Using an EBT card to pay for admission or purchases at Franklin Park Zoo is a common question for those enrolled in food assistance programs like SNAP or WIC. While EBT cards provide funds that can be used to buy food, there are restrictions on where these benefits can be used. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at the policies around using EBT cards at Franklin Park Zoo and other similar attractions.
Introduction to EBT Cards
EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer. These cards are loaded with funds from government assistance programs to help eligible low-income individuals and families purchase food and other essential items. The two primary types of EBT cards are:
- SNAP EBT – Provides food assistance benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps.
- WIC EBT – Provides funds for specific nutritious foods for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition program.
Other programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) may also issue funds through EBT cards. Cards can be used just like debit cards to purchase eligible items from participating retailers. Each state runs their own EBT program within federal guidelines.
Using EBT Cards for Admission at Zoos
In most cases, entrance fees or tickets to places like zoos are not eligible EBT expenses. SNAP benefits are intended only for the purchase of food items. WIC benefits can only be used for the approved WIC-eligible foods like milk, eggs, fruits and vegetables. Therefore, EBT cards cannot be used to pay for general admission, tickets or memberships at Franklin Park Zoo or other zoos and attractions.
Exceptions for Museums or Cultural Sites
There are some exceptions that allow zoos or museums that also operate as grocery stores or cultural institutions to accept EBT for entrance fees. However, these types of exceptions are rare. Most standard zoos or attractions are entertainment sites rather than food retailers or cultural centers, so EBT entrance benefits do not apply.
Purchasing Food and Beverages with EBT
While admission fees are not eligible, EBT funds can potentially be used to buy food and drinks inside places like Franklin Park Zoo. To accept EBT for food purchases, the zoo would have to be authorized by the state as a SNAP retailer. Many zoos and attractions do not have this approval to accept EBT for any purchases. However, some may have specific concessions or dining options that are set up to accept EBT. There are a few key factors that determine if EBT can be used to buy food at certain attractions:
- State SNAP retailer authorization – The venues must have valid approvals and point-of-sale systems for accepting EBT in their state.
- Eligible food items – SNAP can only be used to buy foods intended for home consumption like groceries, not hot or prepared meals. Some limits apply to items like snacks and candy as well.
- WIC state approvals – WIC benefits can only be used at authorized vendors for the approved list of foods.
It’s recommended to check directly with customer service at Franklin Park Zoo or other attractions ahead of time to confirm their specific EBT policies for food and beverage purchases.
Typical EBT Policies at Zoos
To summarize the standard EBT policies for zoos like Franklin Park Zoo:
- EBT cards cannot be used for admission fees, tickets, or memberships.
- EBT may be accepted at specific authorized food retail locations for eligible food items only.
- Approvals, eligible items, and policies vary greatly by state and individual attraction.
- There are very few exceptions for cultural institutions that allow EBT for entrance fees.
While zoos provide fun, education and value for families, the primary intention of attractions is entertainment rather than grocery food sales or cultural site access. Therefore, the general rule is that EBT benefits apply solely to food purchases, not entrance fees. Of course, always check the official policies at any site directly if you need to confirm benefits can be used.
Other Ways to Save on Zoo Admission
If you receive SNAP or WIC benefits and want to visit Franklin Park Zoo or other attractions, there are some other ways you may be able to save on admission:
- Discount days – Many zoos offer discounted or free admission days, especially in off-peak seasons.
- Membership deals – Look into membership options as the annual cost may be cheaper than paying per visit.
- Group rates – Find out if discounts are offered for groups, students, seniors, military, etc.
- Reward programs – Museums and attractions sometimes partner with community support programs.
- Sponsor tickets – Nonprofit organizations may provide sponsored zoo passes for those in need.
Taking advantage of deals, offers, and group options are good ways to make attractions more affordable if you can’t use your EBT card for entrance fees. You may also want to plan zoo trips for when you have a little extra cash budgeted beyond your benefits amounts.
Using SNAP at Grocery Stores for Picnics
Another idea is to use your SNAP benefits to purchase groceries for a picnic at the zoo. Many zoos allow guests to bring their own food and drinks. This allows you to take advantage of your EBT grocery budget to enjoy meals and snacks for the day.
Shop for EBT-eligible picnic supplies like:
- Fruits, vegetables, yogurt
- Sandwich ingredients like bread, meat, cheese
- Chips, pretzels, granola bars
- Juice, water, soda
- Other snack items or simple meal foods
Pack foods that don’t require heating or cooling to keep things simple. Then enjoy your EBT-purchased picnic while exploring the zoo attractions.
Using WIC Benefits at Zoos
For those enrolled in WIC, the options are more limited at sites like zoos. Again, admission cannot be paid for with WIC EBT cards. You also likely couldn’t use WIC to buy food at a zoo concession stand. But if the zoo has a designated WIC vendor grocery on site, you may be able to purchase WIC-eligible items.
WIC benefits are very specific to certain approved foods such as:
- Milk
- Juice
- Cereal
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Fruits and vegetables
- Baby foods
If the zoo’s grocery area carries WIC-eligible items and is authorized to accept WIC benefits in your state, you could use your benefits to shop there. This could allow you to get picnic supplies for the day using your WIC EBT card. But again, always confirm directly with the attraction on current WIC policies before planning your visit.
Using Cash Benefits at Zoos
Programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) issue cash benefits through EBT cards rather than specific food allotments. For recipients of these types of assistance, EBT cards work more like debit cards used to withdraw your benefit amounts from ATMs or make purchases.
So for TANF participants, EBT cash could potentially be used for costs like:
- General admission tickets
- Membership fees
- Parking
- Food, drinks, snacks
- Gift shops
- Other extras during your visit
The only limit is your benefits balance each month. As long as you have available funds in your cash benefits account, EBT can be used for virtually any zoo expenses beyond just the food restrictions that come with SNAP and WIC.
Speaking with Your Caseworker
If you receive SNAP, WIC, TANF or other assistance and have questions about using your EBT card at places like zoos, speaking to your benefits caseworker can help provide guidance. They can explain in detail:
- What types of EBT benefits you receive (food stamps, cash, etc.)
- Where your benefits can/cannot be used
- What types of purchases are eligible
- How benefits balances work
- Any other state-specific EBT policies
Your caseworker should be able to clarify any uncertainties around using EBT cards at zoos or similar recreation sites in your area. This will allow you to plan visits and EBT usage appropriately.
Planning Your Zoo Visit with EBT
By understanding the standard EBT policies, you can find creative ways to enjoy zoos and make the most of your benefits. Some tips include:
- Check on admission discounts – Ask the zoo about any reduced price days or memberships.
- Prepare an EBT-purchased picnic – Shop for groceries at a SNAP-approved store ahead of time to bring your own food.
- Look for special events – Some zoos offer free or reduced admission during special holidays or events.
- Learn your benefits details – Contact your caseworker to clarify what EBT can pay for at attractions in your state.
- Use TANF cash – For cash benefits through EBT, purchases are less restricted at locations like zoos.
With a little strategizing and asking questions ahead of time, you can maximize your zoo experience while sticking to a budget that works with your benefits allotments. Taking advantage of EBT-eligible food purchases or discounts can make the day more affordable.
Conclusion
EBT cards offer a fantastic resource to get needed food assistance, but they come with limitations on where they can be used. In most cases, EBT cannot pay for general admission costs or purchases at entertainment sites like zoos. However, EBT funds may cover food items at authorized retailers within some attractions. Checking on specific state and zoo policies, looking into discounts, and choosing EBT-friendly purchases like groceries for picnics can all help maximize your experience. With a little planning and creativity, EBT recipients can still enjoy memorable zoo visits.