For millions of low-income Americans, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides critical support in the form of monthly food benefits delivered via Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. As of 2021, nearly 42 million people – or roughly 1 in 8 Americans – relied on SNAP to help put food on the table, with the average household receiving around $210 per month in benefits.[^1] [^1]: U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service. "SNAP Data Tables." Accessed 4 Apr 2023. https://www.fns.usda.gov/pd/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap
While SNAP benefits can be used at a wide variety of retailers nationwide, many recipients may not realize that their EBT card is accepted at most CVS locations. As one of the largest pharmacy chains in the U.S. with over 8,000 total stores, CVS offers a convenient option for SNAP households to access food and essentials, especially in areas with limited grocery store options.
However, navigating EBT use at a non-traditional food retailer like CVS does come with some unique considerations and challenges. In this expert guide, we‘ll dive into everything you need to know about maximizing your EBT benefits at CVS, from eligible items and restrictions to smart shopping strategies. Plus, we‘ll explore some of the larger implications of SNAP spending at pharmacies from a consumer behavior and public health perspective.
Can You Use EBT at CVS? Eligibility and Restrictions
Let‘s start with the basics: Yes, CVS does accept EBT payments at around 6,900 of its 8,000 U.S. stores, or roughly 86% of locations.[^2] This widespread acceptance makes CVS a popular choice for SNAP recipients looking to quickly purchase staple food items while picking up prescriptions or other household necessities. According to USDA data, CVS processed over $86 million in SNAP redemptions in 2021, placing it in the top 15 of all pharmacies and drug stores.[^3]
[^2]: CVS Health. "CVS Pharmacy Locations." Accessed 4 Apr 2023. https://www.cvs.com/store-locator/landing
[^3]: U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service. "Fiscal Year 2021 Year End Summary." Accessed 4 Apr 2023. https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/2021-snap-retailer-management-year-end-summary.pdf
However, it‘s important to note that EBT acceptance isn‘t necessarily guaranteed at every single CVS store. To avoid a wasted trip, always verify your local store‘s participation in SNAP before shopping by checking the store locator on the CVS website or USDA‘s SNAP Retailer Locator tool. When in doubt, you can also call the store directly to inquire about their specific policies.
Assuming your CVS does accept EBT, making a purchase is as simple as swiping your card at checkout like any other debit transaction. Just keep in mind that you may need to separate eligible food items from non-eligible purchases and pay for those separately using another method like cash or credit. And currently, EBT cannot be used to pay for online CVS orders, only in-store transactions.
So what exactly is EBT-eligible at CVS? In general, SNAP benefits can be redeemed for most unprepared staple foods and beverages, including:
- Breads and cereals
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meats, fish, and poultry
- Dairy products
- Snack foods like chips, nuts, and pretzels
However, a decent chunk of CVS‘s inventory is off-limits for EBT spending due to SNAP restrictions, including:
- Alcohol and tobacco products
- Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
- Prepared hot foods or drinks
- Pet food and supplies
- Paper products, cleaning supplies, cosmetics, and other non-food items
While these rules are set by the USDA and apply everywhere that accepts SNAP, they can feel particularly limiting at a retailer like CVS where food is not the primary focus. A 2016 USDA analysis of nationwide SNAP transaction data found that the majority of redemptions at pharmacies went towards "non-core" food items like snacks, candy, and sugar-sweetened beverages, rather than healthier grocery staples.[^4]
[^4]: U.S. Department of Agriculture. "Foods Typically Purchased by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Households." Nov 2016. https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/ops/SNAPFoodsTypicallyPurchased.pdfThis trend concerns some nutrition advocates who argue that allowing EBT use at stores like CVS enables unhealthy impulse purchases and does little to meaningfully improve food access. On the other hand, many low-income consumers appreciate the convenience and argue that policing or restricting their purchases is paternalistic. Striking the right balance between shopper dignity and promoting nutrition with limited benefits is an ongoing challenge for SNAP.
Tips for Smart EBT Shopping at CVS
With a little planning and savvy decision-making, EBT recipients can still get the most bang for their buck at CVS without sacrificing health or blowing through benefits too quickly. Here are a few expert tips to consider:
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Make a list and stick to it. Avoid wandering the aisles aimlessly and filling your cart with tempting but expensive junk food by going in with a clear plan of the staples you need.
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Compare unit prices. Don‘t assume that just because it‘s sold at CVS, it‘s automatically a good deal. Many items like cereal, snacks, and canned goods may be significantly cheaper at a traditional grocery store or discount retailer like Aldi or Walmart.
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Buy generic. CVS‘s store-brand items are often much cheaper than name brands without sacrificing much in quality. Opting for the generic version of staples like pasta, peanut butter, and canned veggies is an easy way to save.
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Think beyond grocery aisles. Some of the best deals at CVS for EBT shoppers may be hidden in plain sight on the regular shelves, like nuts and seeds in the snack section or canned fish in the personal care area. Get creative and don‘t be afraid to buy food items from unexpected parts of the store!
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Look for deals and discounts. Make sure to check the weekly CVS ad circular for any EBT-eligible items on sale, and take advantage of the store‘s ExtraBucks Rewards program to get cash back that you can later use on SNAP-approved purchases. If you have a manufacturer‘s coupon for an EBT item, you can also use it for additional savings.
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Shop in-season when possible. This generally applies more to fresh produce which CVS has a limited selection of, but picking up seasonal fruit or veggies can help you save without compromising on taste or nutrition.
EBT at CVS: More Than Just a Transaction
At first glance, the question of whether you can use EBT at CVS may seem like a simple yes or no. But when we zoom out, the answer reveals a much more complex web of factors related to nutrition access, consumer psychology, and corporate responsibility.
For one, the fact that so many SNAP dollars are being redeemed at CVS and other non-traditional food retailers highlights the dire lack of affordable grocery options in many low-income areas. Over 44 million Americans currently live in what the USDA classifies as "low-income, low-access" census tracts, where a significant number of residents are more than 1 mile from the nearest supermarket.[^5] In these food deserts, pharmacy chains like CVS may be the only place for miles to purchase any food items at all with EBT.
[^5]: U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service. "Low-Income and Low-Supermarket-Access Census Tracts, 2015-2019." Accessed 4 Apr 2023. https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-access-research-atlas/go-to-the-atlas/However, the options at CVS are often limited to packaged and processed items rather than the fresh, whole ingredients needed to prepare nutritious meals. A 2018 study from the University of Illinois at Chicago found that 81% of CVS stores in the city sold soda and candy, but less than 10% stocked products like fresh milk, eggs, or whole-grain bread.[^6] This raises concerns that the increasing share of SNAP benefits being spent at pharmacies and dollar stores may be exacerbating the challenges low-income shoppers face in maintaining a healthy diet.
[^6]: Chelsea R. Singleton, Noel Chavez & Lisa M. Powell (2018) Access to food and pharmacy deserts in Chicago, Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition, 13:2, 265-278, DOI: 10.1080/19320248.2017.1315324That‘s not to say CVS and other similar retailers are the villains of this story. After all, they are providing a vital service by accepting EBT and expanding food access in many areas. CVS could be doing more to stock affordable, nutritious staples and perhaps use their SNAP data to better inform health-promoting initiatives. But more importantly, the gaps they‘re filling point to a need for broader solutions and government investments to truly eliminate barriers to food security.
On an individual level, CVS can also do more to ensure EBT shoppers feel welcome and supported rather than stigmatized for using benefits. A 2021 report from the Government Accountability Office found that many SNAP recipients feel embarrassed or judged when redeeming benefits, which can lead to rushed or unwise purchasing decisions.[^7] Retailers like CVS have an opportunity to provide clearer signage, train staff on EBT policies, and explore more discreet payment technologies to create a better experience for these shoppers.
[^7]: U.S. Government Accountability Office. "Food Insecurity: Better Information Could Help Eligible College Students Access Federal Food Assistance Benefits." Dec 2018. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-19-95The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, CVS accepting EBT is a net positive for expanding critical food access and choice for low-income households. No, their selection isn‘t perfect or as comprehensive as a supermarket. And yes, there is certainly a risk that having benefits accepted at a convenience-oriented retailer could enable more impulse snack purchases vs. nutrient-dense staples.
But for the millions of Americans who rely on SNAP to get by, having a safety net that is widely accepted is far more important than policing how they redeem those benefits. As a massive player in the pharmacy retail space, CVS has both an opportunity and responsibility to continue supporting these shoppers in using their EBT card to access food however works best for their individual needs and circumstances.
By combining smart shopping strategies with an understanding of SNAP policies, savvy EBT spenders can certainly make the most of their CVS trips as part of an overall plan to stretch benefits and improve nutrition on a tight budget. More broadly, the trends in SNAP redemption data should motivate policymakers and public health advocates to keep working towards a world where a pharmacy is not the closest or only source of staples for millions.
In the meantime, don‘t hesitate to swipe your EBT card with confidence at CVS – and consider letting them know you appreciate this commitment to enhancing food security for all.
