What will food stamps pay for

There have been many calls to restrict the types of food that can be purchased with food assistance, particularly in light of growing concerns over obesity and diabetes among Americans. Still, while junk foods like chips, candy, snack crackers, ice cream, and soft drinks may not be particularly nutritious or healthy fare, they're fair game for purchase with SNAP benefits.

Arguments that food assistance recipients should not be allowed "indulgences" like steaks, lobster, and pricier organic foods have likewise been shut down, as was an initiative led by the Trump administration to cut program costs and replace free-choice shopping with government-issued food boxes. Convenience often comes at an extra cost, and the Food and Nutrition Service doesn't want to foot that bill. Hot foods and prepared food items meant to be consumed immediately or on the premises cannot be purchased with an EBT card.

So, rotisserie chicken is a no-go, as are shrimp and seafood that has been steamed or fried, and stews, soups, and chili. Cold deli foods, including sliced lunchmeat, packaged sandwiches, salads, and sushi rolls, however, should be fine although some beneficiaries report that sushi's SNAP eligibility is a sticking point at some stores. If you want to make food purchases at a gas station or convenience store, you can, but you won't be able to buy food at your favorite coffee shop.

There does seem to be some flexibility around whether you can use SNAP to purchase Starbucks items — particularly canned beverages or packaged foods — at kiosks within grocery stores or Target locations.

Related: Cheap and Easy Dinners. Despite the general prohibitions on EBT purchase of hot food and food intended for immediate consumption, the Restaurant Meals Program makes concessions for qualifying beneficiaries in certain states.

SNAP recipients who are elderly, people with disabilities who may not be able to prepare their own meals, and people who are homeless and lack a place to store food can use SNAP at select restaurants in Arizona , parts of California , Michigan , and Rhode Island. Illinois plans to go live with the service in late summer, and New York also should be joining the program this year.

Special occasions and birthdays should be celebrated no matter your financial situation. Even if you're paying with SNAP, you'll be able to pick up a cake for your special event.

Not only can you buy a cake with EBT, you can also mark an occasion or a holiday with a gift basket. But, again, the value of non-food items included in these baskets cannot exceed half of their cost. Because lawmakers have thought of everything, there's even a stipulation that, when celebrating autumn holidays, you can buy pumpkins — but not decorative gourds. Markets must have a special license to participate in the program, however, so look for eligible markets in your area.

While individual vendors may be equipped to process SNAP transactions, there's generally a single point-of-sale terminal where users swipe EBT cards and are given tokens or paper receipts to be submitted in exchange for food items at stalls or storefronts. Butcher shops and meat markets are also eligible for SNAP purchases. As the saying goes, give a man a fish and he will eat for a day; teach him to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. So, you can start a garden — but not a farm: You cannot use an EBT card to buy live animals, like chickens to lay eggs or livestock for butchering.

The purchase of live seafood is also prohibited shellfish and fish removed from water are exceptions. The government's rules are clear: Pet upkeep comes at owners' expense, and pet food does not count among the eligible food that can be purchased with SNAP dollars. This has long been a point of contention, with petitions filed to amend a rule that forces many people suffering financial hardship to make the hard choice of turning beloved "family members" over to shelters.

If you're looking for assistance with your pet's upkeep, the Humane Society's Pets for Life program is one organization that helps struggling owners provide food and veterinary care for their pets. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission to support our work. Learn more. Cheapism may earn a commission if you buy through a link on our site.

Sign up for our newsletter. Contact your local field office to request a hearing if you have questions about your benefit amount.

File a complaint online or by phone about a SNAP retailer. You will need to give the name and the location of the store. You may remain anonymous if you choose.

Learn how to file a complaint if you believe you have experienced discrimination in the SNAP program because of:. Learn how to work with SNAP if you are a retailer or if you operate a farmers market. Because of the COVID pandemic, it may be easier for you and your family to get food stamps and take part in meal programs.

Contact your state's social services agency to see if you're eligible. Food stamp SNAP recipients may receive additional funding. More people may be eligible to receive SNAP during the pandemic than normally. Parents whose kids' schools are closed can pick up school meals for their kids to eat at home. People can enroll in food programs remotely rather than in person. This applies to programs for pregnant women, families, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Many low-income women and young children can get healthy food to add to their diet. WIC also offers nutrition counseling and referrals to health, welfare, and social services. You must meet other WIC eligibility requirements based on your income, your health, and where you live. Contact your state or local WIC agency for an appointment. When you call, someone will tell you where to apply and what to bring with you. Your agency may not have enough money to serve everyone who needs WIC. In that case, it will maintain a waiting list and use a priority system to decide who will get WIC benefits first.

For more information and help applying, contact your state or local WIC agency. You can also call its toll-free number. These programs can help you get healthy meals for your children at their school, childcare center, or after-school program. Children from qualified households with a low income can get healthy meals or milk.

The Summer Food Service Program offers free breakfast and lunch over summer break. Your children may qualify if your household income is within the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines.

These guidelines are based on federal poverty guidelines. If your income is no more than percent of the poverty level, they should qualify for free meals. If your income is no more than percent of the poverty level, they should qualify for reduced-price meals. The summer food service program is open to all children and teens 18 and under at locations around the country. Find a site near you.