With food stamps, you can buy groceries like fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, bakery items, seeds and plants to grow food. You can also buy non-food items important for preparing food, such as knives, pots and pans, and plates. However, food stamps cannot be used to purchase cigarettes, alcohol, or non-food items such as pet food, toiletries, paper products, cleaning supplies, or clothing. You also cannot use them to buy hot, prepared foods or foods meant to be eaten in the store.
Food Stamps: What You Can and Can’t Buy
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program designed to help low-income individuals and families buy the food they need. The program provides monthly benefits that can be used to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers. However, it’s important to note that not all food items are eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
Eligible Food Items
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereal
- Snacks and beverages (excluding alcoholic beverages)
- Seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat
Non-Eligible Items
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Pet food
- Vitamins and supplements
- Household items (e.g., cleaning supplies, paper towels)
- Prepared foods from the deli or hot food bar
- Restaurant meals
Table: Eligible and Non-Eligible Food Items
| Eligible | Non-Eligible |
|---|---|
| Fruits and vegetables | Alcoholic beverages |
| Meat, poultry, and fish | Tobacco products |
| Dairy products | Pet food |
| Bread and cereal | Vitamins and supplements |
| Snacks and beverages (excluding alcoholic beverages) | Household items (e.g., cleaning supplies, paper towels) |
| Seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat | Prepared foods from the deli or hot food bar |
| Restaurant meals |
Note: SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase non-food items such as clothing, gasoline, or household appliances.
What Can and Can’t 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, but there are some items that are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
Ineligible Non-Food Items
The following items cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Non-food items, such as pet food, cleaning supplies, and paper products
- Vitamins and supplements
- Live animals
- Prepared foods that are sold hot
- Food that will be eaten in the store
- Gift cards
- Restaurant meals
In addition, some states have additional restrictions on what can be purchased with SNAP benefits. For example, some states prohibit the purchase of junk food or soda with SNAP benefits.
SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase non-food items, such as:
- Toiletries
- Cosmetics
- Clothing
- Appliances
- Furniture
- Gasoline
- Pet supplies
- Cleaning supplies
| Eligible Food Items | Ineligible Non-Food Items |
|---|---|
| Fruits and vegetables | Alcohol |
| Meat, poultry, and fish | Tobacco |
| Dairy products | Vitamins and supplements |
| Bread and cereal | Pet food |
| Snacks | Cleaning supplies |
| Non-alcoholic beverages | Paper products |
If you are unsure whether an item is eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits, you can check with your local SNAP office or visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.
Restaurant Meal Purchases
Generally, you cannot use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, also known as food stamps, to purchase meals at restaurants.
However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. You can use SNAP benefits to buy meals at:
- Participating restaurants that offer prepared meals that can be taken home and eaten.
- Eligible farmers markets that offer prepared meals, such as ready-to-eat salads or sandwiches.
- Non-profit meal programs that provide meals to low-income individuals.
To use SNAP benefits at these locations, you will need to use an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. EBT cards are similar to debit cards, and they can be used to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers.
If you have any questions about using SNAP benefits to purchase meals, you can contact your local SNAP office.
Here is a table that summarizes what you can and cannot buy with SNAP benefits:
| Can Buy | Cannot Buy |
|---|---|
| Groceries | Restaurant meals |
| Fruits and vegetables | Alcohol |
| Meat and poultry | Tobacco products |
| Fish and seafood | Vitamins and supplements |
| Dairy products | Pet food |
| Bread and cereal | Cleaning supplies |
| Snacks | Personal care items |
| Prepared meals (if purchased from an authorized retailer) | Non-food items |
| Seeds and plants that produce food | Restaurant meals (unless purchased from an authorized retailer) |
Farmers’ Market and Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA)
Farmers’ markets and CSA programs are great ways to get fresh, local produce, but can you use food stamps to purchase these items? The answer is yes, but there are some restrictions.
Farmers’ Markets
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits are accepted at most farmers’ markets.
- You can use your SNAP EBT card to purchase eligible food items, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, and dairy products.
- You cannot use SNAP benefits to purchase non-food items, such as clothing, toiletries, or household goods.
- Some farmers’ markets offer a “Double Up Food Bucks” program, which allows SNAP recipients to double the value of their benefits when they purchase fruits and vegetables.
Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA)
- CSA programs are a great way to get a regular supply of fresh, local produce.
- When you join a CSA, you pay a membership fee in advance and then receive a weekly or monthly share of the farm’s harvest.
- SNAP benefits can be used to purchase a CSA membership.
- You can also use your SNAP EBT card to purchase CSA shares at some farmers’ markets.
| Can Purchase | Cannot Purchase |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Clothing |
| Vegetables | Toiletries |
| Meat | Household goods |
| Fish | Alcohol |
| Poultry | Tobacco |
| Dairy products | Pet food |
Hey there, thanks for joining me on this little Food Stamps ride! I know it’s not the most thrilling topic, but hopefully you learned a thing or two that’ll come in handy down the line, especially if you or someone you know finds themselves needing a little help putting food on the table. Remember, knowledge is power, and being informed about available resources can make all the difference.
Don’t be a stranger, though! Come back and visit again soon. I’m always cooking up new articles and guides on all sorts of interesting topics, so you’re bound to find something that tickles your fancy. Until next time, keep your head up, your heart open, and your pantry stocked!