Access to nutritious food remains a critical issue for many households, particularly those relying on government assistance programs amid rising costs and supply chain challenges. For low-income families, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offers essential support through Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, enabling purchases of groceries. At the same time, services like Misfits Market aim to reduce food waste by delivering imperfect yet high-quality produce and staples directly to consumers. This raises a key question: Can EBT users benefit from Misfits Market’s affordable, sustainable offerings? In this guide, we examine the current policy as of 2025, explain the context, and provide actionable alternatives to help you make informed decisions about your grocery needs.
What Is Misfits Market?
Misfits Market is an online grocery delivery service focused on sustainability and affordability. Founded in 2018, the company sources “misfit” produce—fruits and vegetables that are perfectly edible but don’t meet traditional retail standards due to size, shape, or minor blemishes—from farms and suppliers. This approach helps prevent food waste, supports smaller producers, and passes savings on to customers. Over the years, Misfits Market has expanded beyond produce to include pantry staples, dairy, meats, and household items under its own Odds & Ends brand, as well as select name-brand products.
Shoppers access the service through a subscription model or flex plans, where they can customize orders during weekly shopping windows. Deliveries arrive in eco-friendly packaging, with options for nationwide coverage in most areas. Pricing starts low, often 20-40% below standard grocery rates, and includes perks like loyalty points for free items. The company’s mission emphasizes building a more efficient food system, but its online-only format limits certain payment integrations compared to physical stores.
Understanding EBT and SNAP Benefits
Before diving into Misfits Market’s policy, it’s helpful to clarify what EBT and SNAP entail. SNAP, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), assists low-income individuals and families in purchasing food. Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card, which functions like a debit card at approved retailers. In 2025, SNAP serves over 40 million Americans, with average monthly benefits around $200 per person, adjusted for household size and income.
EBT cards are accepted at USDA-authorized locations, including supermarkets, farmers’ markets, and some online platforms. However, not all retailers qualify due to technical and regulatory requirements, such as secure payment processing and compliance with SNAP rules (e.g., no hot foods or non-food items). For online services, the USDA has expanded approvals since the pandemic, but integration remains gradual, requiring partnerships with payment processors and state agencies.
Does Misfits Market Accept EBT in 2025?
As of September 2025, Misfits Market does not accept EBT or SNAP benefits as a payment method. The company’s official help center states: “We don’t currently accept EBT and are looking forward to setting that up in the future. When we’re able to accept EBT payments we’ll be sure to spread the word!” This policy has remained consistent since at least 2021, with ongoing mentions of exploratory efforts but no active implementation yet.
Other accepted payment methods include major credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, but EBT is excluded due to the complexities of SNAP compliance. Reviews and user forums from 2025 confirm this, with shoppers noting the limitation as a drawback for those dependent on benefits.
Why Doesn’t Misfits Market Accept EBT, and What Are the Future Plans?
The primary barriers to EBT acceptance involve regulatory and technical hurdles. SNAP online purchasing requires USDA authorization, secure transaction systems, and state-by-state coordination to verify benefits. For a delivery-focused company like Misfits Market, this means investing in backend infrastructure to handle EBT without errors, such as distinguishing eligible items.
Misfits Market has expressed interest in adding EBT support since its early years. In 2022, they mentioned exploring a pilot program, and as recently as July 2025, blog updates indicate active work toward integration: “We’re currently working on this and hope to be able to accept SNAP/EBT benefits in the future.” However, no specific timeline has been announced, and the process can take months or years due to approvals. Shoppers should monitor the company’s website or subscribe to updates for announcements.
In the meantime, Misfits Market aligns with SNAP goals by offering discounted, nutritious foods that reduce waste—benefits that could complement EBT use if implemented.
Alternatives for EBT Users Seeking Similar Services
If Misfits Market’s model appeals to you but EBT is essential, consider these USDA-approved alternatives that accept SNAP for online grocery shopping and delivery in 2025:
- Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market: Accepts EBT for eligible items, with delivery options in most states. Focus on fresh produce and staples; no delivery fees for Prime members on EBT orders.
- Walmart Grocery: Full EBT integration for pickup and delivery. Wide selection, including imperfect produce sections, with competitive pricing.
- Instacart: Partners with stores like Aldi, Kroger, and Publix that accept EBT. Select “EBT SNAP” at checkout; delivery fees apply but waivers are available for low-income users.
- FreshDirect (in select areas like New York): Accepts EBT for groceries, emphasizing fresh and organic items similar to Misfits.
- Local Farmers’ Markets with Online Options: Many now offer SNAP-eligible online ordering through platforms like Farmigo or Local Food Marketplace, promoting sustainable produce.
These services ensure EBT funds go toward qualifying foods, with tools to filter eligible items during shopping.
How to Use EBT for Groceries Effectively
To maximize your EBT benefits:
- Verify Retailer Approval: Use the USDA’s SNAP Retailer Locator tool online to find participating stores and services.
- Shop Online Strategically: Look for EBT-friendly filters on apps to avoid non-eligible items like household goods.
- Combine with Discounts: Pair EBT with store loyalty programs or coupons for extra savings on produce.
- Explore Community Resources: Programs like Double Up Food Bucks in some states match SNAP dollars for fruits and vegetables at markets.
- Track Benefits: Use your state’s EBT portal to monitor balances and transaction history.
If you’re new to online EBT shopping, start with a small order to test the process.
Final Thoughts
While Misfits Market offers an innovative solution to food waste and affordability, its lack of EBT acceptance in 2025 limits access for SNAP users who could benefit most from its sustainable model. The company’s commitment to future integration is promising, reflecting broader efforts to make healthy food more inclusive. Until then, alternatives like Walmart or Amazon provide reliable EBT options for similar grocery needs. Stay informed by checking Misfits Market’s updates regularly, and consider advocating for expanded SNAP access through local representatives. By choosing EBT-compatible services, you can maintain nutritious meals without compromising on convenience or quality—empowering better food choices for your household in an evolving market
