The Ins and Outs of Stretching Your LoneStar Dollars
Description: Ever wonder..."Do my stamps cover hot meals?" Yes and no. Let me explain. Not every store that provides LoneStar swiping privileges is created equal. Some let you get a ready-made, hot meal, or DIY meal from the bar, but some do not. In this article, I am going to walk you through some things you may want to know about the LoneStar card.
Let's jump right into acquiring the card. First of all, apply right away. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO GO TO THE LOCATION TO GET THE CARD. Don't listen to people who tell you that you have to go there in order to qualify or verify. How do people without cars and work 9-5 expect to get to those offices? Duh. So, tell them you can speak over the phone. Say, "I am an AmeriCorps member." Explain yourself, the no-income technicality, proof of employment, etc., and they will understand. You are not the first who has done this. Also note that you will probably have to do some faxing.
Sidebar: Where is this stuff located? Step 1. https://my.americorps.gov/mp/login.do Step 2. Log in. Step 3. Use tabs, "My Living Allowance" and "My Service Letter" to print out and fax everything you'll need.
Next, once you get the card, activate. The card is slightly different than what you are used to because there are three extra numbers in the line that fall to the bottom right-------------------------------------------->
Unlike a credit card, there are 19 numbers, not 16. Just be weary of that when you activate or want to check your balance. I know I had problems.
Once you're ready to go, the fun starts. The black market-like underground world of the food stamps begins. Join me down the rabbit hole.
First, here is a list of LoneStar accepted places that you will frequent:
HEB, Central Market, Whole Foods, CVS, Walgreens, Natural Foods, Randalls
Sidebar: Any of the outside markets that have a Sustainable Food Center will have a trade-in, one dollar in LoneStar for 2 dollars in chips to use at the market.
Sidebar 2: Coupons work with stamps (even those CVS Coupons you get online with the ExtraCare card and they always have sales)! Use them! Take advantage.
Sidebar 3: Here is a list of Good 2 Go vs. No Go purchasables from participating LoneStar stores. The obvious ones excluded.
Good 2 Go
No Go
Sidebar 4: I know you're probably wondering where exactly can I get semi-hot, craft meals with my stamps? Well, here is a list of places with short descriptions of what you can get there. Tried and true.
*This is a living document. Members of the blog may edit or add to this for reference of stamp users.
Description: Ever wonder..."Do my stamps cover hot meals?" Yes and no. Let me explain. Not every store that provides LoneStar swiping privileges is created equal. Some let you get a ready-made, hot meal, or DIY meal from the bar, but some do not. In this article, I am going to walk you through some things you may want to know about the LoneStar card.
Let's jump right into acquiring the card. First of all, apply right away. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO GO TO THE LOCATION TO GET THE CARD. Don't listen to people who tell you that you have to go there in order to qualify or verify. How do people without cars and work 9-5 expect to get to those offices? Duh. So, tell them you can speak over the phone. Say, "I am an AmeriCorps member." Explain yourself, the no-income technicality, proof of employment, etc., and they will understand. You are not the first who has done this. Also note that you will probably have to do some faxing.
Sidebar: Where is this stuff located? Step 1. https://my.americorps.gov/mp/login.do Step 2. Log in. Step 3. Use tabs, "My Living Allowance" and "My Service Letter" to print out and fax everything you'll need.
Next, once you get the card, activate. The card is slightly different than what you are used to because there are three extra numbers in the line that fall to the bottom right-------------------------------------------->
Unlike a credit card, there are 19 numbers, not 16. Just be weary of that when you activate or want to check your balance. I know I had problems.
Once you're ready to go, the fun starts. The black market-like underground world of the food stamps begins. Join me down the rabbit hole.
First, here is a list of LoneStar accepted places that you will frequent:
HEB, Central Market, Whole Foods, CVS, Walgreens, Natural Foods, Randalls
Sidebar: Any of the outside markets that have a Sustainable Food Center will have a trade-in, one dollar in LoneStar for 2 dollars in chips to use at the market.
Sidebar 2: Coupons work with stamps (even those CVS Coupons you get online with the ExtraCare card and they always have sales)! Use them! Take advantage.
Sidebar 3: Here is a list of Good 2 Go vs. No Go purchasables from participating LoneStar stores. The obvious ones excluded.
Good 2 Go
- Tea
- 5-Hour Energy
- Emergen-C
- Any candy
- Mixers (Zing Bloody Mary Mix, Margarita Mix, you get the idea...)
- Gum
- Cough Drops
- Energy/Protein Bars
- Chia seed
- Seasonings
- Cakes
No Go- Protein Powder
- Hot coffee/meals (literally hot)
Sidebar 4: I know you're probably wondering where exactly can I get semi-hot, craft meals with my stamps? Well, here is a list of places with short descriptions of what you can get there. Tried and true.
- The bulk bags @ Whole Foods, Central Market, and HEB (Hancock Center).
- Day-old rotisserie chicken from Central Market.
- Salad Bar @ Central Market (not the hot soup or coffee though).
*This is a living document. Members of the blog may edit or add to this for reference of stamp users.
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