Shopping at stores can be fun, especially when you’re looking for craft supplies, home décor, or even seasonal items! One popular store that offers all of these things is Hobby Lobby. If you or your family are using Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards for food assistance, you might be wondering: Does Hobby Lobby accept EBT? Let’s dive into this question and explore some things about how EBT cards work and what you can buy with them.
The Short Answer: Does Hobby Lobby Accept EBT for Food?
The short answer is no, Hobby Lobby does not accept EBT cards. Hobby Lobby is primarily a craft and home decor store, not a grocery store. This means they don’t sell the types of items typically covered by EBT benefits, like food and drinks.
What Can You Buy with an EBT Card?
EBT cards are designed to help people buy food. These cards work like debit cards, but the money comes from a government program that helps people with low incomes. You can only use them for certain things. The types of things you can buy vary, depending on the state and the specific program you are using.
Generally, you can use your EBT card to buy:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food
EBT cards are not allowed for some things. For example, you cannot use your EBT card for:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Vitamins and supplements
- Hot foods that are ready to eat
- Non-food items
What Else Does Hobby Lobby Sell?
Hobby Lobby is known for its wide variety of items. You can find things to decorate your home, like picture frames, seasonal decorations, and furniture. They also have a massive selection of craft supplies for all kinds of hobbies, from painting and scrapbooking to jewelry making and floral design. The store also offers a wide variety of fabrics.
Hobby Lobby’s product catalog includes:
- Art supplies (paint, brushes, canvases)
- Crafting materials (paper, beads, yarn)
- Home decor (wall art, candles, pillows)
- Seasonal items (Christmas, Easter, Halloween)
- Fabric and sewing supplies
These items are considered non-food items, which means they’re not something you can buy with EBT. However, if you are looking for craft supplies for a school project, you will have to use another form of payment.
Other Payment Options at Hobby Lobby
Since Hobby Lobby doesn’t accept EBT, how can you pay for the things you want to buy there? Luckily, they accept several other payment methods. This means you have options when it’s time to pay for your purchases!
Here are some of the payment methods that are usually accepted at Hobby Lobby:
- Cash
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express)
- Debit cards
- Hobby Lobby gift cards
- Checks (with proper identification)
It’s always a good idea to double-check with the specific store you are visiting to make sure they accept your preferred payment method.
How EBT Works at Grocery Stores
Since Hobby Lobby doesn’t accept EBT, you’ll need to head to a different store to use your card. Grocery stores, like Kroger, Walmart, and local markets, are where you will most likely use your EBT card. These stores are set up to sell the food items covered by EBT.
Here’s how EBT usually works at a grocery store:
- Choose your groceries: Select the food items you want to buy.
- Go to checkout: Head to the checkout counter with your items.
- Swipe your card: When prompted, swipe your EBT card through the card reader.
- Enter your PIN: Enter your personal identification number (PIN) to verify your transaction.
The amount of money you can spend is based on how much is on your EBT card. You can also pay for some items with EBT and some with another payment method.
Finding Stores That Accept EBT
If you’re looking for stores that accept EBT, there are a few ways to find them. You can ask your local Department of Social Services. They usually have information about which stores accept EBT in your area.
Here’s a simple table you can use to help guide you:
| Type of Store | EBT Acceptance? |
|---|---|
| Grocery Stores | Usually yes |
| Convenience Stores | Often, but may have limited items |
| Farmers Markets | Can vary, check with individual market |
| Restaurants | Sometimes, depending on the state |
| Craft Stores | No |
You can also use online search engines or apps to find stores near you that take EBT. Just type “EBT stores near me” into the search bar.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while Hobby Lobby offers a fantastic array of products for crafting and home décor, it does not accept EBT cards. EBT cards are specifically for purchasing food items. To use your EBT benefits, you will need to shop at grocery stores or other retailers that participate in the EBT program. Now you know why you cannot use your EBT card at Hobby Lobby and how to use it for food shopping!