Latest news with #ElectronicBenefitsTransfer
Time Business News
5 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Making the Most of EBT Benefits: Where and How to Use Them
EBT, or Electronic Benefits Transfer, offers more than just a way to pay for food. When used wisely, it can stretch grocery budgets, encourage healthy choices, and support local communities. But to fully take advantage of these benefits, users must understand not just what they can buy, but where and how to use EBT for the best results. This article provides practical tips on getting the most out of your EBT funds in stores and markets across the U.S. Many people think of EBT simply as a tool for buying food. While that's true, it also represents something more—it provides financial stability during tough times. EBT allows families to continue shopping with dignity, and gives them the power to make choices instead of relying on fixed food programs. Making the most of these benefits means knowing your shopping options, tracking your spending, and combining EBT with smart food planning. When used well, EBT can create lasting habits that support both household health and financial independence. Most EBT users are aware they can use their card at grocery chains like Walmart or Kroger. Major retailers like Target does accept EBT as well, making it easier for shoppers to access fresh groceries and essential food items in-store. But there are other valuable shopping options that often go unnoticed: Farmer's Markets: Many local markets accept EBT and even offer 'Double Up Food Bucks' or similar programs that match the amount you spend on fruits and vegetables. This means if you spend $10 in EBT, you can get $20 worth of produce. These deals support both families and local farmers. Discount and Wholesale Stores: Stores like Save-A-Lot and Costco (in some states) provide bulk savings, allowing EBT users to stock up on basics like rice, beans, and frozen goods. This strategy reduces frequent trips and lowers per-meal costs. Ethnic Grocery Stores: These stores often have lower prices on spices, grains, and specialty items. They also offer unique products not commonly found in big chains, allowing families to stay connected to cultural food traditions while sticking to a budget. Online Shopping Platforms: In certain areas, EBT cards can be used on Amazon and for grocery delivery. This helps people with limited transportation or mobility, and also makes price comparison easier before buying. To truly get the most out of EBT benefits, a little planning goes a long way. Here are some smart ways to use your card: Meal Planning: Make a list of meals for the week before shopping. This reduces impulse purchases and food waste. Make a list of meals for the week before shopping. This reduces impulse purchases and food waste. Check Weekly Store Ads: Look for deals on staple items and plan your meals around sales. Look for deals on staple items and plan your meals around sales. Divide Your Budget: If your monthly EBT deposit is $300, divide it into weekly portions so you don't spend too much at once. If your monthly EBT deposit is $300, divide it into weekly portions so you don't spend too much at once. Use a Shopping App: Many apps let you track spending, store digital receipts, and even create shopping lists. Many apps let you track spending, store digital receipts, and even create shopping lists. Avoid Buying Only Processed Food: Fresh produce, eggs, grains, and meats last longer and provide better nutrition than chips or sugary drinks. By managing what and how you buy, EBT benefits can last longer and help you build better food habits for the whole family. When families learn to use EBT benefits wisely, they not only save money—they improve their overall lifestyle. Eating healthier leads to fewer health problems. Shopping with a plan leads to less stress. Preparing food at home instead of relying on fast food can improve energy, focus, and family connection. For example, instead of spending $15 on frozen dinners for one night, that same amount could buy pasta, fresh vegetables, and ground meat for three home-cooked meals. These kinds of choices make EBT more effective in the long run. EBT also helps families teach children about budgeting, smart shopping, and cooking. These life skills matter more than just for the current moment—they shape habits for the future. Stores that support EBT users are also helping their communities thrive. When local markets accept EBT, they attract more customers and build community trust. Retailers offering bonus food programs or extra discounts become known for their support, which encourages repeat visits and word-of-mouth marketing. Even small businesses can gain from participating in EBT programs. Mobile farmers' markets, family-run grocery stores, co-ops, and fast-food chains like Subway with EBT access often see increased customer traffic when they accept EBT. This business inclusion leads to a more balanced local economy and better food access for everyone. Making the most of EBT is about more than just swiping a card at checkout. It's about knowing where to shop, how to plan, and how to make smarter choices that support both your health and your wallet. By choosing stores wisely, taking advantage of special programs, and treating food shopping as a thoughtful process, EBT users can truly benefit from what the system offers. And from a broader view, communities, local businesses, and families all stand to gain when EBT is used as a stepping stone—not just a safety net. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Yahoo
Changes proposed to Pennsylvania EBT cards
(WHTM) – Changes could be coming for Pennsylvania's SNAP recipients. On Monday, the Pennsylvania State House passed a bipartisan bill that would require a report on transitioning to chip-enabled Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Proposed by State Reps. Dan Williams (D-Chester) and Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon), the transition to chip-enabled cards would increase security for card users amid EBT card-skimming incidents. 'I've had a growing number of constituents share their stories about theft of their SNAP benefits through skimming schemes,' said Williams. 'Unlike debit and credit cards, EBT cards lack security chips, making them highly vulnerable to fraud. Since October 2022, Pennsylvania has recorded more than 23,000 cases of EBT theft.' Pennsylvanians on SNAP urged to change EBT card information; Here's why If passed by the State Senate and signed into law by the governor, the bill would require the Department of Human Services to deliver a report to lawmakers highlighting costs, fraud prevention efforts and relevant statistics to enhance the security of SNAP benefits. Williams says Pennsylvania is one of the few states in the country that hasn't transitioned to chip-enabled EBT cards. Pennsylvania recently rolled out a new security feature for EBT cards where users can lock the card to prevent benefit theft. Users can also change their PIN and are encouraged to consider a change when benefits roll out each month. 'We are constantly working to ensure that the benefits DHS administers stay with the Pennsylvanians who need them. The Department of Human Services is aware of skimming incidents that have been targeting SNAP recipients – card skimming and SNAP theft have been issues nationwide,' said DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. 'Do not become a victim of this crime. Make sure you change your PIN every month, and when you swipe your EBT card at a card reader, please make sure a skimming device is not attached.' Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now If SNAP benefits are stolen from an EBT card, users should immediately report the theft to local law enforcement and to the OSIG by calling 1-800-932-0582. If an individual's benefits are stolen, they should request a replacement EBT card as soon as possible from DHS' EBT contractor, Conduent, at 888-328-7366, or by contacting their local County Assistance Office. Card benefits stolen after December 20, 2024, can not be replaced. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Get ready for hunger to skyrocket in North Carolina
At a farm market in St. Petersburg, Florida, SNAP recipients were able to use their Electronic Benefits Transfer cards for food. (Photo by Lance Cheung/USDA). It's hard to fathom in a proposal that includes billions upon billions of dollars in tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, but one of the most significant changes included in the massive budget bill approved by the U.S. House late last month was this: big cuts to the nation's main anti-hunger program. Under the legislation, millions of people would lose SNAP food assistance benefits. Meanwhile, states would be saddled with 14 billion dollars in new costs. And the impacts will be felt in the stomachs of families across the nation. As Raleigh-area Congresswoman Deborah Ross explained last week, in her district – one of the state's more affluent ones – 20,000 of her adult constituents will lose all of their SNAP benefits. Statewide, a total of almost half a million people will lose benefits and the cuts will ripple through grocery stores and the economy as a whole. The bottom line: Rep. Ross is right. The Republican budget will cause irreparable harm to the people of our state. All caring and thinking North Carolinians should support her effort to push back. For NC Newsline, I'm Rob Schofield.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dollar General sees strong Q1 sales and EPS, and raises FY25 guidance
US discount store chain Dollar General has recorded $10.4bn in net sales in the first quarter (Q1) of the fiscal year 2025 (FY25), ending on 2 May 2025 - a 5.3% increase from the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal year. The growth was attributed to new stores and a 2.4% rise in same-store sales, despite some store closures. The company also saw a 5.5% increase in operating profit, amounting to $576.1m. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales improved, rising from 30.2% to 31% year-on-year - a 78 basis point increase. This was primarily due to lower shrink and higher inventory markups, although increased markdowns partially offset these gains. The company's net income for the quarter stood at $391.9m - a 7.9% increase from the previous year's $363.3m. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) also grew 7.9% to $1.78. Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) rose by 77 basis points to 25.4% of net sales, with retail labour, incentive compensation, and repairs and maintenance the main contributors to the increase. Merchandise inventories at the end of the quarter were valued at $6.6bn, a 7% decrease on an average per-store basis compared to the previous year. Capital expenditures for the quarter totalled $291m, with significant investments in store improvements, new store facilities, distribution, transportation and technology upgrades. Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos stated: 'Our efforts to improve execution and enhance the associate and customer experience are yielding positive outcomes in both our operational performance and our financial results.' 'These efforts contributed to market share gains in sales of both consumables and non-consumables, and drove growth with both our core customer and trade-in customers during the quarter." Amidst the uncertainty of tariffs and their potential impact on consumer behaviour and business costs, Dollar General has updated its fiscal year 2025 guidance. The company now anticipates net sales growth between 3.7% and 4.7%, with same-store sales expected to increase by 1.5% to 2.5%. The diluted EPS forecast is set at approximately $5.20 to $5.80, assuming an effective tax rate of around 23.5%. No share repurchases are planned for the fiscal year 2025, and capital expenditures are projected to be between $1.3bn and $1.4bn. The company also plans to carry out 4,885 real estate projects, including opening new stores in the US and Mexico, and remodel existing stores through two major projects. In March 2025, Dollar General partnered DoorDash to integrate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/Electronic Benefits Transfer payment options at 16,000 locations through DoorDash Marketplace. "Dollar General sees strong Q1 sales and EPS, and raises FY25 guidance" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Idaho runs SNAP efficiently, officials say. But Congress might make state pay millions more.
At a farm market in St. Petersburg, Florida, SNAP recipients were able to use their Electronic Benefits Transfer cards for food. (Photo by Lance Cheung/USDA). Earlier this month, Idaho Gov. Brad Little said he had thoughts on the 'big, beautiful bill' advancing through Congress. To extend 2017 tax cuts, the bill would deeply cut federal spending for programs, including Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Speaking to reporters, Little said he wondered how it would impact Idaho. 'I don't want to be in a position to where the big, beautiful bill passes, and myself and all my fellow governors are going to be back there whining and crying,' he said on May 12. ID governor joins letter to Trump supporting bill that cuts billions from Medicaid, food assistance But he soon added that Idaho would be better prepared than other states — because of the state's stockpiled rainy day fund, and investments in facilities, schools and roads. 'I've said this many times: With what we've done in the past, where we are, almost anything that happens at the federal level is going to impact the other 49 states more than it is Idaho,' Little said. 'And I feel that about the big, beautiful bill.' Last week, he threw his support behind the bill — also backed by President Donald Trump. The bill passed the U.S. House and now heads to the U.S. Senate. It could shift millions of dollars in SNAP costs onto Idaho. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SNAP is a federal program that states run. The federal government pays for benefits. But states already chip in somewhat, by splitting administrative costs with the federal government. 'States have really very little flexibility or options in how to administer it,' the Idaho governor's budget chief, Lori Wolff, told the Idaho Capital Sun in an interview. But where states do have flexibility, Idaho opts toward oversight, she explained — like limiting exemptions for SNAP work requirements, prosecuting fraud cases, and ensuring payments are made accurately. Idaho has been among the top three states for payment accuracies for years, Wolff said. In Little's remarks a couple weeks ago, he leaned on Idaho's metrics, too. Idaho is one of the most efficient states at running the federal SNAP program, he said, citing a recent report that showed Idaho had a range of extra program accountability measures than other states. 'That's one of the things I'm worried about, is they categorically tell all the states, 'We're going to cut your program by such and such,'' Idaho's governor said. 'And I says, 'We're doing a good job. We've got the highest compliance rate, the least amount of fraud. Why would you penalize us?'' Last week, Little and 19 other Republican governors endorsed the bill, two days before it passed the U.S. House with only support from congressional Republicans. Changes are expected in the U.S. Senate. But as it stands now, the bill would benefit wealthy taxpayers more while decreasing resources for low-income families, an analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found. Idaho has the second lowest SNAP payment error rate in the nation, which is only behind South Dakota, according to the most recent data from the United States Department of Agriculture, or USDA. That figure measures 'the accuracy of each state's eligibility and benefit determinations,' USDA says. CONTACT US The Gem State is among only seven states that would qualify for the lowest state cost-sharing for SNAP under the bill being considered in Congress, States Newsroom reported. The bill would require those states to pay for 5% of SNAP benefits, and require states with higher SNAP error rates to pay even more. It could raise Idaho's costs for SNAP by at least $18 million, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare spokesperson AJ McWhorter told the Sun. That requirement wouldn't start until 2028. So that gives Idaho officials time to plan, he said. Idaho already pitches in some money for SNAP. Last year, Idaho spent more than $8 million to run the program, McWhorter said. But that is only a small fraction of what the program costs. Last year, Idaho's SNAP program gave out $271 million in benefits to low-income families last year, he said. Less than 3.5% of Idaho's SNAP payments were in error, USDA data shows. That's around three times lower than the national average payment error rate, which was 11.7%. 'Idaho is often seen as a model for successful SNAP administration,' McWhorter said. 'Federal policymakers can use us as an example for other states.' The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare on May 16 asked the federal government for permission to ban candy and soda from being covered by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. This year, the Legislature required Health and Welfare to submit that waiver through House Bill 109. Last week, Nebraska became the first state to receive approval for that type of waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Nebraska Examiner reported. More than 3 million people would lose SNAP benefits under GOP bill, nonpartisan report says In a news release, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare cited USDA data to claim that about 20% of SNAP purchases nationally are for 'sugary beverages and snacks.' The agency couldn't immediately share the source for that claim. A USDA spokesperson directed the Idaho Capital Sun to a 2016 study that found 'About 20 cents out of every dollar was spent on sweetened beverages, desserts, salty snacks, candy and sugar.' The study has many limitations, and 'should not be considered nationally representative,' the USDA spokesperson added. The American Heart Association says it supports Idaho's move and is asking the USDA to quickly approve the waiver. 'The American Heart Association is committed to removing sugary drinks from SNAP, and we are proud to stand in support of Idaho's efforts to do so over the soda industry's unconscionable opposition,' American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown said in a written statement. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
