Does Dollar General Take EBT & Food Stamps in 2024? Everything You Need to Know
Food insecurity reached record highs amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with 42 million Americans relying on SNAP/EBT benefits to afford groceries in 2021 according to Feeding America. As more families turn to EBT, being able to use benefits at major discount retailers like Dollar General can make a huge difference in staying within budget. But does Dollar General actually accept EBT payments?
The short answer is yes, Dollar General accepts EBT cards at all of its 17,000+ locations in 46 states. However, EBT policies can vary locally, so be sure to verify with your neighborhood store before shopping.
Key Facts About Using EBT at Dollar General:
EBT can only be used to buy SNAP-eligible foods like produce, pantry items, meat and dairy. Non-food items must be purchased separately.
Acceptable foods include fresh fruits and veggies, bread and grains, snack foods and non-alcoholic drinks.
Hot prepared foods, alcohol, medicine, pet food and other non-food items are not eligible for EBT payment.
To use EBT, separate EBT-eligible items at checkout and swipe your card for that transaction first. Then pay for any remaining non-food items using another form of payment.
EBT cards cannot be used for online orders, delivery or in-app payments at this time. EBT can only be used in-store.
Keep reading for more details on what you can buy with EBT, how to pay at checkout, COVID-19‘s impact on benefit usage, and pros and cons of shopping at Dollar General with SNAP benefits.
What Foods Can You Buy With EBT at Dollar General?
Dollar General accepts EBT for all food items eligible under the USDA‘s SNAP program guidelines. This includes:
Fruits and vegetables – fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruits and veggies of all types.
Breads and grains – bread loaves, tortillas, pasta, rice, cereals, oats, etc.
Meats, fish, and poultry – fresh, frozen, and canned varieties of beef, chicken, pork, salmon, tuna, etc.
Dairy products – milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, eggs, etc.
Snack foods and non-alcoholic drinks – chips, granola bars, cookies, soda, juice, coffee, tea, etc.
Seeds and plants – seeds and vegetable plants for growing food at home.
Baking ingredients – flour, sugar, oil, spices, baking soda and powder, cake mix etc.
If you have kids, EBT can also be used to buy baby food, formula, and jarred toddler meals. Essentially, anything that can be defined as food or used to make food is EBT-eligible at Dollar General.
Just remember, non-food items like cosmetics, medicine, pet food, cleaning supplies and alcohol/tobacco cannot be purchased with EBT.
Step-By-Step Guide to Paying With EBT at Dollar General
Checking out using your EBT benefits at Dollar General is quick and easy:
Shop for EBT-eligible foods as normal. Grab a cart and browse the aisles for SNAP-approved groceries.
When you‘re ready to check out, separate your EBT foods from any non-food items in your cart. Keep them divided into two groups on the conveyor belt.
Tell the cashier you‘ll be paying for the food items first using your EBT card.
When prompted for payment, swipe your EBT card and enter your 4-digit PIN. Your EBT balance will cover the cost of the food items only.
Pay for the remaining non-food items using cash, debit/credit, or other payment method. The cashier will handle splitting the transactions.
Keep your receipt to track your EBT balance.
And that‘s all there is to it! The process is the same at any Dollar General that accepts EBT. Let the cashier know upfront and they‘ll take care of the rest.
How Has COVID-19 Impacted EBT Usage?
The COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented job losses and economic hardship for millions of Americans. In response, benefit amounts and eligibility increased under emergency SNAP provisions.
42 million Americans relied on EBT for groceries in 2021 compared to 35 million in 2019, per Feeding America data.
The average monthly SNAP benefit per household rose from $241 in 2019 to $277 in 2021 – a 15% increase.
70% of SNAP participants are in families with children. Reliance on EBT is higher among minorities, children, seniors, and disabled groups.
With so many newly struggling to afford food due to the pandemic, accepting EBT has become more crucial than ever for major retailers like Dollar General.
Should You Shop at Dollar General With EBT? Pros and Cons
Dollar General can be a convenient, affordable grocery option for EBT users, but is it the right retailer for you? Here are some key pros and cons to consider:
Pros
With 17,000+ locations, Dollar General stores are widely accessible in suburban and rural areas.
They offer decent prices and regular discounts on shelf-stable pantry items.
Most stores have a frozen section and refrigerated goods like dairy, lunch meat, and produce.
They often run specials on fruits, veggies and meat to compete with grocery chains.
Cons
Produce and meat selection is hit or miss depending on location. Some may only sell frozen.
Name brand options are very limited compared to supermarkets. Mostly off-brands.
Few organic and specialty diet (gluten-free, etc) items available.
Even with sales and discounts, prices on some items may be higher than supermarkets.
Whether it‘s your one-stop-shop or just for filling grocery gaps, Dollar General can be a lifeline for shoppers on tight budgets. Just be sure to compare prices and quality against other retailers in your area.
The Bottom Line: Does Dollar General Accept EBT?
Yes, Dollar General accepts EBT SNAP payments at checkout in all store locations. However, you can only use EBT to purchase eligible foods – not non-food items.
To use your benefits, keep your EBT purchases separate and swipe your EBT card first before paying for any remaining non-food products. EBT cannot be used online or for delivery.
With affordable prices on pantry essentials, Dollar General can help EBT recipients stretch limited food budgets further. But be sure to compare selection and prices against supermarkets and other discount grocers to get the best value based on your household‘s needs.
