RoxanneWe’ll fill you in, so you don’t make any grocery shopping mistakes.
Has putting food on your family’s table become a challenge? If so, you’re certainly not alone. But that probably doesn’t make you feel any better about your situation.
What could help you feel better is getting approved for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Better known as food stamps, SNAP can give you funds each month to buy food, so your family’s nutrition doesn’t lack.
The Primary Purpose of SNAP
As you can tell by its name, SNAP is meant to supplement nutrition. In other words, it’s not a complete replacement for your family’s monthly grocery shopping needs. Could you receive enough benefits for that to happen? Sure. But you shouldn’t count on SNAP solely to feed your family, as you’ll probably need other funds as well.
It’s worth noting that SNAP is also based on need. Households who need nutrition assistance the most should apply for SNAP, as you will have to show financial need to be approved for the program.
Receiving SNAP Funds
Have you ever seen what the old food stamps looked like? They were food coupons you could use at the store to help pay for your grocery bill. However, those are gone, and SNAP now issues EBT cards that function like credit or debit cards.
Just swipe your EBT card at the store, and it will pay for SNAP-eligible items so you can keep more money in your pocket.
Where to Use SNAP Cards
Many stores that accept EBT cards say so at the entrance. In general, you can use your EBT card at places like:
- Grocery stores
- Gas stations
- Convenience stores
Some farmers’ markets accept SNAP cards, which is excellent news if you’re looking to take your health to another level. Other stores that may accept SNAP include:
- Walgreens
- CVS
- Target
- Walmart
Buying groceries online has exploded lately, especially with the coronavirus pandemic and the need for social distancing. Keeping this in mind, your state may allow for online purchases of food using your SNAP EBT card. To confirm, contact your nearest SNAP office and ask if online purchases are okay.
What You Can and Cannot Buy With Your EBT Card
Food stamps are meant for nutritional necessities. In short, you won’t be able to buy whatever you want with your EBT card. The following items are acceptable:
- Bread
- Cereal
- Condiments
- Dairy
- Fats
- Fish
- Fruits
- Meat
- Non-alcoholic drinks
- Oils
- Pasta
- Poultry
- Rice
- Seeds/plants for growing your own produce
- Snacks and desserts
- Spices/flavor extracts
- Vegetables
These items, meanwhile, are not eligible for purchase with your SNAP EBT card:
- Alcohol
- Cleaning supplies
- Health and beauty products
- Household supplies
- Live animals
- Medication
- Prepared foods
- Supplements
- Tobacco products
- Vitamins
So, even though you can’t buy everything with your SNAP card, you can see how much it can help with your monthly groceries. And since SNAP can provide such help, be sure to contact your local office if your EBT card gets lost or stolen, as you will have to wait about a week to get a replacement.
