The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, is a federal initiative that helps low-income individuals and families purchase nutritious food. While SNAP offers substantial support for food purchases, specific guidelines dictate what can and cannot be bought with these benefits.
Prohibited Food and Drink Items
SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and liquor. Tobacco products, such as cigarettes, are also explicitly excluded. These restrictions are in place because the program is designed to provide nutritional support, and these items are not considered food.
Foods that are hot at the point of sale are generally not allowed, as the program primarily covers groceries intended for home preparation and consumption. This includes items like hot rotisserie chickens, pre-cooked pizza slices, or prepared foods from a deli that are served hot. Cold deli items, however, that will be taken home to eat, are typically permissible.
Food intended for immediate consumption within the store premises also falls outside SNAP eligibility. For instance, a meal or snack purchased to be eaten while still in the grocery store cannot be bought with benefits. Certain states are also beginning to implement additional restrictions on items like sugary beverages and candy.
Non-Food Items Not Covered
A wide array of non-food household items cannot be purchased using SNAP benefits. This category includes common household goods such as laundry detergent, dish soap, and general cleaning products. Paper products, including paper towels and toilet paper, are also not covered by the program.
Personal care and hygiene products are similarly excluded from SNAP eligibility. This means items like soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, deodorant, cosmetics, and feminine hygiene products cannot be purchased.
Medicine, vitamins, and dietary supplements are also not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) classifies these as non-food items, particularly if they feature a “Supplement Facts” label rather than a “Nutrition Facts” label. This distinction applies to both over-the-counter and prescription medications, as well as various forms of vitamins and other dietary aids.
Other Restricted Purchases
Live animals are generally not permitted for purchase with SNAP benefits, meaning pets like cats or dogs cannot be bought. There are specific, limited exceptions for animals intended for human consumption, such as live shellfish, fish removed from water, or animals already slaughtered before pickup from the store.
Items that are not food or food-producing are broadly excluded from SNAP. This includes lottery tickets, gambling-related purchases, and general merchandise such as clothing, or electronics. Pet foods, including dog and cat food, are also not eligible for purchase through the program.
Understanding What Is Allowed
While many items are excluded, SNAP benefits cover a broad range of food products for household consumption. This includes fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables, as well as various types of meat, poultry, and fish. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are also eligible.
Recipients can also purchase breads, cereals, snack foods, and non-alcoholic beverages such as juice and bottled water. Seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat, like vegetable seeds or fruit-bearing plants, are also allowed. Generally, if an item has a “Nutrition Facts” label and is intended for human consumption, it can be purchased with SNAP benefits.