Good NestingWhat is SNAP?
More commonly known as food stamps, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps households in need purchase food to avoid nutrition deficiencies.
How do you receive SNAP benefits?
Even though many still refer to SNAP as food stamps, gone are the days when you use paper coupons to spend your benefits. Instead, you’ll receive an EBT (electronic benefits transfer) card that functions like a debit or credit card. And if you’ve never used an EBT card before, don’t fret, as you’ll get instructions when you receive it, and cashiers know how it functions as well.
Where can you use an EBT card?
Like debit and credit cards, you can use your SNAP EBT card at places like convenience stores, grocery stores, and gas stations. Some farmers’ markets accept EBT too.
As for other stores where an EBT card may work, you could use it at Target, Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens. To be 100 percent sure, check on the store’s window for a sign that says it accepts EBT. You can also ask a worker for confirmation before shopping.
Can you use a SNAP EBT card to shop online?
Over time, more states are allowing for online purchases with SNAP EBT cards. When you receive your card in the mail, contact your local SNAP office to check if online purchases are okay. If so, that will help keep you safe during the coronavirus pandemic.
What can you pay for with an EBT card?
Since SNAP was created to help supplement families in need with nutritional foods, the answer to this question is no. There are limits to what you can buy. The general rules are that it must be food that’s not prepared. Here’s a specific list:
- Bread
- Cereal
- Condiments
- Dairy products
- Desserts
- Fats
- Fish
- Flavor extracts
- Fruits
- Meat
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Oils
- Pasta
- Poultry
- Rice
- Plants or seeds that can be used to grow your own produce
- Snacks
- Spices
- Vegetables
As you can see from that list, all of those items are necessities that can ensure your family gets the nutrition it needs. On the flip side, here are items that you cannot buy with your SNAP EBT card. Be sure to look over your groceries before checking out to see that none of the following are in your cart. If they are, you’ll have to pay for them with your own funds:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Cleaning supplies
- Health or beauty products
- Hot or prepared foods that are ready to eat
- Household supplies
- Live animals
- Medication
- Supplements
- Tobacco products
- Vitamins
What happens if you lose your EBT card?
If you lose your EBT card or it gets stolen, don’t delay contacting your local SNAP office. They will cancel the lost card and send you a replacement that could take up to seven days to arrive.
What happens if the power goes out and food purchased with a SNAP card spoils?
If that’s the case, contact your SNAP office to file a claim within 10 days. They will replace the spoiled food.
