Many items qualify for purchase with food stamps. Staple foods such as bread, cereal, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and dairy products are all approved. Additionally, snacks like chips, cookies, and candy can be purchased if they meet certain nutritional requirements. Seeds and plants able to produce food can also be purchased with food stamps. However, prepared foods like restaurant meals, alcohol, and tobacco products are not eligible.
What Food is Eligible?
For those receiving food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), knowing what food groups are eligible is essential for making informed choices at the grocery store. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase various types of food items, including:
Foods from the Five Main Groups
- Fruits and vegetables.
- Meat, poultry, and fish.
- Dairy products.
- Grains.
- Healthy oils.
Other Eligible Foods:
- Snacks and beverages:
Examples:
- Chips
- Crackers
- Cookies
- Soda
- Juice
- Condiments and spices:
Examples:
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayonnaise
- Salt
- Pepper
- Baking supplies:
Examples:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Vanilla extract
- Seeds and plants:
Examples:
- Vegetable seeds
- Herb seeds
- Fruit trees
- Vegetable plants
- Herb plants
Ineligible Food Items:
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Tobacco products.
- Vitamins and supplements.
- Pet food.
- Non-food items like soap and paper products.
What Can You Buy with Food Stamps?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program that helps low-income individuals and families buy food. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers, which include most grocery stores, farmers markets, and some convenience stores.
Eligible Food Items:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereals
- Snacks and beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food
Excluded Food Items:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco products
- Pet food
- Vitamins and supplements
- Eating out at restaurants
- Non-food items, such as household supplies and cleaning products
SNAP Benefits and Eligibility:
The amount of SNAP benefits a household receives each month depends on their income and household size. To be eligible for SNAP benefits, households must meet certain income and asset limits. You can apply for SNAP benefits online or at your local SNAP office.
| Household Size | Maximum Net Income | Maximum Gross Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,345 | $1,808 |
| 2 | $1,808 | $2,442 |
| 3 | $2,270 | $3,057 |
| 4 | $2,733 | $3,671 |
Using SNAP Benefits:
SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card. You can use your EBT card to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers. When you use your EBT card, the amount of your purchase will be deducted from your SNAP benefits balance.
SNAP can help you feed your family healthy and nutritious food. If you think you may be eligible for SNAP benefits, apply today.
SNAP-Authorized Retailers
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers. These retailers include grocery stores, farmers markets, and certain online retailers. To find a SNAP-authorized retailer near you, visit the USDA’s SNAP Retailer Locator website at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator.
What Food Can You Buy with SNAP?
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Snacks and beverages
- Seeds and plants to grow food
Foods Not Eligible for Purchase with SNAP
Some foods are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. These include:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco products
- Pet food
- Vitamins and supplements
- Non-food items, such as clothing, household supplies, and toiletries
How to Use SNAP Benefits
SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card. To use your SNAP benefits, simply swipe your EBT card at the checkout counter and enter your PIN. You can also use your SNAP benefits to purchase food online from authorized retailers. To do this, you will need to create an account with the retailer and link your EBT card.
SNAP Eligibility
To be eligible for SNAP benefits, you must meet certain income and asset requirements. You can apply for SNAP benefits online or at your local SNAP office. To learn more about SNAP eligibility, visit the USDA’s SNAP website at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/.
SNAP Guide: A Printable Reference Sheet
| What is SNAP? | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: A government program that helps low-income individuals and families buy healthy food. |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible for SNAP? | U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens with low income and limited assets. |
| How do I apply for SNAP? | Apply online or at your local SNAP office. |
| What food can I buy with SNAP? | Fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, snacks, beverages, seeds, and plants. |
| What food cannot be bought with SNAP? | Alcohol, tobacco, pet food, vitamins, supplements, and non-food items. |
| How do I use SNAP? | Swipe your EBT card at checkout or purchase food online with an authorized retailer. |
Eligible Food Items for Purchase with Food Stamps
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, is a federally funded program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase a wide variety of food items at authorized retailers, including grocery stores, convenience stores, and farmers markets.
Eligible Food Groups
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish
- Dairy Products
- Grains
- Oils and Fats
- Seeds and Nuts
In addition to these basic food groups, SNAP benefits can also be used to purchase certain supplemental food items, such as:
- Baby food
- Diapers
- Infant formula
- Seeds and plants that produce food
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Snack foods
Ineligible Food Items
SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase the following items:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Pet food
- Vitamins and supplements
- Household supplies
- Prepared foods that are sold hot
Using Food Stamps for Online Grocery Shopping
SNAP benefits can be used to purchase groceries online from authorized retailers. To use SNAP benefits for online grocery shopping, you will need to:
- Create an account with an authorized online grocer.
- Link your EBT card to your online account.
- Select SNAP-eligible items from the online grocer’s inventory.
- Pay for your groceries using your EBT card.
Once you have placed your order, the groceries will be delivered to your home or you can pick them up at the store.
**Note:** Not all online grocers accept SNAP benefits. To find out if an online grocer accepts SNAP benefits, you can check the USDA’s website or contact the online grocer directly.
Table of Common Food Items and Their SNAP Eligibility
| Food Item | SNAP Eligible |
|---|---|
| Apples | Yes |
| Bananas | Yes |
| Oranges | Yes |
| Lettuce | Yes |
| Tomatoes | Yes |
| Broccoli | Yes |
| Ground beef | Yes |
| Chicken breasts | Yes |
| Salmon | Yes |
| Milk | Yes |
| Yogurt | Yes |
| Cheese | Yes |
| Bread | Yes |
| Rice | Yes |
| Pasta | Yes |
| Oats | Yes |
| Olive oil | Yes |
| Peanut butter | Yes |
| Almonds | Yes |
| Soda | No |
| Candy | No |
| Chips | No |
| Cigarettes | No |
| Alcohol | No |
Thanks for swinging by and reading about what food can be bought with food stamps! I hope this article has given you a better understanding of the program and what it can do for you and your family. If you have more questions or just want to keep up-to-date on the latest food stamp news, be sure to visit our blog again soon. In the meantime, take care and eat well!