Can You Use EBT for HelloFresh? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you are looking for a way to enjoy delicious and nutritious meals at home without spending too much time or money on grocery shopping and cooking, you might have heard of HelloFresh.
HelloFresh is a meal delivery service that sends you pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes every week.
But what if you are on a tight budget and receive food assistance from the government?
Can you use your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to pay for HelloFresh?
In this blog post, we will explain whether you can use EBT for HelloFresh and what other options you have to save money on your meals.
What is HelloFresh?
HelloFresh is the largest meal delivery service in the United States. It offers a variety of plans and menus to suit different tastes, preferences, and dietary needs.
You can choose from classic, veggie, family-friendly, calorie-smart, quick and easy, pescatarian, or gourmet options.
You can also customize your plan by selecting the number of meals, servings, and delivery days per week.
HelloFresh works by sending you a box of fresh and high-quality ingredients and step-by-step instructions every week. You can then cook the meals in your own kitchen in about 30 minutes or less.
The meals are designed by chefs and nutritionists to be balanced, tasty, and satisfying.
Can You Use EBT for HelloFresh?
Unfortunately, the answer is no, HelloFresh does not accept EBT as a payment method.
HelloFresh does not accept EBT because it is not an authorized retailer by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), which oversees the SNAP program.
HelloFresh only accepts common standard payment options such as credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and gift cards.
They will not process a debit card without a PIN number.
Also, read does Foodmaxx take EBT? How to shop at Foodmaxx with your EBT card.
Why Can’t You Use EBT for HelloFresh?
According to the USDA, which administers the SNAP program, SNAP benefits can only be used to buy food products that are intended for home preparation and consumption.
This means that SNAP benefits cannot be used to pay for delivery fees, service fees, or taxes associated with food delivery services like HelloFresh.
Additionally, SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy prepared foods or foods that are sold hot at the point of sale.
HelloFresh does not accept EBT as a form of payment because it does not meet these criteria.
HelloFresh is considered a prepared food delivery service because it provides pre-portioned ingredients and recipes that are ready to cook.
HelloFresh also charges delivery fees, service fees, and taxes that are not covered by SNAP benefits.
What Are Some Alternatives to HelloFresh That Accept EBT?
If you are looking for alternatives to HelloFresh that accept EBT, you might be disappointed to find out that there are not many options available.
Most meal kit delivery services operate in a similar way as HelloFresh and do not accept EBT as a form of payment.
However, there are some exceptions that you can try:
#1 EveryPlate
EveryPlate is a budget-friendly meal kit delivery service that offers simple and satisfying recipes for $4.99 per serving.
EveryPlate accepts EBT cards issued in New York as a pilot program that is expected to expand to other states in the future.
#2 Full Cart
Full Cart is an online grocery service that delivers shelf-stable food items such as grains, pasta, soup, and snacks.
Full Cart accepts EBT cards as well as other payment methods.
They also partners with various organizations to provide free or discounted food boxes to people in need.
#3 Amazon Fresh
Amazon Fresh is an online grocery service that delivers fresh produce, meat, dairy, and other products to your door.
Amazon Fresh accepts EBT cards in select states as part of the USDA’s Online Purchasing Pilot.
However, you still need to pay for delivery fees and Prime membership with another payment method.
What are the Pros and Cons of HelloFresh?
Like any other meal delivery service, HelloFresh has its advantages and disadvantages.
Here are some of them:
Pros
Cons
Also, read can you buy a sub from Publix with Food Stamps? Here’s what you need to know.
Summary
HelloFresh is a meal delivery service that can help you enjoy delicious and nutritious meals at home without spending too much time or money on grocery shopping and cooking.
However, it does not accept EBT as a payment method, so you cannot use your SNAP benefits to pay for it.
You also have to consider the pros and cons of using this service before deciding if it is right for you.
If you are interested in trying HelloFresh or learning more about it, you can visit their website and browse their plans and menus.
If you have an EBT card and want to try a meal kit delivery service, you might want to check out EveryPlate, Full Cart, or Amazon Fresh as alternatives that accept EBT in some states.
The Bottom Line
I hope this blog post was helpful and informative for you and it helped you learn whether you can use EBT for HelloFresh.
If you have any experience with HelloFresh, feel free to share your feedback in the comments below.
We would love to hear from you.
Thank you for reading and have a great day!
