It is evident that seafood is an excellent source of so many vitamins, and you may feel the need to purchase seafood. If you have the EBT benefit, you can buy seafood at popular seafood markets across the U.S., as well as at local grocery stores. But as an EBT cardholder, you should comply with government rules regarding EBT cards since it’s a government benefit. Besides, you have to be careful when choosing a seafood market and know the process and policies. You have to know all the Seafood place that takes EBT. In this article, I’ll explain where you can buy seafood with your EBT card at your local grocery store and some popular seafood markets.

What to Know Before Going to a Seafood Place That Takes EBT

You can buy seafood with your EBT card at so many local grocery stores and seafood markets in America. You may have a lot of questions about buying with an EBT card when you’re eligible for SNAP benefits. Also you have to know what you can and can’t buy with SNAP. Seafood can be merged with SNAP food items as a staple.

Here are some important points to consider before visiting a seafood restaurant that accepts EBT:

  1. Check for EBT Acceptance: It is important to verify that the seafood place accepts EBT payments. This payment option may not be available at all seafood restaurants, so it is best to call ahead or check their website before ordering.
  2. Menu and Options: Be sure to review the restaurant’s menu or seafood offerings. Check to see if they have the type of seafood you wish to purchase with your EBT card.
  3. Seafood Items that Qualify: Seafood places may accept EBT, but you may be limited in what you can purchase based on program guidelines. If you want specific seafood items, check whether you can use EBT.
  4. EBT Card: Make sure you have your EBT card. Ensure it is in good condition and ready to be swiped or inserted.
  5. Availability of EBT Payments: Ensure the seafood spot accepts EBT payments for both dine-ins and takeouts. A few places may restrict the use of EBT.
  6. Store Policies: Find out if the store has any specific EBT policies. A restriction may apply to the combination of EBT with other payment methods, to returns, or to refunds.

You can take advantage of your EBT benefits while dining at a seafood restaurant that accepts EBT by keeping these points in mind.

Seafood Place That Takes EBT

There are certain seafood markets where you can maximize your EBT benefits while enjoying fresh and flavorful seafood. Before visiting these seafood markets, you should contact them directly or visit their websites to confirm their EBT acceptance policy, seafood availability, and any other relevant details. Here are some of the top seafood markets where you can use your EBT card:

Seafood Markets That Accept EBT

It’s easy to buy seafood at some places, and they’re well-known for providing it too. I’ll discuss it shortly, but you can check out the seafood place’s website for more info.

  • Boston Public Market: Vendors sell a variety of products and foods at this indoor seafood market. This seafood place accepts EBT payments to ensure fresh, healthy food for everyone. The store is in Boston, MA, and its open Monday through Saturday, 8 am to 6 pm, and Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm.
  • Jon Yi Fish Market: You can get wild-caught and farmed fish at the John Yi Fish Market, plus sushi-grade salmon and live lobsters. To check out the seafood in person, go to 1136 Arch Street, #400, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Portland Fish Market: It is open Monday through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. A variety of fish are available, including albacore tuna, black cod, and halibut. Other aquatic foods include octopus legs, mussels, clams, shrimp, and oysters, as well as shellfish such as mussels, clams, and clam shells. 
  • Saltwater Seafood Market: There’s fresh and frozen seafood, including fish, crab, clams, lobster, and more at 4 Fenton Street, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27604. You can get both locally produced and imported fish there. You can go there every day except Monday and Sunday from 10.30 am to 6.45 pm. 

Buy Seafood with EBT from These Grocery Stores

Unfortunately, there are only a limited number of seafood markets that accept EBT as a form of payment. It may therefore be more practical to purchase seafood from grocery stores. The following grocery stores accept EBT benefits for the purchase of seafood:

  • Albertsons
  • ALDI
  • BJ’s Wholesale Club
  • Costco
  • Food Lion
  • Giant Eagle
  • Hy-Vee
  • Kroger
  • Publix
  • Safeway
  • Sam’s Club
  • Target
  • Trader Joe’s
  • Wegmans
  • Whole Foods
  • WinCo Foods

Before making a seafood purchase, it is essential to verify that the specific grocery store accepts EBT before making a purchase.

Order Seafood Online from Grocery Stores that Accept EBT

With the implementation of the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot, the landscape of using SNAP benefits for online grocery shopping has significantly evolved. The SNAP initiative has enabled many people to conveniently order groceries online using their benefits. As a result of the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot, many states now have the option of using their SNAP benefits to purchase groceries online. The benefits of this are greater accessibility and convenience, especially during times when accessing a physical store may be difficult.

Restaurants That Accept EBT

Check out this list of well-known chains that accept EBT payments if you want to use your EBT benefits:

  • Burger King
  • Carl’s Jr.
  • Dairy Queen
  • Denny’s
  • Domino’s Pizza
  • El Pollo Loco
  • Jack in the Box
  • Jamba Juice
  • KFC
  • McDonald’s
  • Papa Murphy’s
  • Pizza Hut
  • Popeye’s
  • Rally’s
  • Subway
  • Taco Bell
  • Wendy’s

It is important to verify your state’s EBT acceptance before taking advantage of this offer.

Seafood Places that Don’t Accept EBT

Unfortunately, most seafood markets and restaurants in the United States do not accept EBT. Here is a list of seafood restaurants that do not accept EBT:

  • 4th Street Shrimp Store
  • Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market
  • Arthur Treacher’s Fish and Chips
  • Atlantic Seafood Market
  • Bahama Breeze
  • Bonefish Grill
  • Bubba Gump Shrimp Company
  • Captain Ds Seafood
  • Carolina Meat & Fish Co.
  • Conrad’s Crab & Seafood Market
  • Crab Cake Cafe
  • Crab Cake Café
  • Crab Pot ATL
  • Crabby Bil’s
  • Jersey City Fish Stand
  • Joe’s Crab Shack
  • King’s Fish House
  • Legal Seafoods
  • Long John Silver’s
  • Mac’s Seafood Markets
  • McCormick and Schmick’s
  • McGrath’s Fish House
  • Milwaukee Public Market/St. Paul Fish Company
  • Monahan’s Seafood Market
  • Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
  • Pappas Seafood Co.
  • Red Lobster
  • Rockfish Seafood Grill
  • San Pedro Fish Market
  • Santa Monica Seafood Market & Café
  • Shells Restaurant
  • Paul Fish Company
  • The Crazy Crab
  • The District Fishwife
  • The Lobster Place Seafood Market
  • Truluck’s Seafood Steak and Crab House

Who Can Go to a Seafood Place that Takes EBT

A variety of outlets, including stores, restaurants, and local grocery chains, accept EBT cards, ranging from essential food items to seafood. Fish packages, frozen seafood, and fresh seafood all fall under this category. 

Those who qualify for EBT cards belong to low-income families and are less fortunate. The application process varies from state to state based on a variety of factors. EBT benefits may be available to the following categories of individuals:

  • People who are homeless: Despite misconceptions, homeless individuals in the US are eligible to receive SNAP benefits, regardless of their lack of a permanent place to cook.
  • Disabled People: Disabled individuals often face challenges securing meals because of discrimination or difficulty in preparing meals. Benefits under SNAP are extended in response to these challenges.
  • Low-income families: EBT benefits are usually available to families earning less than 130% of the poverty level. The EBT card has limitations on purchase types, but it is a useful tool for allowing families to prepare meals at home and share them.

Besides seafood, EBT benefits include a wide assortment of essential food items including fruits and vegetables, making a family’s diet more balanced and nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to purchase fresh seafood with an EBT card?

You can use your EBT card to buy fresh seafood with Food Stamps at any eligible seafood market or grocery store. Fresh seafood items that you can buy with your EBT card include shrimp, lobster, fish, crab, scallops, mussels, oysters, and more.

Is it possible to use EBT at seafood restaurants near me?

Using your EBT card, you can buy fresh, frozen, and packaged seafood items. For example, you can buy shrimp, lobster, fish, crab, mussels, and oysters. Many grocery stores also accept EBT cards.

Do I have the option of purchasing steamed hot crabs with EBT?

If you have an EBT card, you cannot use it to purchase hot, steamed crabs with your food stamp benefits. However, you can use your SNAP EBT benefits to purchase live crabs that can be cooked and eaten at your own convenience.

Can I Get Cash Back with an EBT Card?

Using EBT cards is limited to buying food, not getting cash back. EBT cards are also used for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). If you have TANF money, you can withdraw $1 or up to its balance at an ATM. You can find a store that gives you the most cash back on a debit card if you have a lot of money on your card.

What should I do if I cannot find seafood markets?

There is no doubt that seafood can be found in the seafood market, but there may be limited options in your region. However, your requirement is to purchase seafood, which may also be available in supermarkets. In this case, you may be able to purchase seafood with your EBT card if the grocery store participates in the SNAP program.