With an estimated 12.5% of the United States population receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, knowing what you can and can't buy with your EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card is essential the next time you go shopping.
Some of these, however, may surprise you. Lastyear, 41.9 million people received some benefit from federal funding for their state's SNAP program.
This program provides food assistance for families who make under a certain amount each month. The more people in your family, the higher the threshold and the more benefits you receive.
1. Escargot
If you like exotic food but are limited financially, you can still enjoy escargot. Amazon sells edible snails that hail from Indonesia.
Packed without the shell, these snails are ready to cook with instructions to eat them hot for the best flavor profile.
2. Java
Who doesn't love coffee?
Your EBT card allows you to purchase ground and whole bean coffee, some creamers (usually powdered varieties), and cold coffees made for home consumption.
3. Candy
This item is a hot topic among those who use food stamps and those who don't. Candy adds little nutritional value to anyone's diet outside a nice sugar spike and is still available with your EBT card.
That includes gum, which, by all rights, isn't food since we don't usually eat it.
4. Weight Loss Products
This product is also debatable, but there is a catch. If your nutritional supplement has a “Nutrition Facts” label, you can get it on food stamps.
However, if it comes with a “Supplemental Facts” label, you cannot purchase it with your EBT card. If you're short on income and still want those supplements, find one with a nutrition label, and you'll be all set.
5. Lab Kits
This merchandise was one of the more interesting finds I discovered.
Sold as candy “chemistry sets,” these candy lab kits allow you to make different sorts of candy and are completely buyable on the SNAP program because, you guessed it, they have a nutritional facts label.
6. Gift Boxes
You can order or purchase gift sets containing at least 50% of food. Cheese boards, chocolate and nut combos, and Christmas-themed popcorn cans all count.
So, the next time you're in the mood for munchies, pick your favorite snack food and order a lovely gift set.
7. Hunting and Fishing Equipment
Suppose you live in a more remote part of Alaska where retail grocery stores are limited. In that case, you can purchase hunting and fishing gear with your SNAP benefits to help you supplement your ability to buy food.
This benefit is exceptional for those who can't always get to a store for food.
8. Communion Chips
This purchase was neat for interested SNAP users who want to partake in communion but have obstacles.
You can purchase your communion chips using your EBT card.
9. Teapots
This one was also an exciting purchase. You can purchase a tea set with a glass teapot through sites like Amazon.
It has a set of “blooming” teas and is reasonably priced, especially for an item you can buy on SNAP.
10. Restaurant Meals Program
I like this aspect of some state's SNAP programs. The Restaurant Meal Program is a subset of SNAP benefits, allowing you to purchase hot meals from restaurants participating in the SNAP program.
This option benefits people experiencing homelessness or those who have trouble cooking. It's also great for families who need a night off to focus on other essential aspects of life outside eating.
11. Kinder Joy Eggs
Is it a toy or chocolate? Since these candy/toy combos are technically food, you can purchase them with your EBT card.
If you buy them, enjoy each bite and the little toy inside!
12. Water
Flavored, bottled, and carbonated options are all great for EBT.
You can also purchase bags of ice, and the crushed selection is also available. If it's H2O, you can grab it with food stamps.
Changes to EBT Items
Sometimes, an item can stop being covered by the SNAP program. If you're ordering online, be sure that the item you choose is clearly labeled SNAP or EBT eligible.
The program once covered these items but has since removed them from eligibility.
1. Toddler Drink Mix
As a mother of seven, I have had children who took a while to begin eating regular food. There were times I had to purchase meal supplement drinks for them. Not all drink mixes are equal, however.
While several water flavorings and meal supplement drinks for children are available on SNAP, just as many (if not more) are not SNAP eligible. When purchasing these, carefully read the listing to ensure that SNAP covers the cost.
2. Caviar
This pricey decadence used to be purchasable on SNAP and can cost anywhere from $26 to more than $1000.
Imagine putting that on your monthly EBT allotment.
3. Prepper Meal Kits
While MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) and other large meal kits are food, SNAP benefits do not cover them.
You can purchase items you might find in one of these kits, like beef jerky or apple butter, but the prepared food kits are not SNAP-eligible.
At The End of the Day
In an ideal world, no one would ever go hungry or want a place to live. Using your SNAP benefits on food you enjoy is a relief for many families nationwide. However, it is essential to know what you can and can't purchase with your EBT card so the cash you have on hand can go toward other crucial items like clothing and shelter.
SNAP is a supplemental program, meaning it shouldn't cover the needs of your nutritional intake every month. To maximize your benefits, plan, use sales to your advantage, and buy what you need before you buy what you want.
Source: GoodRx, Low Income Relief.
