How to Use CalFresh EBT Online at Vons

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This post is about how to use CalFresh EBT online at Vons to shop for groceries for pickup and delivery. If you are a California EBT cardholder and are wondering how to use your SNAP card to shop online at Vons, we are here to help.

California SNAP EBT recipients can now use their food stamp benefits to purchase eligible groceries online at Vons and other approved supermarkets.

In this post, we are going to provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to shop for groceries online and pay with SNAP EBT at Vons.

You can also check out our posts on how to shop online with EBT at Walmart and Amazon.

Table of Contents:

  • EBT Online Purchasing Pilot Program
  • How to Use CalFresh EBT Online at Vons
  • California EBT Card FAQs

"How to Use CalFresh EBT Online at Vons"

EBT Online Purchasing Pilot Program

In 2017, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a pilot program for online EBT purchases.

The program allows EBT Cardholders to purchase groceries online for delivery or pick-up.

The first state to actually launch an online EBT program was New York, starting in 2019.

California was added to the pilot on April 28th, 2020.

Vons EBT Online Purchase Program for California

If you have a California EBT card, you can now purchase groceries online from Vons for delivery or DriveUp & Go pick up.

You can only use your EBT card to buy eligible grocery items. You will have to add a credit or debit card to pay for non-EBT-eligible items.

In addition, you cannot use your food stamps dollars to pay for delivery.

How to Use California EBT Online at Vons

Vons offers online grocery purchases with EBT for curbside pick-up and delivery. 

Here’s how it works:

To order groceries online through Vons with EBT, visit the Vons website or download the Vons app through the Apple Store or Google play.

Next, follow the steps below to order

Step 1  – Sign in / Sign up

Sign into your account or create a new one by clicking the “Sign In/Up” link.

Step 2 – Build your cart

Shop for items you need and quickly checkout.

You can order SNAP/non-SNAP items together & combine payment methods at checkout.

Step 3 – Enter your EBT info

At checkout, enter your California EBT Card information. You will need your CalFresh EBT number and PIN.

If you have non-SNAP items in your cart, you can add a second payment type to pay for those items, any fees, and delivery charges.

Note: You cannot use your SNAP EBT card to pay for Delivery charges.

Step 4 – Place your order

Once you pay for your order, you will receive an order confirmation via email with all the details of your order and confirm delivery or pickup details.

"vons grocery delivery"

California EBT Card FAQs

Here is a list of our most frequently asked about the CalFresh EBT Card Grocery shopping online at Vons.

Does Vons Also Accept EBT Through Instacart?

Yes, you can shop online with Vons through Instacart and use your California EBT card for payment.

You can use your EBT card to make online purchases for home delivery or free store pickup through Instacart.

To learn how to use EBT on Instacart, see our post on California Grocery Stores that take Instacart.

Can I use my California EBT online on the Vons Shopping App?

Yes, you can pay with your California EBT on the Vons App.

Just make sure you select the “Checkout with EBT card” option located underneath the Checkout button.

How do I download the Vons Mobile App?

You can download the Vons app through the Apple Store or Google play.

With the Vons app, you can:

  • Get all your deals, coupons, and rewards in one place.
  • Easily find items carried in your store.
  • Build your shopping list so you won’t forget anything.
  • Quick access to your online and in-store purchase history.
  • Use DriveUp & Go or Delivery to get your groceries in a snap.
  • Access all our pharmacy services – request refills, manage prescriptions, schedule vaccines, and more

What is EBT Weight Debit and why does it appear as a charge on my grocery order?

A 10% weight debit surcharge is added to items that are priced by weight (fruits, vegetables, etc.) when you pay with SNAP and/or EBT Cash.

The final price is determined once the item is picked and weighed.

If the final price is less than what you paid at checkout, the difference will be refunded to your EBT card, and/or reduce the amount charged to your credit card.

How do I get Free Delivery with my Order?

If you’re a new customer placing grocery orders online with Vons, you will be able to receive free delivery on your first online order.

All you have to do is meet the $30 minimum order requirement and enter the Promo Code FREE at checkout.

Also, from time to time, you may be able to qualify for additional free delivery offers run by Vons.

Another great way to save on deliveries is to sign up for one of Vons’ subscription-based FreshPass program plans.

You can either pick the $12.99 monthly plan or a $99 annual plan (plus applicable taxes) to access unlimited deliveries for one low fee.

If you are not ready to sign up for the Fresh Pass program, you can still enjoy the benefits with a free trial for the first 30 days.

To learn more, visit the FreshPass FAQ and Terms & Conditions.

What other stores accept California EBT Online?

In addition to Vons, the following grocery stores accept CalFresh EBT online for pickup and delivery:

  • ALDI
  • Amazon
  • Brothers Marketplace
  • Cardenas Markets
  • ExtraMile by Jacksons
  • Food 4 Less
  • FoodMaxx
  • Gong’s IGA Market
  • Jacksons Food Stores
  • Lucky Supermarkets
  • Mar Val Foods
  • Pavilions
  • Rancho San Miguel Markets
  • Sam’s Club Scan and Go
  • Save Mart Supermarkets
  • Sprouts Farmers Market
  • Stater Bros.
  • Super King Market
  • Superior Grocers
  • Target
  • The Market by Superior
  • Safeway
  • Walmart
  • Whole Foods

What Restaurants take California SNAP EBT?

Your CalFresh EBT Card or Golden State Advantage card can be used at select restaurants and fast food places if you meet the eligibility criteria.

This is part of the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program.

The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows Calfresh recipients who are 60 years of age or older, disabled, or homeless to use their Calfresh benefits to purchase lower-cost prepared meals at approved participating restaurants in certain counties.

Currently, the restaurant meals program is active in the following counties:

Can you Buy Dog Food with CalFresh EBT?

The answer is NO. You are not allowed to use food stamps benefits to purchase dog food or pet food in general. Here’s why.

According to rules established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), households can use SNAP benefits to buy “foods for the household to eat,”.

This includes foods such as breads and cereals; fruits and vegetables; meats, fish, and poultry; and dairy products.

Additionally, USDA rules are specific about what you cannot use SNAP benefits to buy.

Here’s what you cannot buy with SNAP benefits, according to the USDA website:

  • Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
  • Vitamins, medicines, and supplements.
  • Live animals (except shellfish, fish removed from water, and animals slaughtered prior to pick-up from the store).
  • Foods that are hot at the point of sale
  • Any nonfood items such as:
    – Pet foods
    – Cleaning supplies, paper products, and other household supplies.
    – Hygiene items, cosmetics

As you can see under the “nonfood” section, pet food is prohibited from being purchased with food stamps.

It is true that dog food is considered food. However, EBT benefits are intended to be used to purchase food for human consumption, which is why dog food is ineligible.

How to Use California EBT Online at Vons Summary

We hope this post on How to Use CalFresh EBT Online atVons was helpful to you!

Please let us know in the comments section below if you have more questions about your California EBT or SNAP Benefits.

Also, be sure to check out our other articles about California SNAP and EBT, including: