Food stamps, officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), are available to help low-income individuals and families in Texas purchase food. SNAP benefits are loaded onto an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card that can be used like a debit card at authorized retailers to purchase eligible food items. These items include fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, bread, and cereals. Seeds and plants that produce food for the household to consume are also covered. However, prepared foods, like hot meals, restaurant meals, and alcoholic beverages are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
What Can I Buy With Food Stamps in Texas?
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, commonly known as food stamps, provide financial assistance to low-income individuals and families in Texas to help them purchase nutritious food items.
Eligible Food Items
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereal products
- Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food
Ineligible Items
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Pet food
- Vitamins and supplements
- Non-food items such as soap, toothpaste, and paper products
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fruits and Vegetables | Apples, oranges, bananas, broccoli, carrots, lettuce |
| Meat, Poultry, and Fish | Beef, chicken, pork, fish, seafood |
| Dairy Products | Milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs |
| Bread and Cereal Products | Bread, tortillas, pasta, rice, cereal |
| Snacks and Non-alcoholic Beverages | Crackers, chips, popcorn, fruit juice, soda |
| Seeds and Plants that Produce Food | Vegetable seeds, fruit seeds, berry plants, herb plants |
Additional Information
- SNAP benefits can be used at authorized retail food stores, farmers’ markets, and some online retailers.
- The amount of SNAP benefits a household receives depends on the household size and income.
- To apply for SNAP benefits, you can contact your local Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) office.
The Texas Food Stamps Program
The Texas Food Stamps Program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), 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, including grocery stores, convenience stores, and farmers markets.
Eligible Food Items
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereals
- Other staples like pasta, rice, and beans
- Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
Non-Eligible Food Items
- Alcohol
- Tobacco products
- Pet food
- Prepared foods that are sold hot
- Vitamins and supplements
- Food that will be eaten in the store
SNAP Retailer Eligibility
Not all retailers are authorized to accept SNAP benefits. To find out if a particular retailer accepts SNAP, you can use the USDA’s SNAP Retailer Locator.
SNAP Application Process
- Contact your local SNAP office to obtain an application.
- Complete the application and submit it to your local SNAP office.
- Once your application is processed, you will receive a SNAP card in the mail.
If you have questions about the Texas Food Stamps Program, you can contact your local SNAP office or visit the Texas Health and Human Services website.
| Household Size | Monthly Allotment |
|---|---|
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $459 |
| 3 | $658 |
| 4 | $835 |
| 5 | $992 |
| 6 | $1,169 |
| 7 | $1,303 |
| 8 | $1,437 |
What Can I Buy With Food Stamps in Texas
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, is a federal program that helps low-income individuals and families buy food. In Texas, SNAP benefits can be used to purchase a variety of food items at authorized retailers.
Authorized Retailers
SNAP benefits can be used at most grocery stores, farmers markets, and other authorized retailers that accept EBT cards. To find a list of authorized retailers in Texas, visit the Texas Department of Health and Human Services (DSHS) website.
Eligible Food Items
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereal
- Pasta and rice
- Beans and lentils
- Eggs
- Nuts and seeds
- Spices and herbs
- Non-alcoholic beverages
Ineligible Food Items
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Pet food
- Vitamins and supplements
- Prepared foods
- Hot foods
- Restaurant meals
- Gift cards
- Cash
SNAP Benefit Amounts
The amount of SNAP benefits that a household receives each month depends on the household’s income and size. The maximum SNAP benefit amount for a household of four in Texas is $835 per month.
| Household Size | Maximum SNAP Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $516 |
| 3 | $729 |
| 4 | $835 |
SNAP benefits are distributed electronically through an EBT card. EBT cards can be used to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers.
Farmers’ Markets
As of 2023, Texas has over 230 active farmers’ markets spanned across the state, where you can use your Lone Star Card to purchase fresh, locally grown produce, and support local farmers and vendors.
- Check the Texas Farmers’ Market Directory for a list of participating markets.
- Look for the Lone Star Card logo at participating vendors.
- You can use your Lone Star Card to purchase a variety of eligible foods, including fruits, vegetables, honey, meat, and eggs.
- Farmers’ markets typically accept Lone Star Card payments for purchases up to $20 per transaction.
In addition to the regular farmers’ markets, there are also mobile farmers’ markets and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs that accept Lone Star Cards.
Some notable farmers’ markets in Texas that participate include:
- Dallas Farmers Market
- Houston Farmers Market
- San Antonio Farmers Market
- Austin Farmers Market
- Fort Worth Farmers Market
| Eligibility Category | Monthly Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| Individuals | $281 |
| Couples | $516 |
| Families of 3 | $748 |
| Families of 4 | $974 |
| Families of 5 | $1,195 |
Howdy, y’all! Thanks for taking the time to read our article about what you can buy with food stamps in Texas. We hope you found it helpful and informative. If you have any more questions, feel free to leave a comment below or give us a shout on social media. Y’all come back now, ya hear?