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Food prices have been pretty expensive in recent years, making it difficult to keep your budget on track. Thankfully, there are some government programs that can help make your money go a little farther. These include SNAP and EBT.
In this article, we’ll discuss what SNAP and EBT are and whether EBT can be used at ampm convenience stores.
What are SNAP and EBT?
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—previously known as the Food Stamp Program) is the federal government’s anti-hunger program. The program offers additional nutritional (food) support for low-income individuals and families (include those who have disabilities living on a fixed income, etc.). The government supports SNAP in all 50 states, Guam, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands.
EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) is a program under SNAP. It’s an electronic program that helps low-income families and individuals pay for food with SNAP benefits. The benefits are in the form of money, which is applied to the EBT card each month. The program serves all 50 states and ensures people have access to healthy food.
The EBT card is similar to a debit card—it’s plastic, with a magnetic strip on the back. It also includes a security PIN. The card is used as a payment method when purchasing eligible items.
What is ampm?
Ampm is a convenience store chain that has 950 stores in five states. This includes stores in northern Oregon and southern California. A lot of ampm stores come together with BP gas stations, which means that they accept SNAP benefits. A convenience store, which is like a supermarket, is open 24 hours every day and sells sodas, coffee, bakery items, and some other hot foods.
Does ampm Take EBT Cards?
The answer depends, as different locations and franchise may accept EBT while others may not allow this form of payment.
For this reason, it’s a good idea to check the ampm store before you try to make a purchase. If the store accepts EBT, they usually have a red sign in their front window (or door). If not, you can go in and ask the store manager whether or not EBT is allowed in their store.
You may be wondering if there is an ampm near you and if they accept SNAP benefits or Food Stamps. AMPM stores accept SNAP benefits and EBT cards to purchase specific food items.
When you visit an ampm store, you can use your SNAP EBT card to purchase some food. Food items you want to buy and can buy with ECT cards are amongst others fruits and veggies, juices and non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, bread, cereals, and crackers.
The RMP Program
Depending on where you live and your eligibility, some stores participate in the Restaurant Meal Program (RMP) and you may be able to purchase food that is ready to eat. If you are eligible to receive SNAP benefits, you may be able to purchase food at ampm stores. Some states participate in the RMP, like Arizona, Maryland, Rhode Island, Michigan, Virginia, and some Illinois counties.
When you use your EBT card, you cannot buy the following things at ampm or any other convenient store or gas station: Gas, Alcohol, Cigarettes, Lottery Tickets, Pet food, Vitamins, Medicine, and Hot Food.
How to Pay with EBT in Ampm?
You automatically receive some of your SNAP benefits each month by using your electronic benefit card. EBT cards work just like debit or credit cards. You simply use the number and card numbers that you receive when you open your account with the store. EBT cards are the same as debit cards, but you can only use them to buy groceries at specific EBT retailers.
When you’re ready to pay for your groceries, you need to insert or tap your EBT card into the card machine of your store of choice. Then enter your PIN. PIN is a 4-digit number that you created the first time you received your EBT card. You may also choose to change your PIN online or by calling the number on your card depending on your location.
When creating your personal PIN code, make sure that you use something that is memorable. Try not to enter the wrong PIN several times in a row. You do not want to be locked out of your account. After you enter your PIN, your purchase will be approved.
It is important to know that you can use your EBT card to purchase food and beverages at your local ampm convenience stores. Stores are conveniently located near busy highways so they are easy to get to by car, bus, or on foot.
Because these stores are convenient, it’s important to know that the prices for some of the items you may purchase may be slightly higher than at your local grocery store. But since we often need items while traveling or while waiting for a taxi, stores such as ampm are convenient.
