The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is a federally funded program that helps about 500,000 low-income families in Philadelphia purchase food with an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. But that EBT card can cover so much more than groceries...
The Arts
The program Art-Reach works with SNAP to make the arts more accessible. This initiative is called ACCESS and it provides discounted admission of about $2 at more than 80 cultural sites in Philadelphia and Delaware. While you can't directly use your EBT card for payment, presenting it allows you to purchase tickets at a discount.
- Find discounts at performances of the Philadelphia Ballet.
- Get a Fringe Access Membership for lower-priced Fringe Arts performances.
- The Film Society Center offers $2 movie tickets.
- You can hear discounted live music from the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia — $2 each for the cardholder and three guests.
- Catch some live music is at World Cafe Live, which offers $2 tickets for up to four people.
Museums
Museums for All provides reduced admission to more than 1,300 museums across the country. Present your EBT card to get tickets of $3 or less.
- The Please Touch Museum offers $2 tickets for up to four people. If you pay an additional $5, your child can get unlimited rides on the classic carousel.
- Woodmere Art Museum also has a $2 per-person rate for up to four people. And there’s free admission for everyone on Sundays.
Outdoors
There are outdoor activities throughout Philly with discounted rates for those with ACCESS/EBT cards.
- From a garden to a traditional tea house, at Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center there are a variety of ways to spend time outside and learn about Japanese culture. Admission with the EBT discount is $2 per person for up to four people.
- Philadelphia Magic Gardens has two indoor galleries and an outdoor sculpture garden. Instead of paying $15 for your ticket, ACCESS cardholders pay $2 each for up to four tickets. Use code “ACCESS” when purchasing tickets and bring your card with you.
- Longwood Gardens offers discounted tickets for $2 apiece instead of $32 and covers a maximum of four people.
- At Morris Arboretum & Gardens, those with ACCESS/EBT cards can bring children for free; adult tickets are $2.
Education
Using funding from nonprofits and the government, SNAP 50/50 provides access to educational services for those with ACCESS/EBT cards.
- Keystone Education Yields Success, or KEYS, aids those attending community colleges in Pennsylvania. It helps students navigate the college system and can subsidize childcare, transportation, and school supplies.
- SNAP EARN helps cardholders find employment and adult education programs.
