What is Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)?
EBT is an electronic system that allows a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participant to pay for food using SNAP benefits.
When a participant shops at a SNAP authorized EBT store, their SNAP EBT account is debited to reimburse the store for food that was purchased.
EBT has been the sole method of SNAP issuance in all states since June of 2004.
What is Pandemic EBT (P-EBT)?
P-EBT is part of the U.S. government response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and was established by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
P-EBT provides benefits – very similar to SNAP benefits -- to children that would have received free or reduced price school meals.
EBT Store food categories:
- 1. Vegetables or fruits
- 2. Dairy products
- 3. Meat, poultry, or fish
- 4. Breads or cereals
EBT Store Eligibility Requirements
SNAP authorized stores must meet one of two staple food requirements:
Staple foods are the basic foods that make up a significant portion of a person’s diet. They are usually prepared at home and eaten as a meal. They do not include prepared foods, heated foods, or accessory foods.
Criterion A - Stocking Requirement
A store must have 3 stocking units of 3 different varieties for each staple food category on a continuous basis. For 2 staple food categories, there must be at least 1 perishable variety.
36 food stocking units are required to meet Criterian A. Most stores are authorized under Criterion A.
Criterion B - Sales
A store must have more than 50 percent of its total gross retail sales from the sale of staple foods. Specialty stores, like butcher shops, are often authorized under Criterion B.
Food You Can Buy With EBT Card
If you have the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, you can buy the food you need at any of the listed retailers in Merrillville, Indiana Food Stamps Stores table
Each US state offers EBT benefits cards, including the . The State EBT card can be used in the local food stamps authorized retailers.
Here is a list of the food you can buy for at the Food Stamps retail stores that accept the EBT card:
- Breakfast cereal
- Meats and poultry
- Milk
- Fruit and vegetables
- Pasta, rice, and tortillas
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Canned legumes and fish
- Whole wheat bread and other whole grains
- Juice (shelf-stable, non-carbonated)
- Tofu and soy products
- Peanut butter
Stores that accept EBT Card(SNAP)
There 248,000 stores that accept EBT Cards across the U.S. They range from small convenience stores to major grocery chains and superstores like Walmart.
SNAP has even expanded its benefits to farmers markets, where you can buy fresh, healthy produce that’s locally grown.
Nationwide, more than 80% of SNAP benefits are used at larger retailers.
SNAP benefits are widely accepted for eligible food items at various EBT stores:
Bakery that Accept EBT
Are you looking for bakeries that accept EBT food stamps? Can you even redeem your SNAP food stamp benefits at bakeries and bakery outlets in the first place?
Finding a bakery nearby that accepts an EBT card is handy when you want to use your SNAP benefits to grab a birthday cake or some cookies.
It’s much easier to find a bakery than to find fast food restaurants that accept EBT nearby.
What if you want to redeem your SNAP benefits for baked products?
There are bakeries and stores with bakery outlets and donut shops that accept EBT food stamps.
Bimbo Bakeries USA Outlet Store, Great Harvest Bread Company, Aunt Millie's Bakery Outlet, Franz Bakery Outlet Store, and Pepperidge Farm Outlet are the top bakeries that accept EBT food stamps in the country.
Albertsons, Aldi, Winn-Dixie, Fred Meyer, Kroger, Walmart, Safeway, Publix, and Meijer, among others, are the top grocery stores with bakery outlets that take EBT Card.
Giant Food and Shaw's, other grocery stores have donut shops that accept EBT food stamps.
Bakery goods such as birthday cakes, wedding cakes, and other special occasion cakes are also EBT-eligible.
Seafood Markets that Accept EBT
There many seafood place that take EBT in Merrillville, Indiana. You can buy freshly-caught seafood and enjoy such a nutritional meal with your family.
The benefits of eating fish include it’s filled with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins such as calcium, D, and B2, and minerals such as iodine, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
Here’s a list of the top 4 seafood that take EBT.
Boston Public Market
The Boston Public Market is a year-round indoor marketplace. Everything sold inside originates or is produced in New England, such as the seafood.
The market features over 25 restaurants ranging from baked goods to fresh produce to specialty items.
John Yi Fish Market
For over 38 years, John Yi Fish Market is known for delivering some of the best seafood. It’s one of the few seafood stores that accept EBT for delivery.
Portland Fish Market
Portland Fish Market sources local fresh off the boat quality fish after countless hours of boating. They are one of the store that accept ebt online seafood restaurants that accept EBT.
Saltwater Seafood Market and Fry Shack
Saltwater is a family-owned seafood market for over a decade with a combined fifty-year and three generations of experience in the industry.
They serve premium seafood such as bass, crab, catfish, clams, cod, crabmeat, flounder, grouper, lobster, mahi-mahi, salmon, scallops, shrimp, snapper, tuna, perch, and more
Meat Market that Accept EBT
We’ve spent some time figuring out about 10% of the meat markets take EBT card to pay for food.
We’ve marked those who are accepting SNAP on our list. For your convenience, we are providing the list of all specialty meat and poultry stores – including butcher shops and meat markets that accept EBT in Merrillville, Indiana.
You can use your SNAP benefits to purchase meats that provide essential protein to your diet.
Options include chicken, turkey, beef, pork, shellfish and fish. The card will also pay for fresh, canned and frozen vegetables that are full of vitamins and minerals and work well alongside any meat dish.
EBT cardholders can pick up fresh, canned and frozen fruits to use as a healthy dessert, or yogurt and granola, which can be paired with the fruit for additional health benefits. Bread and other bakery products are also SNAP eligible.
Farmer's Market that Accept EBT
Did you know you can use your SNAP benefits(EBT Card) at local farmers markets?
Farmers markets are great places to buy fresh, healthy foods—with the added bonus of supporting community-based farmers and the local economy.
Some states even offer healthy-food incentive programs at farmers markets to help people with low income eat better while supporting the local economy.
Check with your local SNAP office to see if a healthy-food incentive program is available in your area.
Lake County Eats Local/ Legacy Foundation
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 4/30/2019
Address :
370 E 84th Dr,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Convenience Stores Accept EBT for Delivery
Gas Stations like Chevron, CITGO, Conoco, Exxon, Murphy USA BP BP America 7-Eleven QuikTrip Pilot and many others top gas stations accept EBT near you.
You can only use your EBT funds to pay for eligible products.
Most gas stations that accept EBT have convenience stores where you can buy approved items like cereal, bread, dairy products, snacks, energy drinks, and any other household food or item on the go while traveling.
However, you can’t use your SNAP benefits to pay for the fuel at gas stations or buy other unapproved items like prepared food, hot food, toiletries, alcohol, tobacco, lottery tickets, or over-the-counter medicine.
Aladdin Pita Restaurant & Food Mart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/14/2001
Address :
3750 W 80th Ln,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
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Allstar
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/18/2019
Address :
5208 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
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Baums Natural Foods Inc.
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/6/2017
Address :
403 W 81st Ave,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
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Family Express 57
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/3/2011
Address :
10099 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
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Golo 61st
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/4/2011
Address :
6085 Cleveland Cir,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
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Lukes 230
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/20/2021
Address :
721 W. Lincoln Hwy,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
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Lukes 273
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/18/2020
Address :
7277 Taft St,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
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Lukes 293
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/18/2020
Address :
9297 Taft St,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
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Marathon
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/20/2019
Address :
7269 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
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Meijer Gas Station 165
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/5/2020
Address :
505 W Lincoln Hwy,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
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Mobil
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/4/2018
Address :
6851 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
One Stop Shop On Cleveland Inc
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/8/2021
Address :
5695 Cleveland St,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Prince LLC Save
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/24/2010
Address :
800 W 61st Ave,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Speedmart
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/11/2016
Address :
5689 Harrison St,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Speedway 1426
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/16/2012
Address :
6325 E Lincoln Hwy,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
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Speedway 6676
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 5/16/2012
Address :
3200 E 81st Ave,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
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Speedway 6688
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 1/8/2018
Address :
9299 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Speedway 7435
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 7/23/2012
Address :
3990 W 81st Ave,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
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Speedway 7523
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/11/2013
Address :
1 W 81st Ave,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
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Speedway 7553
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 9/4/2013
Address :
98 W 73rd Ave,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
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Triple S Save
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 11/13/2012
Address :
7510 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Unique Business Venture Llc/ Golo
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 4/27/2018
Address :
5285 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Fruits & Veg Specialty Stores that Accept EBT
Grocery Stores Accept EBT for Delivery
Online Stores that take EBT
Amazon, Walmart, and Target are three major digital stores that accept EBT online for SNAP-eligible food items.
Here are few other stores that take ebt for online purchases.
Grocery Stores that Accept EBT
Most supermarkets, pharmacies and corner stores in the United States accept EBT Cards. Grocery stores like Costco, Sam's Club, Walmart, Target, Publix, Kroger, Albertsons, Aldi, Trader Joe's, Ahold Delhaize, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Piggly Wiggly, Sprouts, Lidl, Giant Eagle, Wegmans, Bi lo and many others top grocery stores accept EBT near you.
You can only use your EBT funds to pay for eligible products. Some grocery stores now allow you to order and pay for groceries on their website using your EBT card.
Many grocery stores take ebt online with Instacart, an online grocery delivery service, to buy groceries at SNAP-participating stores for delivery or pickup. Call or check website to confirm if grocery stores accept ebt online or not.
The newest online stores that take ebt as of April 2021 is Publix. Additional ebt accepted stores include Aldi, Amazon, BJ's, Carlie C's, Food Lion, and Walmart
Walmart has taken its SNAP participation one step further by accepting EBT payments online for grocery pickup and delivery orders in most states. All you have to do is visit Walmart.com, create an account, and download the Walmart app to shop and place your grocery order online.
Here is a list of some of the major grocery stores that accept EBT
ALDI 62074 62074
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 2/21/1995
Address :
10 W 81st St,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Barbara's Cupcakes Creations And Cakes
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 8/11/2020
Address :
5284 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Big Lots 5381
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/13/2015
Address :
3201 E Lincoln Hwy,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Broadway Produce
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 5/17/2021
Address :
8201 Taft St,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Costco Wholesale 0370
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/30/2009
Address :
1310 E 79th Ave,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
CVS 6917
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 1/1/2001
Address :
5301 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
CVS 10176
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 8/21/2016
Address :
10 E 81st Ave,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
DOLLAR GENERAL 10346
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 7/19/2006
Address :
9269 Taft St,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
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DOLLAR GENERAL 7563
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 5/21/2004
Address :
6161 Cleveland St,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
DOLLAR TREE 2466
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/7/2006
Address :
295 W Lincoln Hwy,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
DOLLAR TREE 6159
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/10/2016
Address :
5840 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
El Pueblito Carnes Y Vegetables LLC
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 7/15/2013
Address :
6635 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Family Dollar Store 2042
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/4/2009
Address :
5400 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Family Dollar Store 4459
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/5/2009
Address :
7241 Taft St,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
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Family Dollar Store 7334
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/5/2009
Address :
6150 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Fishermen's Island Seafood Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 2/12/2020
Address :
429 W 81st Ave,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Gordon Food Service Store LLC MP 025
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 8/1/1989
Address :
1601 W 81st Ave,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Kroger 345
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 11/13/2015
Address :
6110 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Lake County Eats Local/ Legacy Foundation
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 4/30/2019
Address :
370 E 84th Dr,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Manoli's Busy Bee
Store Details :
- Type: Small Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 6/6/2013
Address :
15 W 80th Pl,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Meijer Inc 165
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 7/31/1998
Address :
611 US 30,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Sam's Club 8174
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/16/2009
Address :
3134 E 79th Ave,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Save-A-Lot Food Store 45048
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 3/27/2015
Address :
5420 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Strack & Van Til 8781
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/22/1993
Address :
6001 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Supermercado Mi Poblanita
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 7/1/2020
Address :
7895 Taft St,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Target Store 870
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/19/2005
Address :
2661 E US Highway 30,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Uma Foods
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 9/9/2020
Address :
283 W 81st Ave,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
WALGREEN'S 6906
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/13/1993
Address :
6097 Broadway,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
WALGREENS 4750
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/17/1999
Address :
400 W 81st Ave,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
Walmart 1618
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/8/2002
Address :
2936 E 79th Ave,
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Get Directions
FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?
Independent community food pantries are self-governing and usually distribute food to their clients on a once-a-month basis. A food bank is the storehouse for millions of pounds of food and other products that go out to the community. A food pantry functions as the arms that reach out to that community directly.
2. What kind of food is at a food Bank?
Specifically, Merrillville County food banks often need items like:
- Peanut butter
- Canned soup
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Pasta
- Canned beans
- Canned stew
- Canned fish
3. How do you qualify for Merrillville County food bank assistance?
To qualify for food bank assistance you must provide:
- Current state-issued ID
- Social Security numbers of all household members
- Current electric bill to prove residence
- Bank Statement for income verification