Put your food stamps to good use, and find out what you can and cannot purchase with it. Read the HomeQuicks article to find information on the same.
Food stamps are now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This program gives certain families an option to purchase food who cannot afford it otherwise. The program is not only limited to only families, but also to single people as well. In the following sections, we will be discussing how this program works, who is eligible for this program, and what foods can you purchase once your application is accepted.
The Program
Often times, there are families and single people who, even after struggling, can’t make ends meet. It becomes difficult for them to pay their bills and purchase food. And when someone is in dire need, food stamps or SNAP can be used. Similar to a bank account, you will receive an account which keeps all your calculations of the program. You will get an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which looks like a debit card. With this card, you can make the necessary purchases. Every month, the specific benefits are transferred into your account and you can easily avail it at various grocery and convenience stores. Many times, people wonder if they are eligible to apply for this program and sometimes, miss out of the opportunity. To learn more about the specific items and how you can apply for the program, keep reading.
Apply for the Stamps
Here, we will talk a little bit more about what exactly the criteria are while applying for it. When you apply for the program, you will be asked a series of questions pertaining to your overall income (from your employer and any other outside income), information about child care expenses paid to you by someone, the total household expenses assumed by you, etc.; after collecting all these information, the decision to make a family eligible is confirmed. For a more detailed information on applying for food stamps, read the article.
Things to Purchase
Even if you are not completely aware of what exactly the program does, just by guessing the name you can have a general understanding. But, in order to be completely sure what it is that you can purchase with these stamps, take a look at the lists mentioned below.
| Can Purchase | Can’t Purchase |
| Breads | Toys |
| Cereals | Soap |
| Fruit Juices | Liquor |
| Baby Foods | Toothpaste |
| Peanut Butter | Pet Foods |
| Baby Formulas | Toilet Paper |
| Dairy Products | Hot Foods |
| Canned Meats | Beer & Wine |
| Sugar & Condiments | Tobacco Products |
| Soda & Mixed Drinks | Hygiene Products |
| Uncooked Meats & Fish | Household Products |
| Canned, Fresh & Frozen Fruits | Cleaning Products |
| Seeds & Plants (to grow food) | Eat-in Grocery Foods |
| Canned, Fresh & Frozen Vegetables | Vitamins & Supplements |
While purchasing the items with your food stamps, remember this―anything and everything that is edible food, no matter if it comes in fresh, frozen, or canned style, it can certainly be purchased by these stamps; any non-edible items are not included.
Once your application has been accepted, you will receive your EBT card and then you can get all the necessary and permitted food and beverage items. Just make sure that you are completely aware of the “Can Purchase” list and the “Can’t Purchase” list before you head out shopping.