Food stamps, also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, can be used to purchase a variety of food items at authorized retailers. These items include fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, bread, and cereal. Food stamps can also be used to purchase seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat. However, food stamps cannot be used to purchase non-food items, such as alcohol, tobacco, pet food, vitamins, and medicines. They also cannot be used to purchase food that is prepared or served at restaurants or other food service establishments.
Eligible Food Items
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a government-funded program that provides financial assistance to low-income individuals and families to buy food. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase a variety of food items, including:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, fish, and poultry
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereal
- Snacks and beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food
SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Pet food
- Vitamins and supplements
- Non-food items, such as household supplies or clothing
Here is a table summarizing what you can and cannot buy with SNAP benefits:
| Can Buy | Cannot Buy |
|---|---|
| Fruits and vegetables | Alcoholic beverages |
| Meat, fish, and poultry | Tobacco products |
| Dairy products | Pet food |
| Bread and cereal | Vitamins and supplements |
| Snacks and beverages | Non-food items |
| Seeds and plants that produce food |
If you have any questions about what you can and cannot buy with SNAP benefits, you can contact your local SNAP office.
Food Stamps: What You Can and Cannot Buy
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly 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 restrictions on what can and cannot be bought with these benefits.
Ineligible Food Items
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Vitamins and supplements
- Pet food
Non-food items, such as paper products, cleaning supplies, and personal care items
Restaurant meals
Live animals
Prepared foods that are not intended for immediate consumption
In addition to the items listed above, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase food items that are considered to be luxuries, such as:
- Lobster
- Crab
- Shrimp
- Steak
- Filet mignon
SNAP benefits can only be used to purchase food items that are intended for human consumption. This means that you cannot use SNAP benefits to purchase food for pets or other animals.
SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase non-food items, such as paper products, cleaning supplies, and personal care items.
SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase restaurant meals. However, some states allow SNAP benefits to be used to purchase prepared foods from authorized retailers.
SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase live animals. This includes animals that are intended for food, such as chickens, pigs, and cows.
SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase prepared foods that are not intended for immediate consumption. This includes things like frozen meals, canned goods, and snacks.
If you are unsure whether a particular food item can be purchased with SNAP benefits, you can always ask a SNAP representative or check the USDA’s website.
| Food Group | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fruits and Vegetables | Fresh, frozen, canned, dried, and 100% juice |
| Meat, Poultry, and Fish | Fresh, frozen, canned, and dried |
| Dairy Products | Milk, cheese, yogurt, and eggs |
| Grains | Bread, cereal, rice, pasta, and tortillas |
| Snacks and Sweets | Crackers, cookies, chips, and candy (limited) |
| Seeds and Plants | Seeds and plants that produce food |
SNAP Rules and Restrictions
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. In 2022, about 41 million Americans received SNAP benefits, with an average monthly benefit of $250 per person.
SNAP benefits can be used to purchase a wide variety of food items, but there are some restrictions on what can be bought. The following is a list of items that cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Pet food
- Vitamins and supplements
- Non-food items, such as household supplies, clothing, and personal care items
- Restaurant meals
- Gift cards
- Lottery tickets
In addition to the items listed above, there are also some restrictions on where SNAP benefits can be used. SNAP benefits can only be used at authorized retailers, which include most grocery stores, farmers markets, and convenience stores. SNAP benefits cannot be used at restaurants, bars, or gas stations.
Additional Information:
SNAP is a vital safety net for millions of Americans. SNAP benefits help families put food on the table and improve their overall health and well-being.
SNAP is a federal program, but it is administered by the states. This means that there may be some variation in the rules and restrictions that apply to SNAP benefits from state to state.
To learn more about SNAP benefits, you can visit the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service website or contact your local Social Services office.
Table of SNAP Eligible Food Items:
| Food Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fruits and vegetables | Fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruits and vegetables |
| Meat and poultry | Fresh, frozen, or canned meat and poultry |
| Fish and seafood | Fresh, frozen, or canned fish and seafood |
| Dairy products | Milk, cheese, yogurt, and eggs |
| Bread and cereals | Bread, tortillas, pasta, rice, and cereal |
| Sweets and snacks | Cookies, crackers, chips, and candy |
| Other | Nuts, seeds, and spices |
What Can and Cannot Be Purchased With Food Stamps?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program that provides food-purchasing assistance to low-income individuals and families. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase a variety of food items, but there are some restrictions on what can and cannot be bought with the benefits. Let’s take a look at the items that you are allowed to buy, as well as what kind of items are not eligible for purchase with Food Stamps.
Eligible Food Items
In general, SNAP benefits can be used to purchase any food item that is intended for human consumption and is not considered a luxury item. This includes items such as:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereals
- Snacks and beverages
Ineligible Items
Conversely, the following items are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Vitamins and supplements
- Pet food
- Household supplies
- Prepared foods that are not intended for home consumption
Alternative Payment Methods
SNAP benefits are typically distributed through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which functions similarly to a debit card. When using an EBT card to make a purchase, the cashier will swipe the card through a card reader and enter the amount of the purchase. The purchase amount will then be deducted from the cardholder’s SNAP account balance. In addition to EBT cards, some states also allow SNAP recipients to use their benefits to purchase food online. Contact your local SNAP office to learn more about the availability of online purchasing in your area.
Additional Information
For more information about SNAP, you can visit the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service website or contact your local SNAP office. You may be able to find the contact information for your local SNAP office by searching online or by calling the USDA’s National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479).
Thanks for hopping aboard our food-stamps tour! Before you dash off to stock up on groceries, keep in mind that the list of eligible items can change over time. So, remember to stay tuned for updates. And don’t be a stranger—come visit us again soon for more insights into the world of food stamps and other need-to-know info. Until then, happy shopping!