Safeway, a popular grocery chain across the United States, recognizes the importance of accessibility for all customers. Safeway accepts EBT and SNAP benefits at all of its physical store locations, allowing SNAP recipients to purchase eligible food items using their EBT cards.
This policy extends beyond in-store shopping. Safeway has expanded its services to accommodate EBT payments for grocery pickup at many locations. The company is also working to broaden its EBT acceptance for online orders and delivery services, though availability may vary by store.
Safeway’s commitment to serving SNAP beneficiaries reflects a growing trend among major retailers to increase food access for low-income households. By accepting EBT and SNAP, Safeway provides essential grocery options to a wider range of customers, helping to ensure that nutritious food is available to all members of the community.
Understanding SNAP and EBT
SNAP and EBT are key programs that provide food assistance to low-income individuals and families. These systems work together to help millions access nutritious food.
What Is SNAP?
SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It’s a federal program that offers nutrition benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families.
SNAP aims to supplement food budgets and help people afford a basic, healthy diet. Benefits are provided monthly and can be used to purchase groceries at authorized retailers.
Eligibility for SNAP is based on factors like income, expenses, and household size. To receive benefits, individuals must apply through their state SNAP office and meet certain requirements.
How EBT Works
EBT, or Electronic Benefits Transfer, is the system used to distribute SNAP benefits. It works similarly to a debit card.
Recipients receive an EBT card loaded with their monthly benefit amount. They can use this card to purchase eligible food items at participating stores.
When shopping, recipients swipe their EBT card at checkout and enter a PIN. The purchase amount is deducted from their available balance.
EBT cards can typically be used at most major grocery chains, including Safeway. Some locations also allow online EBT purchases for pickup or delivery orders.
Using EBT at Safeway
Safeway accepts EBT payments at all store locations and select online orders. Customers can easily use their SNAP benefits to purchase eligible food items both in-store and through pickup services.
EBT Eligibility at Safeway
Safeway welcomes SNAP recipients to use their EBT cards for purchasing eligible food items. These include fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, bread, and other staple groceries. Non-food items and prepared hot foods are not eligible for EBT payments.
Safeway’s policy aligns with USDA guidelines for SNAP-eligible products. Customers can find a wide variety of EBT-approved items throughout the store, clearly marked on shelves and in product listings.
Finding a Safeway Location
Safeway operates numerous stores across the United States. To find a nearby location that accepts EBT, customers can use the Safeway Store Locator tool on their website or mobile app.
The Store Locator provides essential information such as:
- Store addresses
- Operating hours
- Contact numbers
- Available services (e.g., pharmacy, deli)
Customers can also use the SNAP Retail Locator provided by the USDA to find Safeway stores and other retailers accepting EBT in their area.
EBT Payment Process
Using EBT at Safeway is straightforward. In-store, customers can swipe their EBT card at the checkout like a regular debit card. They’ll need to enter their PIN to complete the transaction.
For online orders:
- Create an account on Safeway.com
- Add eligible items to the cart
- Choose a pickup time
- Select “SNAP EBT” as the payment method
- Present the EBT card upon pickup
Safeway’s system automatically separates EBT-eligible items from non-eligible ones. Customers can use alternative payment methods for non-EBT items in the same transaction.
Online Shopping with SNAP/EBT
Safeway offers SNAP/EBT recipients the ability to use their benefits for online grocery shopping. This includes options for both pickup and delivery services at select locations.
Online Ordering Capabilities
SNAP/EBT cardholders can now shop for groceries on Safeway.com using their benefits. The online platform accepts SNAP EBT as a valid payment method for eligible food items. Customers can easily browse products, add them to their cart, and complete the checkout process using their EBT card information.
Non-eligible items must be paid for separately using an alternative payment method. It’s important to note that not all Safeway locations currently support online EBT payments. Customers should check their local store’s availability through the Safeway website or mobile app.
Grocery Pickup and Delivery Services
Safeway has expanded its SNAP/EBT acceptance to include both pickup and delivery services. EBT cardholders can place orders online for curbside pickup at participating stores. This allows for a convenient, contactless shopping experience.
For home delivery, select Safeway locations now accept SNAP benefits. Customers can have their groceries brought directly to their doorstep. Delivery fees and driver tips cannot be paid with EBT funds and require a separate payment method.
To use these services, shoppers should:
- Select “EBT” as the payment method during checkout
- Choose pickup or delivery (where available)
- Present their physical EBT card at pickup or to the delivery driver
Availability may vary by state and location, so it’s best to verify options with the local Safeway store.
What Can Be Purchased
Safeway allows SNAP/EBT cardholders to purchase a wide variety of food items. The program covers essential groceries while excluding certain non-food products and prepared foods.
Eligible Grocery Items
SNAP benefits at Safeway can be used to buy fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, and snack foods. Dairy items like milk, cheese, and yogurt are covered. Cookies, crackers, and chips qualify as eligible snacks. Customers can also purchase seeds and plants that produce food for household consumption. Soft drinks, energy drinks, and protein shakes with Nutrition Facts labels are allowed. Baby food, formula, and infant cereal are eligible items. Canned goods, dried beans, rice, pasta, and other staple ingredients fall under SNAP-approved categories.
Prohibited Items
SNAP benefits cannot be used for non-food items at Safeway. This includes household supplies, personal care products, pet food, and cleaning supplies. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products are strictly prohibited. Hot prepared foods, such as those from the deli counter or hot food bars, are not eligible for purchase with EBT. Vitamins, medicines, and supplements with Supplement Facts labels cannot be bought with SNAP benefits. Paper products, cosmetics, and hygiene items must be paid for using alternative payment methods. Live animals, except shellfish and fish removed from water, are not covered by SNAP.
Additional Payment Options
Safeway offers various payment methods beyond EBT and SNAP benefits. Customers can use cash, credit cards, and debit cards at checkout.
For those preferring digital options, Safeway accepts mobile wallet payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay. These provide a quick and contactless way to complete transactions.
Personal checks are also accepted at most Safeway locations. Customers should have a valid ID ready when using checks.
Safeway gift cards serve as another convenient payment option. These can be purchased and reloaded in-store or online.
For online orders, Safeway.com allows credit card payments and, in some locations, EBT for pickup and delivery. The availability of EBT for online orders varies by store.
Some Safeway stores participate in loyalty programs, offering discounts or points that can be applied to future purchases. These programs often integrate with payment methods for a seamless checkout experience.