefits
If you're a SNAP recipient, you can use your benefits on Amazon to buy eligible food items from Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods Market. To get started, visit the Amazon SNAP EBT page (amazon.com/ebt) and log in or create a new Amazon account. Then, add your SNAP EBT card information under "Payment Methods" or during checkout.
When shopping, look for items labeled with the "SNAP EBT eligible" badge. These items are approved for purchase with your SNAP benefits. At checkout, choose your EBT card to pay for eligible food items.
SNAP benefits cover foods such as fruits and vegetables, meats, poultry, dairy products, breads, cereals, baby food, formula, and nonalcoholic beverages. However, non-food items like cleaning supplies or household products are not eligible for SNAP purchase.
Important Details
- SNAP funds cannot be used for shipping or service fees. You need a different payment method if shipping charges apply.
- Amazon Prime membership for SNAP recipients is offered at a discounted rate of $6.99/month, providing benefits like free two-hour delivery, which can be helpful for online grocery shopping.
- You can use your SNAP EBT card during special events on Amazon (e.g., Prime Day) to buy eligible groceries.
Using Cash EBT Benefits
If you also have Cash EBT benefits, those can be used to buy non-food items allowed by your state with a separate payment method on Amazon. However, SNAP funds strictly apply to approved food products.
Amazon Access: A Helping Hand
Amazon Access is particularly helpful for elderly residents or those with disabilities. It offers a Discounted Grocery Delivery Subscription program for $4.99/month. Amazon Access accepts SNAP EBT and Cash EBT payments.
Amazon Access can deliver fresh groceries to residents in areas with low access to healthy food, such as parts of the South Bronx, East New York, and Southeast Queens. Getting started with Amazon Access for NYC residents is straightforward by visiting Amazon.com/Access to explore all available options and determine eligibility.
Nancy Dalton, the Director of Amazon Access, has a personal connection to the program as she grew up with a mother who relied on SNAP benefits. Under her leadership, Amazon is working to ensure all New Yorkers, regardless of their circumstances, have access to a wide range of quality grocery items and everyday essentials at low, competitive prices.
In summary, to use SNAP benefits, you must shop for foods marked “SNAP EBT eligible” on Amazon platforms and pay with your EBT card, while other purchases require different payment methods. You cannot use SNAP to pay for shipping or non-food items.
[1] Source: Amazon SNAP EBT Guide [2] Source: Amazon Prime for SNAP Recipients [3] Source: Amazon Access Program [4] Source: SNAP Eligible Foods
- The Amazon Access program caters to various lifestyle needs, offering not only food-and-drink items but also home-and-garden products, along with personal-finance benefits such as a discounted Amazon Prime membership for SNAP recipients.
- For those who may struggle with grocery shopping due to mobility issues or disabilities, Amazon Access provides a Discounted Grocery Delivery Subscription program, which can be paid for using both SNAP and Cash EBT benefits, thereby improving their home-and-garden environment and personal-finance situation.
