Food stamps, also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, are a form of government assistance that helps low-income individuals and families buy food. They can be used to purchase a variety of food items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and bread. In addition, SNAP benefits can be used to buy seeds and plants that produce food, as well as certain non-food items such as cooking oil and hygiene products. However, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, pet food, vitamins, or medicines.
Shopping Wisely with Food Stamps
Food stamps, officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provide financial assistance to low-income individuals and families to purchase food. Knowing what you can and cannot buy with food stamps can help you make the most of your benefits.
Eligible Food Items
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereals
- Other foods such as snacks, condiments, and spices
In addition to these basic food items, food stamps can also be used to purchase:
- Seeds and plants that produce food
- Non-alcoholic beverages, such as milk, juice, and soda
- Food-producing animals, such as chickens and pigs
- Food prepared in restaurants for immediate consumption, in certain states
Ineligible Items
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Pet food
- Vitamins and supplements
- Household items
- Prepared foods sold hot
Table of Eligible and Ineligible Food Items
| Eligible Items | Ineligible Items |
|---|---|
| Fruits and vegetables | Alcohol |
| Meat, poultry, and fish | Tobacco |
| Dairy products | Pet food |
| Bread and cereals | Vitamins and supplements |
| Snacks, condiments, and spices | Household items |
| Seeds and plants that produce food | Prepared foods sold hot |
| Non-alcoholic beverages | |
| Food-producing animals | |
| Food prepared in restaurants for immediate consumption (in certain states) |
Understanding what you can and cannot buy with food stamps can help you maximize your benefits and ensure that you are using them to purchase healthy and nutritious food for yourself and your family.
SNAP-Approved Retailers
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 eligible food items at authorized retailers.
SNAP-Eligible Food Items
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereals
- Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food
SNAP-Ineligible Food Items
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Vitamins and supplements
- Live animals
- Pet food
- Non-food items, such as soap, shampoo, and laundry detergent
SNAP-Approved Retailers
SNAP benefits can be used at a variety of authorized retailers, including:
- Grocery stores
- Convenience stores
- Farmers markets
- Online retailers
To find a SNAP-approved retailer near you, visit the Food and Nutrition Service website or contact your local SNAP office.
| SNAP-Approved Retailers | SNAP-Eligible Food Items | SNAP-Ineligible Food Items |
|---|---|---|
| Grocery stores | Fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, and fish, dairy products, bread and cereals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, seeds and plants that produce food | Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vitamins and supplements, live animals, pet food, non-food items |
| Convenience stores | Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, bread and cereals, dairy products | Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vitamins and supplements, live animals, pet food, non-food items |
| Farmers markets | Fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, and fish, dairy products, bread and cereals, seeds and plants that produce food | Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vitamins and supplements, live animals, pet food, non-food items |
| Online retailers | Fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, and fish, dairy products, bread and cereals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, seeds and plants that produce food | Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vitamins and supplements, live animals, pet food, non-food items |
What Can I Buy With Food Stamps?
Food stamps, now known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, provide low-income individuals and families with financial assistance to purchase food. The benefits are distributed through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which can be used at authorized retailers like grocery stores, convenience stores, and farmers’ markets.
There are certain restrictions on what can be purchased with SNAP benefits, but generally speaking, most food items and plants and seeds that produce food are allowed. The following are examples of items that can be purchased with SNAP benefits:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereals
- Beans, lentils, and other legumes
- Eggs
- Nuts and seeds
- Snacks like chips and candy
- Drinks like soda and juice
- Cooking oils
- Spices and herbs
- Condiments
In addition to food items, SNAP benefits can also be used to purchase the following:
- Seeds and plants that produce food
- Fertilizer and other gardening supplies
SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase the following items:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Lottery tickets
- Vitamins and supplements
- Food that is intended to be eaten in a restaurant or other dining establishment
- Live animals (except for fish to be eaten)
- Prepared foods that are not intended to be eaten at home
- Nonfood items, such as pet food, cleaning supplies, and clothing
Restaurant Meal Program (RMP)
The Restaurant Meal Program (RMP) is a pilot program that allows certain SNAP recipients to use their benefits to purchase meals at authorized restaurants. The program is currently only available in a few states, but it may be expanded in the future. To be eligible for the RMP, you must be a SNAP recipient who is:
- Age 60 or older
- Disabled
- Homeless
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for the RMP at your local SNAP office. If you are approved, you will be given a special EBT card that can be used to purchase meals at authorized restaurants.
| Item | Can I Buy It with SNAP Benefits? |
|---|---|
| Fruits and vegetables | Yes |
| Meat, poultry, and fish | Yes |
| Dairy products | Yes |
| Bread and cereals | Yes |
| Beans, lentils, and other legumes | Yes |
| Eggs | Yes |
| Nuts and seeds | Yes |
| Snacks like chips and candy | Yes |
| Drinks like soda and juice | Yes |
| Cooking oils | Yes |
| Spices and herbs | Yes |
| Condiments | Yes |
| Alcoholic beverages | No |
| Tobacco products | No |
| Lottery tickets | No |
| Vitamins and supplements | No |
| Food that is intended to be eaten in a restaurant or other dining establishment | No |
| Live animals (except for fish to be eaten) | No |
| Prepared foods that are not intended to be eaten at home | No |
| Nonfood items, such as pet food, cleaning supplies, and clothing | No |
Farmers’ Markets and CSAs
Farmers’ markets and Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) are great places to use your SNAP benefits to buy fresh, healthy, and locally-grown food. Many farmers’ markets and CSAs accept SNAP benefits directly, and some offer programs that match SNAP benefits, allowing you to get more food for your money.
Farmers’ Markets
- At farmers’ markets, you can buy a wide variety of fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
- You can also find meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products, and baked goods.
- Many farmers’ markets also offer prepared foods and beverages.
- To find a farmers’ market near you, visit the USDA’s Farmers Market Directory.
CSAs
- CSAs are a great way to get a regular supply of fresh, local food.
- When you join a CSA, you pay a membership fee and then receive a weekly or monthly share of the farm’s harvest.
- Your share may include fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, or other farm products.
- To find a CSA near you, visit the USDA’s CSA Directory.
SNAP Matching Programs
Many farmers’ markets and CSAs offer SNAP matching programs. These programs allow you to get more food for your money by matching your SNAP benefits with additional funds. For example, if you spend $10 in SNAP benefits at a farmers’ market that offers a 50% match, you will receive $15 worth of food.
| State | Maximum Match |
|---|---|
| California | $10 |
| Maryland | $15 |
| New York | $20 |
To find out if there is a SNAP matching program at a farmers’ market or CSA near you, contact the market or CSA directly.
That’s it for today’s breakdown on what you can buy with your food stamps. Thanks for sticking with me, folks! If you have any more questions, feel free to drop a comment below, and I’ll get back to you ASAP. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for more food stamp-related tips and tricks coming soon. And remember, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, you got this! Take care, and I’ll see you next time.