Surprising Things You Can Buy With EBT at Walmart: Unleash the Hidden Power of Your Card at Walmart

Surprising things you can buy with EBT at Walmart? Forget just stocking up on bread and butter! Your EBT card can unlock a treasure trove of unexpected items, from nurturing a home garden with seeds and live plants to keeping your family healthy with personal hygiene products and baby care essentials. Read on to discover how to stretch your EBT benefits further and unlock the hidden gems waiting for you on Walmart's shelves.

Exploring Unexpected EBT-Eligible Items at Walmart

EBT cards are primarily used for groceries, but Walmart unlocks a surprising world of EBT-eligible items that go beyond the food aisles! Here's a glimpse into some unexpected finds you can snag with your benefits:

1. Seeds and Live Plants: Cultivate a thriving home garden! Many seeds and live, non-blooming plants qualify as EBT purchases, allowing you to grow fresh herbs, vegetables, and even some fruits throughout the growing season.
2. Vegetable Cuttings and Starter Kits: Don't have a green thumb? No worries! Pre-cut vegetable seedlings and starter kits containing soil and pots are often EBT-eligible. It's a convenient way to kickstart your gardening journey.
3. Diaper Rash Cream and Wipes: Essential baby care items like diaper rash cream and wipes are frequently approved EBT purchases at Walmart, ensuring the well-being of your little ones.
4. Personal Hygiene Products: Taking care of yourself matters! Many personal hygiene products like soap, toothpaste, deodorant, and feminine hygiene products can be purchased with EBT benefits.
5. Seeds for Sprouting: Looking to add a nutritional boost to your meals? Sprouting seeds like alfalfa, mung beans, and fenugreek are often approved EBT purchases.
6. Reusable Bags: Be eco-friendly while saving money! Reusable shopping bags are sometimes EBT-eligible, helping you reduce waste and potentially save on bag fees.

Remember: EBT policies can vary by state and store location. Always check with your local Walmart or visit the USDA's FNIS website for the latest EBT-approved item guidelines.

Surprising Things You Can Buy With EBT at Walmart but Know Before You Shop

While many essentials are covered by EBT at Walmart, it's always wise to double-check before filling your cart. Here are some helpful tips to ensure a smooth shopping experience:

Checking EBT Eligibility Online:

1. Walmart Website: The Walmart website (https://www.walmart.com/) has a dedicated section on SNAP/EBT online grocery shopping. This section often clarifies which product categories are generally eligible for EBT purchase.
2. USDA FNIS Website: The official website of the United States Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNIS) (https://www.fsis.usda.gov/) provides comprehensive information on EBT eligibility for various food and household items.

Checking EBT Eligibility In-Store:

• Look for "EBT-eligible" badges: Many Walmart stores are adopting a system where EBT-approved items have a clearly marked "EBT-eligible" badge on the product packaging or shelf tag. This makes it easy to identify qualifying items while browsing the aisles.
• Consult with a Walmart Associate: Knowledgeable associates at the customer service desk or in specific departments like baby care or personal hygiene might be able to assist you in verifying EBT eligibility for specific products.
• Review your receipt: After checkout, review your receipt to verify which items were purchased using your EBT benefits. This helps you track your spending and identify any discrepancies.

EBT policies can vary by state and even by individual store location. These resources provide a good starting point, but it's important to check with your local Walmart for the most up-to-date information.

Buy Seeds and Plants with EBT at Walmart?

Here's the good news: seeds and many live plants are eligible for purchase with your EBT card at Walmart. This opens the door to a world of fresh, homegrown produce, allowing you to stretch your food budget further and potentially enjoy a healthier diet.

Qualification: What Seeds and Plants Can You Buy with EBT?

The USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNIS) categorizes seeds and plants as food-producing if they are intended for consumption. This means you can use your EBT card to purchase:

• Vegetable Seeds: A vast selection of vegetable seeds like tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, herbs, and more!
• Fruit Seeds: While not as common, some stores may offer seeds for berries, melons, or even fruit trees (depending on size and maturity).
• Live Vegetable Plants: Seedlings and established vegetable plants for tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, leafy greens, and herbs.
• Herb Plants: Fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, parsley, and mint can add a flavorful twist to your meals.

Keep in mind: There might be restrictions on ornamental plants or flowers that aren't meant for consumption.

How to Apply: Using Your EBT Card for Seeds and Plants

The process is straightforward! Simply locate the seeds or live plants you'd like to purchase in the gardening section of Walmart. During checkout, swipe your EBT card like you would for any other eligible grocery item. The cashier will verify the purchase falls within the EBT guidelines.

Tip: Look for "EBT-eligible" badges on seed packets or plant labels to easily identify which ones qualify for your benefits.

Use EBT for Diaper Rash Cream and Wipes at Walmart

Taking care of your little one's delicate skin is crucial, and the good news is, you can often use your EBT card to purchase essential diaper rash cream and wipes at Walmart.

Qualification: What Diaper Rash Products Are EBT-Eligible?

The USDA categorizes certain personal hygiene items as essential for health and sanitation, and diaper rash cream and wipes often fall under this category. This means you can potentially use your EBT card to purchase:

• Diaper Rash Cream: Soothe and protect your baby's skin with various over-the-counter diaper rash creams.
• Baby Wipes: Unscented and gentle baby wipes are perfect for cleaning your baby and keeping them comfortable.

Here's a caveat: While most basic diaper rash creams and wipes qualify, medicated creams or wipes with additional ingredients might not be covered by EBT. It's always best to check the packaging or with the cashier to ensure the specific product is eligible.

Using Your EBT Card for Diaper Rash Cream and Wipes:

The process is simple! Locate the diaper rash cream and wipes in the baby care section at Walmart. At checkout, swipe your EBT card like you would for any other groceries. The cashier will verify the items qualify under the EBT guidelines for health and sanitation products.

Tip: Look for stores with designated baby care aisles that might have shelf tags indicating EBT eligibility for specific diaper rash creams and wipes.

Are Personal Hygiene Products Covered by EBT at Walmart?

Taking care of yourself is essential, and luckily, EBT can help you stretch your budget further when it comes to some personal hygiene products at Walmart. Here's a breakdown of what qualifies and how to make the most of your benefits:

Qualification: Which Personal Hygiene Products Are EBT-Eligible?

The USDA categorizes certain health and sanitation products as essential for basic hygiene. This means you might be able to use your EBT card to purchase:

• Soap: Bar soap, liquid soap, or body wash for cleansing your body.
• Shampoo and Conditioner: Maintain healthy hair with basic shampoos and conditioners.
• Toothpaste and Toothbrushes: Promote good oral hygiene with essential dental care products.
• Deodorant: Stay fresh and confident with deodorant sticks or sprays.
• Feminine Hygiene Products: Pads, pantyliners, or menstrual cups (depending on store policy) for feminine hygiene needs.

Keep in mind: There might be limitations on specific brands, sizes, or scented varieties. It's always best to check the packaging or with the cashier to ensure the chosen product qualifies under EBT guidelines.

Using Your EBT Card for Personal Hygiene Products:

The process is similar to buying groceries! Locate the personal hygiene products you need in the appropriate aisles at Walmart. During checkout, swipe your EBT card like you would for any other eligible item. The cashier will verify the product aligns with the EBT-approved health and sanitation category.

Tip: Some stores might have designated signs or shelf tags highlighting EBT-eligible personal hygiene products for easier identification.

Double the Savings: Combine EBT Benefits with Walmart's Loyalty Program

Here's the exciting news: using your EBT card at Walmart doesn't prevent you from earning rewards through their loyalty program, Walmart Rewards. This program allows you to stretch your budget even further and potentially save on future purchases.

How it Works:

• Earning Rewards on EBT Purchases: While you won't directly earn points when paying with your EBT card, some EBT purchases might qualify for points on a linked Walmart Rewards account. This depends on the specific product category and any ongoing promotions.
• Maximizing Savings with Rewards: Points earned through other purchases at Walmart can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases, including groceries and other eligible items. This essentially allows you to earn savings on top of your EBT benefits.

Here's how to maximize your savings by combining EBT and Walmart Rewards:

• Sign Up for Walmart Rewards: It's free and easy to sign up for a Walmart Rewards account online or at the customer service desk at your local Walmart.
• Link Your EBT Card: Once you have a Walmart Rewards account, link your EBT card to it. This allows the system to track any EBT purchases that might be eligible for points according to current promotions.
• Track Your Points and Redeem Strategically: Keep an eye on your Walmart Rewards points balance and redeem them strategically for future purchases. You might be able to score significant savings on non-EBT eligible items or get discounts on your grocery bill when you combine rewards with your EBT benefits.

Important Note: EBT policies and Walmart Rewards program details can vary by location. It's always best to check with your local Walmart or visit the Walmart Rewards website (https://www.walmart.com/cp/walmart-cash/8301756) for the latest information on eligible purchases and point-earning opportunities with EBT.

By combining your EBT benefits with the earning potential of Walmart Rewards, you can unlock additional savings and make your budget go even further. Happy shopping!

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