The Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is a resourceful tool that provides essential assistance in purchasing food. Started in the late ‘90s as a way to modernize the distribution of food stamps, the EBT card works similarly to debit cards to make transactions for select items. Recipients eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can have access to EBT cards. Around 41.9 million people use SNAP benefits from the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) every month.
We researched the EBT benefits of several American states and identified the variety of items you can buy with your EBT card.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh produce such as apples, bananas, carrots, and spinach are some of the most eligible items for purchasing with EBT cards. These items are crucial for maintaining a healthy diet, providing essential vitamins and minerals. You can use your EBT cards at local farmers’ markets or supermarkets accepting SNAP benefits.
Meat, Poultry, and Seafood
Chicken, beef, pork, and other meats are available for purchase with EBT cards. As meat items are rich in protein, they are needed for building and repairing body tissues. The USDA does not allow live animals or birds purchased with EBT cards. You can, however, buy packaged meat at select stores.
On the other hand, live seafood such as lobsters, shellfish, or prawns are included in the SNAP list and you can get them with an EBT card.
Dairy Products and Cereals
Dairy products are a primary source of calcium. They are required for bone health and overall immunity. Therefore, EBT cards allow the purchase of milk, cheese, and yogurt.
You can use your EBT card to buy cereals and grains as well. These items provide carbohydrates, which are the body’s main source of energy.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
The USDA does not allow alcoholic items under the EBT card benefit. Thus, the EBT card will not sponsor the purchase of beer, wine, or any other liquor. Only non-alcoholic beverages with hydrating and nutritional values are qualified. Juice, soda, and bottled water are available for purchase as they are non-alcoholic.
Energy Drinks
Some energy drinks that do not contain alcohol are also allowed in the SNAP benefit with conditions. As per the USDA’s statement, energy drinks containing a ‘Nutrition Facts’ label are granted. However, energy drinks that only have a ‘Supplement Facts’ label will not be eligible. The same rule applies to meal replacement shakes as well.
Canned and Frozen Food
According to a 2023 survey, 86% of Americans eligible for SNAP mentioned that they cannot afford to waste food, and hence, frozen food helps them manage their resources better due to its longer shelf life and reduced risk of spoilage.
Canned fruits like peaches and pears, as well as vegetables such as green beans and corn, are eligible under SNAP programs. They are convenient and have a long shelf life, making them practical for meal planning.
Snack Foods
SNAP does not allow the purchase of hot prepared foods, but surprisingly, it allows certain snacks. Chips, crackers, popcorn, finger foods, ice cream, candies, and pretzels are some of the allowed items. These snack items can be part of a balanced diet if taken in moderation. So, SNAP allows them even if they are not solely nutritious.
Moreover, more nutritious packaged snacks such as granola bars, trail mix, and fruit snacks are eligible as well. These convenient and on-the-go nutrition items can be part of a healthy snack option, so you can purchase them with EBT cards.
Bakery Items
Around 333.46 million Americans consumed bread and bakery goods in 2023. Bakery items, including breads, cakes, pastries, and other baked goods, are a staple part of the American diet. So, the SNAP grants the recipients the ability to buy fresh bread, rolls, muffins, and tortillas with the EBT cards.
Baby Food and Formula
In 2019, children made up 43% of SNAP benefits participants and continue to be the majority. EBT cards are particularly beneficial for buying baby food, including formula, juices, cereals, and other nutritious products. As these items are essential for children’s nutrition and development, SNAP supports their purchase with the highest priority. The additional Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) allows the purchase of selected specialty items for children only.
Cooking Ingredients
Basic cooking ingredients like sugar, spices, and oils are eligible for EBT card purchase. Items necessary for preparing homemade meals are allowed, while ready-to-eat soups or rotisserie chicken are not included. Condiments and sauces like ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and salad dressings are allowed as they are crucial to enhance the flavor of meals.
Seeds and Plants
One of the most surprising things you can buy with EBT cards are seeds and plants of specific types. Edible plants like basil, rosemary, etc., or plants that can produce food are allowed. You can also buy seeds as they are a cost-effective way to grow fresh produce at home.
Restaurant Meals Program
Several American states participate in the SNAP-sponsored Restaurant Meals Program. This program allows EBT cardholders to donate meals for various shelters and homes voluntarily. People aged above 60 and people with disability and homeless conditions can also utilize their EBT cards to buy meals at specific restaurants. States that have full or partial access to this facility are Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island, Virginia, Massachusetts, and New York.
Hunting and Fishing Gears: Alaska
For Alaskan residents, fishing and hunting are essential survival occupations to sustain themselves with feasible food resources. According to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, selected residents of rural areas in Alaska are eligible to buy gear with EBT cards. Allowed items may include harpoons, bows and arrows, fishing nets and rods, knives, etc.