The Truth about Electronic Balance Transaction through a grocery store cashier

It’s almost as if EBT is a gift card, and you have a certain amount of money you can spend on the grocery store trip.

According to NJ State EBT Rules

NJ SNAP can be used to buy food like Fruits and vegetables;

Beans, fish, poultry, meat;

Rice, bread, tortillas, cereal;

Milk and cheese; and

Seeds and plants that produce food.

NJ SNAP cannot be used to buy: Alcohol, tobacco, cigarettes;

Non-food items (pet food, toilet paper, diapers, soap, etc.);

Vitamins and medicine;

Hot and prepared food or meals.

If customers buy any non-food items, they will have to use a second card to cover the rest of their grocery order.

As of November 30th, 2021, Snap Benefits have risen 25%, which means $36 more per person each month. Ali Vital of NBC News reports on SNAP Benefit boost.

What are the qualifications for SNAP?

According NJ Gov website EBT eligibility is based on grossly monthly income, net income, and assets

The recipient’s amount is based on household income and the number of people in the household. The EBT amount is catered to the individual. There is no size fits all.

How are retail stores meeting the SNAP demand?

Due to the demand for these programs, its changed how retail functions.

Here is an NBC News Report by Kate Snow about retail store Wal-Mart caters to SNAP recipients. The segment is from 1:27- 11:52

Also, EBT is accepted in 44 states for online grocery shopping.

Aldi, Amazon, BJ’s, Food Bazaar, ShopRite, Stop and Shop, The Fresh Grocer, Walmart, and Foodtown ( only Foodtown locations in Monmouth County: Port Monmouth, Atlantic Highlands, Red Bank, Sea Girt, and Ocean).