You can buy fruit juice and other drinks with food stamps.
The federal government administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, for low-income families that cannot afford the cost of their monthly food bill. Families receive an electronics benefit card that works at most grocery stores, farmers markets and some smaller local stores that sell food. Families can use their benefits any time during the month and spend up to their limit. The SNAP program allows families to buy any type of food they need to prepare meals, with minimal exclusions.
Whole Foods
You can use your SNAP benefits to purchase lean meats, vegetables, fruits and bread. Lean meats include chicken, beef, pork, shellfish and fish. Vegetables include fresh, canned and frozen varieties. Fruits include fresh, canned and frozen varieties as well as fruits mixed with yogurt or granola. Bread items include basic sliced bread, specialty breads, cakes, dessert products and breadcrumbs.
Essentials
SNAP benefits cover food products you use when cooking meals or baking. For example, you can buy any dairy products such as milk, eggs, creamer or cheese. You can buy baking needs such as biscuit mix, pancake mix, sugar, spices, flour or cornmeal. You can buy items needed for preparing meals such as cooking spray, oil or olive oil. Prepackaged items such as canned soup bases and canned gravies count toward EBT benefits. You can also buy any condiments such as mustard, ketchup, relish or mayonnaise.
Luxury Foods
EBT cards work for purchasing luxury, or non-essential, food items. For example, you can purchase prepackaged meals such as pasta dishes, frozen entrees, rice dishes and canned soup. You can purchase dessert items such as cakes made in a bakery, packaged desserts, fruit snacks or ice cream. You can buy drinks such as soft drinks, coffee, tea, fruit juices and energy drinks. You can also purchase candy.
Warnings
You cannot use EBT benefits to pay for household items. For example, you cannot buy toilet paper, shampoo, toothpaste or deodorant with SNAP benefits. You cannot purchase pet food, pet treats or other pet products. You cannot use your benefits to buy alcohol or cigarettes. You also cannot use your benefits to buy food prepared in the store. For example, you cannot purchase items such as cooked fish, rotisserie chicken or prepared side dishes.
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