Can You Buy Shrimp with EBT? Complete Guide to Purchasing Seafood with Food Stamps

Hey there! I’m Lauren and today I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about buying shrimp and other seafood with your EBT card. As someone who’s helped many readers navigate SNAP benefits I know this is a common question that deserves a clear answer.

The Quick Answer

Yes, you can absolutely buy shrimp with your EBT card! Your SNAP benefits cover both fresh and frozen shrimp, along with pretty much any other seafood that isn’t hot or prepared for immediate consumption.

What Types of Shrimp Can You Buy with EBT?

With your EBT card you can purchase

• Raw fresh shrimp
• Frozen shrimp
• Uncooked peeled and deveined shrimp
• Shell-on shrimp
• Bagged frozen shrimp
• Any uncooked shrimp varieties

Where to Buy Shrimp with EBT

Seafood Markets

We’ve found several seafood markets that happily accept EBT payments:

1. Boston Public Market (Massachusetts)
2. John Yi Fish Market (Philadelphia)
3. Portland Fish Market (Oregon)
4. Saltwater Seafood Market (North Carolina)

Major Grocery Stores

Most folks find it easier to buy shrimp at regular grocery stores. Here’s where you can use your EBT:

• Walmart
• ALDI
• Kroger
• Publix
• Safeway
• Whole Foods
• Costco
• Sam’s Club
• Target

Online Shopping

Guess what? You can even order shrimp online now! Thanks to the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot program, you can buy seafood from:

• Walmart.com
• Amazon Fresh
• FreshDirect (in participating states)

What You Can’t Buy with EBT

While you can get raw shrimp, there are some restrictions:

• No hot or prepared shrimp dishes
• No ready-to-eat shrimp cocktails
• No shrimp from seafood restaurants
• No pre-cooked hot shrimp

Tips for Buying Shrimp with EBT

1. Compare Prices: Fresh shrimp at seafood markets might be pricier than frozen options at grocery stores.

2. Buy in Bulk: Consider getting frozen shrimp in larger bags to save money.

3. Check Quality: For fresh shrimp, look for:

   • Firm texture
   • Mild ocean smell
   • Clear or slightly bluish shells
   • No black spots or discoloration

4. Storage Tips:

   • Fresh shrimp: Use within 1-2 days
   • Frozen shrimp: Keeps for months in freezer

Other Seafood You Can Buy with EBT

Your EBT card isn’t just good for shrimp! You can also buy:

• Fish (all varieties)
• Lobster
• Crab
• Scallops
• Mussels
• Oysters
• Clams

Real Talk: Making the Most of Your Benefits

I’ll be honest with ya – seafood can eat up your SNAP benefits pretty quick. Here’s what I suggest:

• Watch for sales and stock up when prices are low
• Consider frozen options which are usually cheaper
• Mix seafood meals with other protein sources to stretch your budget
• Check if your local seafood market has special discounts for EBT users

Common Questions I Get Asked

Q: Can I buy live shrimp with EBT?
A: Yep! As long as it’s from an approved retailer.

Q: What about seasoned or marinated raw shrimp?
A: Yes, these are usually covered if they’re not prepared hot.

Q: Can I use EBT for shrimp at farmer’s markets?
A: If the vendor accepts EBT, absolutely!

Final Thoughts

Buying shrimp with your EBT card is totally doable and can be a great way to add healthy protein to your diet. Just remember to shop smart and compare prices between different stores and options.

Need more money-saving tips for shopping with EBT? Drop a comment below – I’d love to help ya out! And don’t forget to check out our other guides on making the most of your SNAP benefits.

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