Does The Fresh Market Accept EBT Cards, Snap or Food Stamps 2024 (2024)

Does The Fresh Market Accept EBT Cards, Snap or Food Stamps – With the rising cost of living in the United States of America a lot of individuals and families are looking for ways to stretch their food budget and make the most out of the resources. Fortunately, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Electronic Benefits Transfer initiatives in place that help millions of Americans access nutritious and healthy food for their families.

One frequent question that often comes up among SNAP recipients is whether specialty grocery stores such as Fresh Market take EBT as a viable form of payment. We have covered everything about the Fresh Market in this comprehensive guide.

What is The Fresh Market?

Fresh Market is an American chain of supermarkets that was founded on March 5th, 1982 in Greensboro NC by Ray Barry and his wife Beverly. This European-style food market was introduced to America to provide a personalized and imitated shopping experience.

Fresh Market is known to create an inviting and warm shopping experience that is filled with the freshest produce, fresh-cut flowers, meat hand trimmed by butchers in-store and the finest food and ingredients from across the globe.

Today it is a go-to place for those looking for convenient, restaurant-quality meals, premium baked goods, handpicked produce, custom-cut meats, fresh-cut produce and carefully curated offerings for special occasions and holidays.

Key Takeaways

1. Fresh Market accepts EBT payments in all store locations for eligible food items.
2. EBT benefits cannot be used for online orders, including delivery and curbside pickup.
3. Only USDA-approved food items can be purchased with EBT at Fresh Market.
4. Fresh Market offers a Perks Program for additional discounts and rewards.
5. Several alternative grocery stores also accept EBT payments.

How Many The Fresh Market Store Locations Are Present In The United States Of America?

As of 2nd April 2024, there are 163 Fresh Market store locations throughout the United States of America. Here is a list of the top ten states and territories with the most number of The Fresh Market locations.

• Florida– 48 or 29% of the US The Fresh Market locations
• North Carolina– 22 or 13% of the US The Fresh Market locations
• Virginia– 13 or 8% of the US The Fresh Market locations
• Georgia- 12 or 7% of the US The Fresh Market locations
• South Carolina– 9 or 6% of the US The Fresh Market locations
• Tennessee– 8 or 5% of the US The Fresh Market locations
• Alabama- 7 or 4% of the US The Fresh Market locations
• Indiana- 5 or 3% of the US The Fresh Market locations
• Louisiana- 5 or 3% of the US The Fresh Market locations
• Pennsylvania– 5 or 3% of the US The Fresh Market locations

You can also read about whether the popular grocery chain Vons accepts EBT or not in our next guide.

Does Fresh Market Accept EBT Payments?

Yes, Fresh Market accepts food stamps or EBT as a form of payment in all their store locations. In other words, shoppers who are eligible for the SNAP program can use EBT benefits for purchasing USDA-approved food and beverage items at all Fresh Market store locations.

You can use the benefits for purchasing staple food like fruits or vegetables, dairy products, meat, non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, bread and cereals. However SNAP EBT benefits at The Fresh Market do not cover hot prepared meals, vitamins, medicines, alcohol, tobacco or non-food items.

What Food At The Fresh Market Qualifies For EBT?

The following is the list of food items that you can cover with your EBT card at The Fresh Market.

• Milk and Dairy Products: All types of milk, yogurt, cheese and butter are eligible
• Bread and cereals: All types of bread, crackers, cereals, pasta, oatmeal and rice are allowed
• Fruits and vegetables: All types of fresh, canned or frozen fruits and vegetables are allowed for EBT purchase. This also includes dried fruits and vegetables.
• Meat, poultry and fish: This comprises all forms of meat such as pork, beef, turkey, chicken, fish and lamb
• Seeds and Plants: SNAP participants can purchase plants and seeds to grow their produce.
• Snacks and desserts: Chips, cakes, cookies and other snack items are eligible as long as they do not have any vitamins or minerals in them.
• Energy drinks: Specific energy drinks are allowed for purchase using an EBT card if they are labeled as Nutrition Facts.

What Can’t You Purchase With Your EBT At The Fresh Market?

The following is the list of products that you can purchase with your EBT card at The Fresh Market.

• Medicine, Vitamins and Supplements: Any item that comprises the Supplement Facts Label is a supplement and cannot be purchased with EBT or SNAP benefits. You cannot buy vitamins, medicines and supplements with your EBT card.
• Hot Food: This includes hot cocoa, chili stew, prepared meats or any restaurant meals.
• Live Animals: You cannot purchase live animals using your EBT card however there are exceptions such as live shellfish, live fish removed from water, animals slaughtered before pickup from the store etc.
• Alcohol And Tobacco Products: This includes beer, wine, tobacco, cigarettes, liquor, low-alcohol beers labeled as liquor-filled chocolates, non-alcoholic, alcoholic wine, e-liquid for electronic cigarettes etc.
• Non-Food Items: This includes cleaning supplies from pet food, cosmetics, hygiene items for cooking utensils etc.

Do you love to shop at Thrive Market? Take a look at our next guide to know whether Thrive Market accepts EBT payments or not

What Are Available Fresh Market Hot Prepared Meals?

• Breakfast recipes include avocado toast, egg and olive tartine
• Entry meal recipes include quesadillas, spicy watermelon and Berry salsa, Salmon with Cherries Farro and Arugula and Easy Spanish Paella
• Dessert recipes include blueberry Maple honey popsicles dairy free blueberry monkey cheesecake bars commerce sugar cookie bars and creamsicle pie
• Holiday favorites include winter squash soup, roast turkey, ginger chocolate chip cookies and Christmas cornbread

How To Use Your EBT At Fresh Market?

While shopping at The Fresh Market with your EBT card you can select the eligible food items that you wish to purchase. It is important to keep the EBT restrictions and rules on certain products that have been mentioned in the above section of the article. During checkout at The Fresh Market inform the cashier about your food stamps or EBT card.

They will guide you throughout the payment procedure that involves swiping or inserting your EBT card and entering the four-digit secret PIN. While The Fresh Market accepts food stamps or EBT it is important to remember that not all items are eligible for purchase at the store with SNAP benefits.

You can also read about whether the popular delivery service Grubhub accepts EBT or not in our next guide.

Can I Return EBT-Eligible Items To The Fresh Market?

Yes, customers who have purchased items from The Fresh Market using their EBT card can return them within a stipulated period. The return policy of The Fresh Market states that they will replace or refund the product if the customer is not 100% satisfied.

The grocery chain backs their products up with a no-hassle return policy. However, as per USDA guidelines, SNAP recipients will not get the refund in cash. The refunds will be deposited back to your EBT card so that you can purchase eligible food and beverages at The Fresh Market.

What Is The Fresh Market’s Perks Program?

The Fresh Market provides a Perks Program that is similar to what a lot of grocery stores these days provide to attract customers. The Perks Program enables shoppers to get special prizes and discount deals with their reward account. EBT recipients can use their EBT card while shopping for eligible items with The Fresh Market’s Perks.

For this, you have to enroll in The Fresh Market Perks Program on the official website. You have to enter the phone number associated with your perks account when checking out at the local Fresh Market to receive points. You can also use the discount at other retailers apart from The Fresh Market like Macy’s, Dick’s, Dan’s or Lin’s locations.

How Does The Perks Grocery Rewards Program At The Fresh Market Work?

Perk users tend to save more if they spend more money at The Fresh Market. The points can be used on fuel or brasseries. You just need to punch in your phone number at checkout to get the discount deals. As the perks accumulate throughout the month every dollar that is spent is equivalent to one perks point. You can redeem the perks by the end of the following month.

For instance, if you have earned perks in January then you can redeem them throughout February. Perks that are remaining on the last day of the following month will expire and will not be available for use.

Here is a breakdown of points and grocery discounts available at the Fresh Market.

• $3 grocery discounts for 300 to 399 points earned
• $4.00 grocery discount for 400 to 499 points earned
• $5 grocery discount for 500 to 599 points earned

Customers can earn a maximum grocery discount of $10 for 1000 points in a month. The points can also be used for prescriptions apart from grocery items. One pharmacy prescription is equal to 54 points. It is critical to note that the prescriptions cannot be covered with an EBT card.

How Does The Perks Fuel Rewards Program At The Fresh Markets Work?

Fresh Market customers not only earn points on groceries but also on fuel. Fuel reward points are earned in the same way as on grocery rewards. Every dollar spent is equivalent to 1 perk points. Here is a breakdown of points and the fuel discounts that you can get at The Fresh Market.

• $0.10 fuel discount for 100 to 199 points earned
• $0.20 fuel discount for 200 to 299 points earned
• $0.30 fuel discount for 300 to 399 points earned

Customers can earn a maximum points up to 1000 points which is equivalent to a $1 fuel discount. You can redeem the fuel points at Market Express and holiday oil stations. It is important to note that EBT recipients can use that workflow in points to get a discount on gasoline but cannot pay for the fuel with food stamp benefits.

Can I Use My Coupons With My EBT Card At The Fresh Market?

Yes, you can apply the coupons for the Fresh Market at checkout even if you are paying for the goods with an EBT card. The coupons are loaded into Perks Members accounts online that can be redeemed in-store.

There is no limit on the number of coupons that can be added to your Perks members account. However, according to The Fresh Market, loading more than 100 coupons to your perks account will lead to a slowdown during checkout since the computer processes the coupons.

The expiration date of every coupon will be displayed on your perks account. The Fresh Market encourages customers to check out the website frequently for newly added coupons and deals. It is important to note that coupons used for purchasing household items that are not SNAP-approved will result in a balance that needs to be paid with a check, cash, debit or credit card.

Can I Purchase Vitamins, Supplements And Prescriptions From The Fresh Market?

No SNAP applicants cannot purchase vitamins, supplements or prescriptions with their EBT card from The Fresh Market. An easy and quick way to determine if an item is considered vitamin or supplements instead of food is to check the label.

Labels that come with Supplement Facts marked on the product are considered supplements and not food so they are not eligible. A product with the Nutrition Facts label is considered a food item and is allowed for SNAP benefits. If you are finding it difficult to determine whether a product is considered a supplemental food item you can also take help from the manager or cashier at the store.

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How To Shop With The Fresh Market Online?

The Fresh Market provides in-store or online options for customers to provide them convenience and flexibility. Here is a guide to get your favorite food and snacks.

Shop For Curbside Pickup

Customers can shop online from the Fresh Market, pick a preferred time and the change will bring your groceries or food items out to your car. The Fresh Market employs personal shoppers to select your food items and groceries for quality and freshness.

The Fresh Market provides the friendliest curbside experience in America with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. You have to download the Fresh Market app to go shopping for curbside pickup. It is important to note that you cannot use EBT for pickup from the Fresh Market.

Shop Delivery

The Fresh Market has partnered with DoorDash and Instacart to bring your preferred food items to your doorstep within or less than two hours.

Customers can plan to get easy meals and get them delivered at a time convenient for them. For this, you need to visit their official website or download the Fresh Market app. You cannot shop for delivery with your EBT card.

Order Catering And Pick Up In-Store

Customers who are planning a get-together with friends, family or colleagues can choose from more than 70 party platters, desserts and family meals to make their gathering memorable and deliciously easy. You need to place your order online, choose a preferred date and time, pick it up and pay in-store. Order catering and pick up in-store facility is not available with an EBT card.

EBT card holders can use their EBT card to shop for fresh seasonal produce and unique ingredients from across the globe and enjoy the finest meat and seafood in town by shopping in-store from the Fresh Market.

To order online you have to use an alternate source of payment. The Fresh Market app is the easiest and most convenient way to order your groceries for online delivery or curbside pickup and will help you shop for delicious meals, groceries, food items and vegan-friendly food.

Alternate Stores That Accept EBT Payments

Walmart

Walmart accepts SNAP EBT cards throughout the country. You can get free curbside pickup service here with a minimum order of $35 or else you have to pay a small pickup fee. You can place orders through Walmart.com or by downloading the Walmart app.

Amazon

Both Amazon.com and Amazon Fresh accept EBT cards from SNAP beneficiaries. If you are looking for grocery delivery companies that accept EBT cards from SNAP beneficiaries as a method of payment, then you can go for Amazon as one of the best alternatives to Walmart.

Target

Target accepts online EBT payments through its delivery service called Shipt. You need to create an account on Target to place an order using your EBT card. Shift members get free delivery on orders more than $35 whereas same-day grocery delivery comes with a cost of $9.99.

DoorDash

The latest app is a delivery service that accepts online SNAP payments like Amazon is DoorDash. You can add your EBT card details to your DoorDash accounts and then shop with the DoorDash website or app. Look for products that feature SNAP labels when shopping with DoorDash

A few more retailers that accepts EBT are as follows:

• Rite Aid
• HEB
• Harris Teeter
• Wegmans
• Shell
• Weis Markets
• Whole Foods
• Jewel-Osco
• King Soopers
• Kings Food Markets
• Kroger
• Safeway
• Acme Markets
• AJ’s Fine Foods
• Albertsons
• Speedway
• Associated Food Stores
• Bashas
• Big Y Foods
• Foodtown
• Fred Meyer
• Stater Bros
• Fry’s Food Stores
• Giant Eagle
• Costco
• Giant Food
• Hannaford Supermarkets
• Lowe’s Grocery
• 99 Ranch Market
• BJ’s Wholesale Club
• Grocery Outlet
• Bravo Supermarkets
• Brookshire’s
• Smart and Final
• City Market
• Dillons Stores
• Meijer
• Piggly Wiggly
• Pick N Save
• Price Chopper
• Walgreens
• Fareway Meat & Grocery
• Fine Fare Supermarkets
• Food 4 Less
• Food City
• Sprouts
• Food Lion
• QFC Supermarkets
• Raley’s
• Shaw’s
• Instacart
• ShopRite
• Smith’s Food and Drug
• WinCo
• Ralphs
• Save Mart
• Publix
• Schnucks Market
• CVS
• Stop & Shop
• Super 1 Foods
• H Mart
• Kroger
• Jubilee Foods
• Superior Grocers
• Tops Markets
• Trader Joe’s etc.

Know the comprehensive list of SNAP-eligible goods and grocery stores that accept EBT payments online in our next guide.

Conclusion

Navigating the complex world of SNAP EBT can be overwhelming for many recipients, especially in deciding which retailers are accepting EBT from shoppers. Fortunately The Fresh Market accepts various payment methods including SNAP benefits at all their retail store locations however online orders through food stamp benefits from the Fresh Market website are not available to EBT card holders. It is entirely up to the governing authority of individual states to determine what platforms or stores accept EBT cards for online orders. Every guide has helped to cover the list of items that are allowed for EBT purchase at The Fresh Market. Moreover, we have also provided an alternate list of grocery stores that are accepting EBT from SNAP beneficiaries for USDA-approved products.

We hope this article has been informative enough to give you all the details you need regarding The Fresh Market that accept EBT. You can learn more about the government grants and financial assistance program at the Get Government Grants’ blog section today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Forms Of Payment Does The Fresh Market Accept?

Customers can use cash, check, debit or credit card, EBT or Snap benefits card and The Fresh Market gift cards for in-store purchases. If you’re shopping online then you can only use a debit or credit card.

Is There A Fee For Curbside Or Delivery Orders From The Fresh Market?

Yes, customers have to pay a fee of $1.99 for curbside orders that total $35 or above. For orders that are below $35 a $3.99 fee will be applied. The fees for delivery orders are set by Instacart with whom The Fresh Market has collaborated.