Food stamps (now called SNAP benefits) let you buy food and other similar items. You can purchase most food products, as well as seeds to grow foods. However, you cannot buy alcohol, tobacco, pet foods, vitamins, or hot food meant to be eaten in the store. In addition, you cannot use SNAP benefits at restaurants or fast food locations unless they participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. Many farmers’ markets do take SNAP benefits, helping you purchase fresh, locally produced foods. In some states, you may also be able to use SNAP benefits to purchase items like seeds and fertilizer to grow your own food.
What Can You Buy With Food Stamps?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase a variety of food items at authorized retailers. The following is a list of eligible food items that can be purchased with SNAP benefits:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, fish, and poultry
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereal
- Pasta and rice
- Beans and lentils
- Eggs
- Nuts and seeds
- Oil and shortening
- Sugar and honey
- Spices and herbs
- Baby food
- Pet food (for service animals only)
The following items are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco products
- Gambling products
- Vitamins and supplements
- Non-food items (such as soap, laundry detergent, and pet supplies)
- Prepared foods that are sold hot
- Restaurant meals
SNAP benefits can also be used to purchase seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat. However, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase live animals. SNAP benefits are distributed electronically via a benefits card (EBT card). The EBT card can be used to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers that accept EBT cards. SNAP benefits are not cash and cannot be withdrawn from an ATM.
The following table provides a summary of eligible and ineligible food items that can be purchased with SNAP benefits:
| Eligible Food Items | Ineligible Food Items |
|---|---|
| Fruits and vegetables | Alcohol |
| Meat, fish, and poultry | Tobacco products |
| Dairy products | Gambling products |
| Bread and cereal | Vitamins and supplements |
| Pasta and rice | Non-food items |
| Beans and lentils | Prepared foods that are sold hot |
| Eggs | Restaurant meals |
| Nuts and seeds | Live animals |
| Oil and shortening | |
| Sugar and honey | |
| Spices and herbs | |
| Baby food | |
| Pet food (for service animals only) |
Food Stamps: An Overview
Food Stamps, formally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is a federally funded program that provides low-income individuals and families with financial assistance to purchase food. The program offers a monthly allowance that can be used to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers.
Purchasing Restrictions and Limitations
While Food Stamps provide a valuable benefit to eligible individuals, there are certain restrictions and limitations on what can be purchased with the program’s allowance. These guidelines are in place to ensure that the funds are used for their intended purpose, which is to supplement the purchase of nutritious food items.
Prohibited Items
- Alcohol and tobacco products
- Non-food items such as clothing, electronics, or household supplies
- Vitamins, supplements, or medicines
- Live animals
- Pet food
- Ready-to-eat meals from restaurants or fast-food establishments (with some exceptions)
Eligible Food Items
The following food items are typically eligible for purchase with Food Stamps:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, fish, and poultry
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereals
- Pasta and rice
- Beans and lentils
- Eggs
- Oil and cooking fats
- Spices and seasonings
In addition to these basic food groups, certain specialty items may also be eligible for purchase with Food Stamps, such as:
- Infant formula
- Baby food
- Medical foods for individuals with specific dietary needs
Farmers’ Markets and Direct Market Sales
In some states, Food Stamp benefits can be used to purchase food directly from farmers’ markets or through direct market sales programs. This allows individuals to access fresh, locally grown produce and support local agriculture.
Authorized Retailers Store Type Eligible for Food Stamps? Grocery stores Yes Convenience stores Yes (limited selection of eligible items) Farmers’ markets Yes (in some states) Restaurants No (with some exceptions) Online retailers No Conclusion
Food Stamps provide a vital resource for low-income individuals and families, enabling them to access nutritious food and supplement their diets. Understanding the restrictions and limitations associated with the program helps ensure that these benefits are used appropriately and that individuals are making informed choices about their food purchases.
What Can You Buy With Food Stamps?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a government-funded program that provides financial assistance to low-income individuals and families to help them purchase food. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase a variety of food items, including:
Fruits and Vegetables
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Frozen fruits and vegetables
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Dried fruits and vegetables
- Fruit juices
Meat, Fish, and Poultry
- Fresh meat, fish, and poultry
- Frozen meat, fish, and poultry
- Canned meat, fish, and poultry
- Dried meat, fish, and poultry
- Eggs
Dairy Products
- Milk
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Butter
- Margarine
Breads and Cereals
- Bread
- Pasta
- Rice
- Cereal
- Oatmeal
Other Foods
- Nuts and seeds
- Beans and lentils
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Honey
SNAP benefits can also be used to purchase seeds and plants to grow food. However, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, non-food items, or certain ready-to-eat foods, such as hot dogs and potato chips.
Where to Use Food Stamps
SNAP benefits can be used at authorized retailers that accept SNAP, including grocery stores, convenience stores, and farmers markets. To find authorized retailers in your area, you can use the SNAP Retailer Locator.
SNAP Retailer Locator State Website Alabama https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator/alabama Alaska https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator/alaska Arizona https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator/arizona Arkansas https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator/arkansas California https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator/california Eligibility for Food Stamps
To be eligible for food stamps, you must meet certain requirements set by the USDA. The eligibility criteria are based on factors such as:
- Income: Your household income must be within the USDA’s income limits, which vary based on household size and state.
- Assets: You must meet the USDA’s asset limits, which also vary based on household size and state.
- Residency: You must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen, and you must live in the state where you apply for food stamps.
- Work requirements: Able-bodied adults aged 18-49 are required to work or participate in work-related activities to receive food stamps. This requirement may be waived for individuals with certain disabilities or in certain circumstances.
Applying for Food Stamps
- Contact your state’s food stamp agency. You can find contact information for your state’s food stamp agency on the USDA’s website.
- Gather required documents. You will need to provide documentation of your income, assets, household size, and any other information required by your state’s food stamp agency.
- Complete the application. You can apply for food stamps online, by mail, or in person at your state’s food stamp agency. Depending on your situation, you may need to schedule an interview with a food stamp caseworker.
- Submit your application. Once you have completed the application and gathered all required documents, submit your application to your state’s food stamp agency.
What You Can Buy With Food Stamps
- Food items: This includes items such as fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, bread, and cereals.
- Seeds and plants: You can use food stamps to purchase seeds and plants to grow your own food.
- Meals from authorized retailers: Some retailers, such as restaurants and soup kitchens, are authorized to accept food stamps in exchange for meals.
What You Cannot Buy With Food Stamps
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Non-food items, such as pet food, cleaning supplies, and paper products
- Hot foods prepared for immediate consumption
- Restaurant meals purchased with a restaurant meal card
Maximum Food Stamp Benefits by Household Size Household Size Monthly Benefit 1 person $281 2 people $516 3 people $741 4 people $965 5 people $1,188 6 people $1,411 7 people $1,634 8 people $1,857 You’ve reached the end of our quick guide on what you can buy with food stamps. Hopefully, you’ll have a better understanding of the program, and how it can help you put nutritious food on the table for your household. Even if you aren’t currently eligible, it never hurts to be aware of the resources available to you. Of course, if you have any additional questions, you can always reach out to your local SNAP office for more information. Thanks so much for reading, folks! I’ll catch you on the flip side, serving up another scoop of knowledge, so be sure to stop back and see me again!