For millions of low-income Americans, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides critical access to food through Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. Many rely on EBT to purchase groceries at major retailers—but did you know you can also use your EBT card at Big Lots?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about using EBT at Big Lots, including store policies, eligible items, and step-by-step instructions for making EBT purchases. Plus, learn about the history of SNAP, how it impacts local communities, and what the future may hold for this vital food assistance program.
What Is EBT/SNAP and How Does It Work?
EBT, which stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer, is the system used by state agencies to issue SNAP benefits via a payment card. SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a federal nutrition program that provides food-purchasing assistance for low-income individuals and households.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees SNAP at the federal level, but benefits are distributed by individual state agencies. As of 2022, over 41 million Americans received SNAP benefits each month to help put food on the table.
To use SNAP, recipients first apply and are approved by their state‘s program. If eligible, they receive an EBT card, which functions similarly to a debit card. Each month, the state agency deposits the allotted SNAP funds into the recipient‘s account. They can then use their EBT card to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers, including Big Lots.
Fun fact: The first food stamp program in the U.S. began in 1939 under the Roosevelt administration. The program ended in 1943 but was revived in the 1960s under President Kennedy and later expanded and rebranded as SNAP in the 2000s.
Does Big Lots Accept EBT/SNAP?
Yes, Big Lots happily accepts EBT cards as payment at all store locations that stock eligible grocery items. Not all Big Lots stores carry food products, so it‘s best to check with your local store first to confirm they are EBT approved.
According to a Big Lots spokesperson, the retailer is committed to "supporting the communities we serve by ensuring affordable access to everyday essentials, especially food." By accepting EBT, Big Lots aims to be a convenient, one-stop shop where SNAP recipients can maximize their benefits alongside the store‘s signature discounts.
How to Use Your EBT Card at Big Lots
Using your EBT card at Big Lots is a simple, straightforward process. Just follow these steps:
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Before shopping, check your EBT balance by calling the number on the back of your card or by looking at your last receipt. This will let you know how much you have available to spend.
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At Big Lots, choose your food items, ensuring they are EBT-eligible (more on that below). You can mix EBT and non-EBT items in the same transaction.
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When you‘re ready to check out, swipe your EBT card at the register or hand it to the cashier. You can also use the self-checkout if available.
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Enter your four-digit PIN on the keypad. The PIN pad will show asterisks (****) instead of the actual numbers you press.
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If you have non-EBT items or want to use a different payment method, tell the cashier before they complete the transaction. You can use multiple payment types as needed.
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After your transaction is complete, you‘ll receive a printed receipt showing the store information, items purchased, payment method(s) used, and your remaining EBT balance. Keep this receipt for your records.
Note that you cannot get cash back from your EBT card, nor can you use it at the Big Lots Store Rewards kiosk to access rewards certificates. These limitations are in place to ensure SNAP funds are only spent on approved food items.
"I appreciate that I can use my EBT card at Big Lots without feeling judged or singled out. The cashiers are always friendly and discreet, which means a lot when you‘re on a tight budget." – Sarah D., Big Lots shopper and EBT user
Using Your Out-of-State EBT Card at Big Lots
What happens if you‘re traveling or have recently moved to a new state? The good news is, you can still use your EBT card at Big Lots locations nationwide, regardless of which state issued your benefits.
However, if you‘ve permanently relocated, you‘ll need to close your SNAP case in your old state and reapply in your new state of residence. This ensures your benefits are properly transferred and that you‘re meeting all the eligibility requirements for your new location.
What Items Are Eligible for EBT Purchase at Big Lots?
At Big Lots, you can buy a wide variety of food items with your EBT card, as long as they fall under these approved categories:
- Breads and cereals
- Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Meats, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat
This means you can stock up on essentials like milk, eggs, bread, rice, pasta, ground beef, chicken, and fresh or frozen produce, all on your EBT/SNAP benefits. Big Lots‘ everyday low prices combined with your EBT funds help you stretch your food budget further.
Pro Tip: Look for yellow tags marked "EBT" throughout Big Lots to quickly spot eligible food items as you shop.
Keep in mind, though, that not all food items qualify for EBT use. The following are not eligible:
- Hot, prepared foods or food meant to be eaten in-store
- Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or e-cigarettes
- Vitamins, supplements, or medicines
- Pet foods
- Non-food items like cleaners, toiletries, cosmetics, or paper goods
If you want to purchase any of these non-eligible items at Big Lots, you‘ll need to use an alternate form of payment like cash, debit, or credit.
How to Qualify and Apply for EBT/SNAP
To take advantage of EBT benefits at Big Lots and elsewhere, you first need to qualify for your state‘s SNAP program. Eligibility is primarily based on household size, income, and resources.
In general, your household must meet the following criteria:
- Gross monthly income at or below 130% of the federal poverty line
- Net monthly income (after deductions) at or below 100% of the federal poverty line
- Less than $2,500 in countable assets like bank accounts ($3,750 if a household member is age 60 or older or disabled)
Some individuals are automatically or "categorically" eligible based on their participation in other aid programs. And able-bodied adults ages 18-49 with no children must also meet work requirements to qualify.
To apply for SNAP, you‘ll need to fill out an application through your local SNAP office, either in person, by mail, or online if available. If approved, you‘ll receive an EBT card and PIN by mail within 30 days.
The Impact of SNAP on Food Insecurity
SNAP and the retailers that accept EBT, like Big Lots, play a vital role in combating food insecurity and poverty across the country. With diet-related diseases on the rise, particularly among low-income populations, SNAP helps make healthy foods more affordable for those who might not otherwise have access.
Studies show SNAP significantly reduces hunger and improves nutrition for children, seniors, working families, and those with disabilities. The program lifts millions above the poverty line each year and boosts local economies. For every $1 billion in SNAP benefits distributed, it‘s estimated that 8,900-17,900 full-time jobs are created.
According to the USDA, SNAP kept 2.5 million people out of poverty in 2021, including over 1 million children. For struggling families, every dollar counts when it comes to keeping food on the table.
Despite these successes, many challenges remain for SNAP recipients and the retailers that serve them. Limited benefit amounts, strict eligibility requirements, and occasional stigma surrounding EBT use all present barriers to the program‘s reach and effectiveness.
Big Lots and fellow authorized SNAP retailers help reduce that stigma by treating EBT as just another standard payment method. In fact, many Big Lots stores prominently feature EBT signage and tagged items in their weekly ads right alongside their regular deals. This, combined with added conveniences like self-checkout, helps create a welcoming, inclusive shopping experience for EBT customers.
The Future of EBT
As technology evolves, so too do the options for EBT users. A growing number of stores, including Walmart and Amazon, now allow customers to use SNAP benefits for online grocery orders. This is part of a USDA pilot program aimed at increasing access for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those without reliable transportation.
Big Lots does not currently participate in the SNAP online purchasing pilot, but has expressed interest in exploring it in the future as the program expands. For now, Big Lots remains committed to providing an ever-growing range of affordable grocery options in its stores, easily accessible to EBT shoppers.
Experts predict the demand for EBT services will only continue to grow in the coming years, especially in the face of economic uncertainties and job instabilities. In response, retailers will need to stay nimble and adapt to the changing needs of SNAP shoppers, both in-store and online.
Accepting EBT is not only a smart business move, but a socially responsible one. It‘s a way for retailers to support their communities, boost their bottom lines, and be a part of the solution to food insecurity in America. As a leader in the discount retail space, Big Lots is well poised to be at the forefront of this evolution.
The Bottom Line on EBT at Big Lots
For Big Lots shoppers who rely on EBT to make ends meet, having a trusted, go-to retailer that accepts their benefits is key. With its wide selection of food staples, easy checkout process, and commitment to the SNAP community, Big Lots takes the guesswork and stress out of maximizing EBT funds.
As a bonus, Big Lots‘ unique offering of furniture, decor, and seasonal items means EBT customers can also shop for other essentials beyond food in the same trip (using alternate payment types). This one-stop-shop convenience only adds to the appeal and accessibility of Big Lots for anyone using SNAP benefits.
Whether you‘re a savvy sale shopper, on a fixed income, or just looking to save money on groceries, rest assured Big Lots enthusiastically honors EBT. So the next time your fridge or pantry is running low, consider maximizing your monthly food budget by combining your SNAP benefits with a trip to your neighborhood Big Lots.
Because everyone deserves access to an affordable, convenient, and judgment-free shopping experience, regardless of their financial situation. And that is something Big Lots is proud to provide every day, in every store, to every customer.