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. Food stamps can be used to purchase a variety of food items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products, bread, and cereals. They can also be used to purchase seeds and plants that produce food. Food stamps cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, or non-food items, such as cleaning supplies or pet food. The amount of food stamps a person or family receives is based on their income and household size.
Eligible Food Items
Through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, individuals and families can purchase a wide range of nutritious food items to ensure a healthy and balanced diet.
Food Categories
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish
- Dairy Products
- Bread and Cereal Products
- Snacks and Sweets
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Specific Foods
| Food Category | Eligible Items |
|---|---|
| Fruits and Vegetables | Fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruits and vegetables, including 100% fruit or vegetable juice. |
| Meat, Poultry, and Fish | Fresh, frozen, or canned meat, poultry, or fish, as well as eggs. |
| Dairy Products | Milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products. |
| Bread and Cereal Products | Bread, cereal, pasta, rice, and other grain products. |
| Snacks and Sweets | Cookies, crackers, chips, candy, and other snacks and sweets. |
| Non-Alcoholic Beverages | Soda, juice, tea, and other non-alcoholic beverages. |
It’s important to note that certain items are excluded from purchase with food stamps, such as alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, lottery tickets, pet food, cleaning supplies, and personal hygiene items.
What Food Can You Get With Food Stamps
Food stamps, formally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is a government program that provides financial assistance to low-income households to help them purchase food. Various foods can be purchased using food stamps, but there are some restrictions on what items are eligible for purchase.
Restrictions on Food Purchases
- Food stamps cannot be used to purchase alcoholic beverages.
- Food stamps cannot be used to purchase tobacco products.
- Food stamps cannot be used to purchase non-food items such as cleaning supplies, paper products, and pet food.
- Food stamps cannot be used to purchase hot foods that are ready to eat.
- Food stamps cannot be used to purchase certain foods that are considered to be luxury items, such as lobster and steak.
Eligible Food Items
| Eligible | Ineligible |
|---|---|
| Fruits and vegetables | Frozen yogurt |
| Meat, fish, and poultry | Canned goods |
| Dairy products | Soda |
| Bread and grains | Alcohol |
| Snacks | Cigarettes |
Food Stamp-Approved Healthy Food Options
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, provides financial assistance to low-income individuals and families to help them purchase nutritious food. With food stamps, you can buy a variety of healthy and affordable food items to meet your dietary needs.
Fruits and Vegetables
- Fresh fruits, such as apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes
- Fresh vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, spinach, and tomatoes
- Frozen fruits and vegetables
- Canned fruits and vegetables in water or natural juices
Whole Grains
- Brown rice
- Whole-wheat bread
- Whole-grain pasta
- Oatmeal
- Quinoa
Lean Protein
- Beans and lentils
- Fish
- Lean beef
- Poultry without skin
- Eggs
Low-Fat Dairy Products
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Cheese
Healthy Fats
- Nuts and seeds
- Avocados
- Olive oil
| Household Size | Monthly SNAP Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $459 |
| 3 | $636 |
| 4 | $813 |
| 5 | $990 |
| 6 | $1,167 |
| 7 | $1,344 |
| 8 | $1,521 |
| Each additional person | $177 |
Note: SNAP benefits may vary depending on income and other factors. Contact your local SNAP office for more information.
What Food Can You Get With Food Stamps
Food stamps, also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, are a form of government assistance that helps low-income individuals and families purchase food. SNAP benefits can be used to buy a variety of food items at authorized retailers, including grocery stores, farmers markets, and convenience stores. To be eligible for SNAP benefits, you must meet certain income and asset limits.
Using Food Stamps at Farmers Markets
Many farmers markets accept food stamps as a form of payment. This is a great way to use your SNAP benefits to buy fresh, healthy food directly from local farmers. Some states offer a program called “Double Up Food Bucks,” which allows SNAP recipients to double the value of their benefits when they buy fruits and vegetables at farmers markets. Check with your local farmers market to see if they participate in this program.
Food Items You Can Buy with Food Stamps
- Bread and cereal
- Meat, fish, and poultry
- Dairy products
- Eggs
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Juices
- Cookies and crackers
- Sodas and energy drinks
- Candy
- Snacks
Food Items You Cannot Buy with Food Stamps
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Pet food
- Paper products
- Soaps and detergents
- Vitamins and supplements
- Cosmetics
- Household items
- Restaurant meals
Table of Food Items That Can and Cannot Be Purchased with Food Stamps
| Can Purchase | Cannot Purchase |
|---|---|
| Bread | Alcohol |
| Cereal | Tobacco |
| Meat | Pet food |
| Fish | Paper products |
| Poultry | Soaps and detergents |
| Dairy products | Vitamins and supplements |
| Eggs | Cosmetics |
| Vegetables | Household items |
| Fruits | Restaurant meals |
| Juices |