Food stamps are a form of government assistance that helps low-income individuals and families buy food. They can be used at a variety of food places, including grocery stores, farmers markets, and some restaurants. When using food stamps at a food place, the recipient swipes their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which is similar to a debit card. The food place then processes the transaction and the amount of the purchase is deducted from the recipient’s EBT account. To see the list of places that accept food stamps, you can visit the website of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service or ask at your local grocery store.
Food Places That Accept Food Stamps
Food stamps, also known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), are a government-funded program that provides eligible households with a monthly allotment of money to purchase food. SNAP benefits can be used at a variety of authorized retailers, including grocery stores, farmers markets, and certain restaurants.
Authorized Retailers
To find out which food places accept food stamps near you, you can use the SNAP Retailer Locator at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator. You can also check with your local SNAP office for a list of authorized retailers.
Using Food Stamps to Purchase Food
- To use SNAP benefits to purchase food, you will need to have a SNAP EBT card.
- The SNAP EBT card works like a debit card. You can use it to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers.
- When you purchase food with your SNAP EBT card, the amount of the purchase will be deducted from your SNAP benefits balance.
Ineligible Food Items
Not all food items are eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. Some examples of ineligible food items include:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Non-food items, such as pet food, soap, and cleaning supplies
- Vitamins and supplements
- Hot food or prepared meals
Please note: Some food places may choose to accept SNAP benefits for hot food or prepared meals. In such cases, SNAP benefits can only be used to purchase the food. The food cannot be consumed on the premises.
Restaurant Meals Program
In some states, SNAP recipients can use their benefits to purchase restaurant meals through the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). The RMP is a pilot program that allows SNAP recipients to use their benefits to purchase meals at participating restaurants. To find out if the RMP is available in your state, you can contact your local SNAP office.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Monthly allotment of money | The amount of money you receive each month depends on your household size and income. |
| Can be used at authorized retailers | You can use your SNAP EBT card to purchase food at authorized retailers, including grocery stores, farmers markets, and certain restaurants. |
| Works like a debit card | You can use your SNAP EBT card to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers. When you purchase food with your SNAP EBT card, the amount of the purchase will be deducted from your SNAP benefits balance. |
Eligibility for Food Stamp Usage
In order to be eligible for food stamp usage, individuals and households must meet certain criteria. These criteria are set by the USDA and are based on income and assets.
To be eligible for food stamps, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified noncitizen.
- Have a Social Security number or a document that shows you are applying for one.
- Have less than $2,500 in assets for a single person or $4,000 for a household of two or more. (Assets do not include your home, car, or retirement savings.)
- Have a monthly income that is less than 130% of the federal poverty level. (For example, a single person must have a monthly income of less than $1,944.)
If you meet all of these criteria, you may be eligible for food stamps. You can apply for food stamps at your local Department of Human Services office.
| Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,944 |
| 2 | $2,602 |
| 3 | $3,260 |
| 4 | $3,918 |
| 5 | $4,576 |
| 6 | $5,234 |
| 7 | $5,892 |
| 8 | $6,550 |
List of Accepted Food Places
Using your EBT card to purchase food items is a simple and secure process. Simply present your card at any authorized retailer that sells food products and your EBT account will be debited for the total amount of your purchase. A variety of food places accept food stamps, including authorized grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and certain restaurants. Here is a comprehensive list of places where you can use your EBT card:
Grocery Stores
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Albertsons
- Target
- Whole Foods Market
- Trader Joe’s
Farmers’ Markets
Many states offer programs that allow EBT cardholders to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets. To find a farmers’ market that accepts EBT, contact your local Department of Social Services.
Restaurants
In an increasing number of states, EBT cardholders can use their benefits to purchase prepared meals at select restaurants. To find a restaurant that accepts EBT, contact your local Department of Social Services or visit the National Restaurant Association’s website.
Authorized Retailers
In addition to the aforementioned locations, EBT cards can also be used at a variety of authorized retailers, including convenience stores, gas stations, and drug stores. To find an authorized retailer near you, visit the SNAP Retailer Locator website.
| State | Authorized Retailers | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| California | Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, Target | (877) 328-7627 |
| Texas | H-E-B, Kroger, Walmart, Sam’s Club | (877) 541-7905 |
| New York | Walmart, Wegmans, Price Chopper, Tops Friendly Markets | (888) 328-6399 |
Restrictions and Limitations
While food stamps, officially known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, provide much-needed assistance in purchasing groceries, there are certain restrictions and limitations associated with their use:
- Eligible Food Items: SNAP benefits can only be used to purchase food items for human consumption. This includes fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy products, bread, and cereals. However, prepared foods, ready-to-eat meals, and alcoholic beverages are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
- Ineligible Items: Besides ineligible food items, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase non-food items such as tobacco products, pet food, cleaning supplies, paper products, and personal care items.
- Authorized Retailers: SNAP benefits can only be used at authorized retailers that accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. These retailers include grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers’ markets, and some convenience stores. However, restaurants, fast-food establishments, and vending machines generally do not accept SNAP benefits.
- Benefit Limits: SNAP benefits are distributed based on household size and income. Each eligible household receives a monthly benefit amount that varies depending on these factors. This limit restricts the total amount of food that can be purchased using SNAP benefits each month.
- Online and Phone Purchases: While most authorized retailers accept EBT cards for in-store purchases, online and phone purchases using SNAP benefits are not widely available. Some authorized retailers may offer online ordering and delivery services, but the availability and terms of these services vary.
| Household Size | Maximum Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $516 |
| 3 | $740 |
| 4 | $939 |
| 5 | $1,117 |
| 6 | $1,280 |
| 7 | $1,443 |
| 8 | $1,596 |
These restrictions and limitations are in place to ensure that SNAP benefits are used for their intended purpose, which is to provide nutritional assistance to low-income households and families.
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