List of EBT/SNAP-Eligible Items at Grocery Stores

The SNAP benefits program formerly known as food stamps has been in practice since 1986 under the food stamps act. This program is directed at helping low-income families acquire their basic nutritional needs.

Anyone can apply for this program as long as their family’s earnings fall within or under the Federal poverty line (FPI). In this article, we will highlight items that qualify for purchase with SNAP benefits. Also, the registration process for SNAP and the eligibility for SNAP benefits will be considered in detail.

List of SNAP EBT Eligible Items

As the name SNAP (supplementary nutrition assistance program) implies, SNAP benefits in the form of an EBT card can be used to purchase items that offer nutritional benefits. Most food items fall under this category. Below is a list of some items that can be purchased with an EBT card:

• Dairy products such as milk and cheese
• Eggs 
• Freshly slaughtered meat
• Frozen meat
• Snacks 
• Fruits and vegetables
• Cooking oil
• Baby formula
• Cereals, wheat, and pasta
• Bread
• Ice cream 
• Non-alcoholic beverages 
• Spices and seasonings
• Sweeteners, dips, and spreads (honey, butter, nut butter, sugar, etc.)
• Seeds and plants that can be cultivated to produce food for the family.

SNAP-eligible items can be bought fresh, canned, or frozen. Most of these items will have their nutritional values listed on the body of the item’s packaging. So be sure to check that also.

Read Also: Publix vs Walmart: Which is Cheaper?

Items You Cannot Buy With SNAP Benefits

The use of SNAP benefits is restricted. Even though some items might qualify as food items it doesn’t make them eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. Below is a list of items you cannot purchase with SNAP benefits:

• Drugs
• Food supplements
• Cooked food or food served hot (TV Dinners)
• Items that can be eaten in the shop
• Cosmetics
• Cleaning products such as soap, buckets, etc.
• Household equipment
• Clothes
• Baby diaper
• Beer, wine, liquor, and other alcoholic drinks
• Pet food
• Live animals except for shellfish which have to be sold live
• Vitamins, etc.

How to check if you are eligible for SNAP Benefits

Most families who fall on or below the poverty quota are eligible for SNAP benefits. To confirm if your family might be eligible for SNAP benefits, please contact the nearest human resource office. There you will be guided on how to check if your family is SNAP-eligible.

RELATED POSTS

• Complete List of Grocery Stores that Accept EBT Cards
• List of Grocery Stores that Accept American Express Cards
• Grocery Stores that Take Google Pay
• List of Grocery Stores That Accept Apple Pay