When you’re craving a delicious pastry or a yummy drink, 85°C Bakery Cafe is a popular spot. But what happens if you’re using an EBT card? Does 85 Degrees accept EBT, or do you need another form of payment? Let’s dive into the details and figure out what you can and can’t buy with your benefits at this popular bakery.
Does 85 Degrees Accept EBT Cards?
Unfortunately, no, 85°C Bakery Cafe generally does not accept EBT cards. This is because EBT cards are primarily designed for purchasing food items from approved retailers like grocery stores, and while 85°C sells food, they are categorized differently in terms of how they process payments.
What Can You Buy with EBT? (and Why 85 Degrees Might Not Qualify)
EBT cards, or Electronic Benefit Transfer cards, are like debit cards used by people who receive food assistance. They allow you to purchase certain food items. The types of food you can buy are pretty specific. Think of it like this: EBT cards are for groceries that you will use to make meals, rather than prepared foods that are ready-to-eat. This is where places like 85°C run into issues.
EBT programs follow guidelines set by the government. These guidelines decide what items are eligible for purchase with EBT funds. The specific rules vary slightly depending on the state, but generally, EBT cards can be used to buy:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Seeds and plants that produce food
Because 85°C primarily sells prepared bakery items and beverages, which are not considered essential food items, it often does not qualify as an EBT retailer.
What Can You Do If You Want to Use EBT and Go to a Bakery?
If you have an EBT card and want to satisfy your bakery cravings, you might be wondering if there are any workarounds or if you can combine EBT benefits with other payment methods. Well, let’s break it down.
Since 85°C doesn’t accept EBT, you can’t directly use your card there. However, you might be able to use other payment methods to buy items you want. For instance, if you have cash, a debit card, or a credit card, you can absolutely use them at 85°C. That means if you’re getting something not covered by EBT, you could buy it with a different payment option.
While you can’t use EBT, you might be able to shop at a grocery store that accepts EBT, which also has a bakery. They often carry some similar items, but you’re limited in what options they have, and they often are of lower quality.
- Check to see if the bakery is part of a grocery store.
- Determine if the grocery store accepts EBT.
- Decide what kind of pastries you are looking to buy.
- Buy your groceries, including bakery items.
Why Doesn’t 85 Degrees Accept EBT? (A Business Perspective)
Why does a popular bakery like 85°C not accept EBT? There are several business-related reasons for it. It has to do with costs, accounting, and what the company considers to be its mission as a business.
Accepting EBT can involve additional costs for businesses. They need to have the right equipment and software to process EBT transactions, and there are often extra fees associated with it. For a smaller bakery, these costs could be a financial burden. Also, many bakeries focus on prepared foods, which do not fall under the federal guidelines of the EBT programs.
| Reason | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Additional fees, equipment, and software needed. |
| Mission | The bakery may not see themselves as a grocery store where EBT is needed. |
| Legal | They may not be classified as a food retailer. |
Ultimately, whether or not a business chooses to accept EBT is a business decision. While it can open up access to a wider customer base, it also requires investment and commitment from the company.
Alternatives to 85 Degrees with EBT (Where to Go Instead)
If you’re looking for ways to use your EBT benefits and you can’t go to 85°C, you have some great alternatives. These will depend on what you’re hoping to buy.
If you’re looking for similar pastries, you could try buying groceries from a grocery store, such as a Costco or a Walmart, that accepts EBT. You can get pre-made food and other items if you’re looking for a quick treat.
If you are interested in bakeries, you can always search to see if any bakeries near you accept EBT. While it is less common for smaller bakeries, they exist. The best thing to do is to call ahead and ask.
- Grocery Stores (Walmart, Kroger, etc.)
- Some Local Bakeries
- Farmers’ Markets
It’s important to always double-check the EBT acceptance policies of any store before you go, just to be sure. Policies can change, so it’s always a good idea to confirm!
Conclusion
In conclusion, while 85°C Bakery Cafe does not accept EBT cards, there are alternative options if you need to use your benefits. Always check with a store beforehand, but you can always use different payment methods if you really want to go to 85°C. Keep in mind the types of food that EBT cards are accepted for and plan your purchases accordingly. Remember, your EBT card helps you access essential food items, and understanding how it works can help you manage your budget and make informed choices about where to shop.