Can I use CalFresh EBT to buy Starbucks inside Target? Confused about eligible purchases

Unfortunately no, you can't use CalFresh benefits to purchase items from Starbucks, even if it's inside Target. CalFresh benefits can only be used for unprepared food items that you take home to cook. Starbucks sells prepared foods and beverages, which aren't eligible regardless of their location. This includes coffee drinks, pastries, sandwiches, etc. You can use your EBT card at Target for groceries like cereal, bread, milk, fruits, vegetables, and other food you prepare at home.

No no no, prepared food is NEVER covered by CalFresh. Doesn't matter if it's Starbucks inside target, McDonald's inside Walmart, or any other store-within-a-store. Hot food, prepared drinks, anything ready-to-eat is automatic NO for EBT. Only groceries!!! Just wanted to make that super clear because a lot of people get confused and then get embarrassed at checkout when their card gets declined for these items.

actually you could buy starbucks beans or grounds with ebt i think? since thats unprepared food you make at home. just not the drinks they make for you

To expand on what others have said, CalFresh benefits follow the same eligibility rules everywhere: - Eligible: Fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cereals, snack foods, non-alcoholic beverages, seeds and plants that produce food - NOT eligible: Hot prepared foods, ready-to-eat foods, vitamins, medicines, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, pet foods, cleaning supplies, paper products, and hygiene items Some Target stores have signs indicating which aisles contain EBT-eligible items. If you're ever unsure about a specific item, you can ask a cashier or try scanning the item with your EBT card - if it's not eligible, the system will tell you. Also, if you're having trouble reaching your county CalFresh office with questions like this, I recently discovered a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you skip the phone wait times. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Saved me hours when I needed to ask about my benefits.

I worked at Target for 2 years and this confused so many customers! The Starbucks inside is actually considered a separate merchant even though it's inside Target. Same with the food court areas in Target. EBT funds can ONLY be used for unprepared grocery items. One weird exception - some Targets now sell cold Starbucks drinks (like bottled frappuccinos) in the regular grocery section, and those ARE eligible because they're considered grocery items! But anything made fresh at the Starbucks counter = no EBT allowed.

i think it depends on the cashier sometimes lol. my friend said he bought a frappuccino once with his ebt at target but maybe it was a mistake?

one time i tried using ebt for hot chocolate at the starbucks in target and it didnt work but the bottles in the grocery part worked fine with ebt so yeah prepared = no, groceries = yes

Just wanted to add that if you're looking for coffee alternatives you can buy with EBT, instant coffee, coffee beans, ground coffee, and even coffee creamers are all eligible! I get my coffee fix by buying a bag of ground coffee and some flavored creamers - way cheaper than Starbucks anyway. You can also buy tea bags, hot chocolate mix, and other drink mixes to make at home. The key is anything you have to prepare yourself at home is usually good to go with CalFresh benefits.