Costco will accept food stamps as soon as Thanksgiving

After a trial run in New York City, Costco has decided it will accept food benefits cards. As soon as Thanksgiving, customers will be able to use their debit-style Quest cards to shop at the 28 Costcos here. But: The membership fee — starting at $50 per household — cannot be debited from the card.

About 424,000 families in the state receive Basic Food benefits, according to the Department of Social and Health Services. That number has increased over the last year, as unemployment has increased.

Gov. Chris Gregoire said in a news release that she was proud of the Washington-based warehouse club for stepping in to participate in Basic Food, the “first line of defense against hunger.”

Costco’s sign on couldn’t come at a better time for DSHS: They’re making a push to enroll every eligible household in the program, which brings in about $100 million in federal dollars per month. Want to find out more? Enroll? Go here or here.

Tags: Basic Food, Costco, food stamps