6 SNAP Discounts and Freebies to Check Out
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can help program recipients save money on grocery costs.
- In addition to monthly program benefits, SNAP cardholders may qualify for freebies and discounts.
- Examples of SNAP discounts that may be available include reduced museum admission, subscription service and membership discounts, and reduced transit fares.
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The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal resource that helps eligible people in the U.S. buy groceries. The program provides benefits—often referred to as food stamps—that recipients can use to supplement their grocery budget.
Did you know that you may qualify for additional support beyond SNAP grocery benefits? Some companies and organizations extend discounts and freebies to SNAP recipients.
SNAP discounts can help you get more value from your monthly budget, enabling you to continue prioritizing important financial goals, like directing extra money toward debt relief. Here are a few SNAP discounts and freebies that you don’t want to ignore.
1. Free Entry or Reduced Admission Fees to Museums
Museums for All is a national initiative that encourages people of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong learning habits. Through Museums for All, SNAP recipients can get free entry or reduced admission to more than 1,600 museums, zoos, and aquariums nationwide.
All you have to do is present your SNAP card and a photo ID when visiting a participating museum. You can review participating museums at Museums4All.org.
2. Discounted Fitness Memberships
You may also qualify for SNAP discounts at your local fitness center or gym. Some companies offer SNAP discounts for eligible wellness programs, gym memberships, and fitness classes.
For example, many YMCA locations across the country extend reduced membership rates to SNAP participants. It’s worthwhile to verify whether any fitness centers in your community have discount programs that could help you save more.
3. Subscription Service Discounts
If you receive SNAP benefits, you may qualify to get some subscription services at a discounted price. One example is Walmart+. A discounted Walmart+ subscription is available to SNAP recipients. You’ll get a 50% discount, paying only $6.47 a month or $49 annually.
Eligible government assistance recipients, including those with a SNAP card, can get a discounted Amazon Prime membership for $6.99 per month. Thrive Market, a subscription-based online grocer, offers SNAP cardholders a free one-year membership.
Subscription discount offers like this can help you save more money every month.
4. New One-Year Sam’s Club Membership for as Little as $20
Warehouse club retailer Sam’s Club has a new membership promotion available to eligible government assistance program recipients, including SNAP cardholders. This promotion can save you $30 to $50 on a new Sam’s Club membership.
You can choose from one of the following offers:
Get a one-year Club membership for $20 instead of $50, or
Get a one-year Plus membership for $60 instead of $110
This promotion isn’t available to current members or membership renewals. After your first year, your Sam’s Club membership will renew at the current membership price. You can turn off membership auto-renewal or cancel your membership through your online account.
As the prices of groceries and household goods continue to rise, a discounted Sam’s Club membership could help you beat inflation.
5. Reduced Public Transit Fares
If you’re a SNAP recipient, you may qualify for reduced fare through your local public transportation system. Availability varies, but several U.S. cities offer fare discounts to low-income riders who receive SNAP benefits. Some programs that offer this include:
Allegheny Go. Allegheny County residents receiving SNAP benefits can get 50% off Pittsburgh Regional Transit fares.
Metro Lift. Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia residents who receive SNAP benefits can get 50% off Metrobus and Metrorail trips.
TriMet Honored Citizen. Oregon residents who receive SNAP benefits can get a 50% discount on single-use tickets or a 72% discount on monthly transit passes.
Make sure you’re not spending more than you must to use public transit.
6. Internet or Phone Service Discounts
Potential SNAP discounts also include discounts on your internet or phone bill. Through the Lifeline program, eligible low-income individuals and SNAP recipients nationwide can receive a $9.25 benefit toward their phone service (mobile or landline) or internet service bill. Eligible households living on tribal lands qualify for a monthly discount of up to $34.95.
Some service providers may have their own discount programs for SNAP recipients. For example, Xfinity offers two discounted Internet Essentials plans for eligible recipients of public assistance programs and those who meet income guidelines. These discounted internet service plans cost $14.95 to $29.95 a month.
You may be overpaying for internet or phone service. It's worth checking whether you qualify for any service discounts.
Every Dollar You Save Adds Up
Don’t overlook SNAP discounts and freebies that may be available to you. Every dollar you save adds up and can help to improve your financial health. Discounts and freebies like this can help reduce your living expenses. This could make it easier to prioritize personal finance goals, such as paying off debt faster.
Author Information
Written by
Natasha Etzel
Natasha is a contributing writer for Freedom Debt Relief. She is a veteran professional financial writer. She provides realistic strategies to help readers improve their knowledge and change their financial situations.
Reviewed by
Kimberly Rotter
Kimberly Rotter is a financial counselor and consumer credit expert who helps people with average or low incomes discover how to create wealth and opportunities. She’s a veteran writer and editor who has spent more than 30 years creating thousands of hours of educational content in every possible format.