​SNAP Restrictions: What items can’t you buy this holiday season with your food stamps? 

CONNOR REIDActualizado
25/12/2024
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12:05
CSTThe Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a financial lifeline for millions of Americans, providing assistance to low-income households so they can bring healthier food to their tables.In households where financial resources are not sufficient to cover these basic needs, SNAP beneficiaries receive support through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which allows them to purchase food at authorized retailers.New SNAP Benefits eligibility criteria: Changes and updatesSNAP benefits are primarily intended to purchase staple foods, so it is important to keep in mind what can be purchased at this time of year, although coupons can also be used to obtain items that you probably did not know about such as: seeds for plants, bottled water, cold drinks, meal replacement shakes, protein powder and live seafood.SNAP restrictions on what can be purchased with EBT cards such as hot prepared foods, vitamins, alcoholic beverages or non-food items such as pet food and household items, but also certain items such as alcohol, tobacco, supplements and non-food staples.On the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website, establishments that accept EBT cards are advised that “even if a customer says it is an emergency or they have no other money to pay for it, do not accept SNAP benefits for items that are not allowed”, including:Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco.Vitamins, medicines and supplements. If an item has a supplement information label, it is considered a supplement and is not eligible for purchase through SNAP.Live animals (except for seafood, fish taken out of the water and animals slaughtered before being picked up from the store).Foods that are hot at the point of saleAny non-food item such as:Pet foodCleaning supplies, paper products and other household items.Hygiene and cosmetic products.