Grocery shopping can be tricky, especially if you’re on a budget or have trouble getting to the store. Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, which help people afford food, can be a real lifesaver. Many people who receive EBT benefits are wondering if they can use them for online grocery shopping and delivery services, like the ones offered by the 99¢ Store. This essay will explore whether the 99¢ Store accepts EBT for delivery and what other options you might have.
Does the 99¢ Store Offer Delivery?
Before we talk about EBT, let’s figure out if the 99¢ Store even delivers. Unfortunately, the 99¢ Store, unlike many other grocery stores, doesn’t have its own delivery service. They focus on keeping prices super low in their physical stores. This means that you can’t go online to their website and order groceries to be delivered to your home directly from them.
This is a big difference compared to some bigger stores that have delivery services of their own, or partner with companies like Instacart or DoorDash. For the 99¢ Store, you need to physically go to their stores to make a purchase. It keeps things simple (and cheap!), but does change the ways you can shop there.
The good news is that, because of the low prices, a trip to the 99¢ Store could still fit your budget! You could go get your groceries yourself, and even take public transport to get there. Plus, you know you’ll find all sorts of great stuff you need.
So, in short, the 99¢ Store doesn’t offer its own delivery service.
Alternatives to Get 99¢ Store Groceries Delivered
Even though the 99¢ Store doesn’t deliver, there are ways to try to get your groceries delivered to you. One way would be to ask a friend or family member to do the shopping for you. Another is using a shopping service. Some personal shopping services, such as Instacart or Shipt, *might* be able to shop at the 99¢ Store for you, but they don’t partner with the 99¢ Store directly.
Using these services might have a few downsides. First, not all 99¢ Store locations are supported by these services, or have enough customers to keep the service running. Second, there will usually be extra fees. This is because the shopper is providing their own time and transportation. These services can sometimes charge a delivery fee, a service fee, and even a tip for the shopper.
Here’s some extra information about using services like Instacart or Shipt:
- **Check Availability:** Before you get your hopes up, check if the services are even available in your area, and if the 99¢ Store in your town is included in the service.
- **Compare Prices:** The prices on these apps are sometimes higher than what you’d pay in the store because of the fees. Always compare the prices before you commit to ordering.
- **EBT Payment:** Not all of these services take EBT cards. You’ll have to check the service’s specific rules.
Even if you can find a service that delivers from the 99¢ Store, it’s important to think about the extra costs.
Using EBT with Delivery Services (If Possible)
If you find a delivery service that *does* shop at the 99¢ Store and *also* accepts EBT cards, that’s great news! Using EBT for delivery can be a great help if you are unable to get to the store yourself. Remember, the delivery service needs to support EBT, as the 99¢ Store doesn’t accept it on their own.
If the delivery service does accept EBT, they’ll usually have a specific process for you to follow when you’re checking out online. You’ll enter your EBT card information just like you would with a credit or debit card, but you will probably only be able to use it for the food items, not the delivery fee or any service charges.
Before you order with EBT, it’s a good idea to check their rules and FAQs. Make sure you understand how much you can spend with your EBT card, what items are eligible, and how the payment process works.
Here’s what to look for when checking out:
- Look for a spot to select your payment method, which might include EBT.
- Enter your EBT card number and the other required details.
- See what items qualify for EBT, as some items will not be available for this payment.
- Understand how your payment will be split to cover items that are not qualified.
Other Ways to Use EBT for Groceries
While 99¢ Store delivery is tricky, don’t worry! There are other places and ways you *can* use your EBT benefits to get groceries delivered. Many larger grocery stores, like Walmart or Amazon Fresh, have their own online stores and delivery services that accept EBT. These services will partner directly with you to fill and deliver the orders.
Some community organizations and food banks might also offer delivery services, especially if you have trouble getting to a store. This can be a great solution, but there are usually restrictions on who can use these services.
Another option is using programs created by the government. You can often get access to more food with these options. It might involve going to different locations to pick up your groceries.
Here’s some quick information about some of the resources available:
| Service | Accepts EBT? | Delivery? |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart | Yes | Yes |
| Amazon Fresh | Yes | Yes |
| Local Food Banks | No | Sometimes |
Conclusion
So, back to the main question: Does the 99¢ Store accept EBT for delivery? **The answer is no, because the 99¢ Store does not offer a delivery service of its own.** However, there are ways to try to get groceries delivered. While you may have to spend more, you can try an outside personal shopping service. There are plenty of options for those using EBT to get groceries delivered, and you can still find affordable food using the EBT program and shopping at some stores.