The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a federal assistance program that helps low-income individuals and families purchase nutritious food.
SNAP benefits are distributed via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used at participating retailers to purchase eligible food items.
While there are restrictions on what types of items can be purchased with EBT, candy, and snacks are generally considered eligible food items.
However, there are some important caveats and restrictions to keep in mind when using your EBT card to purchase these items.
In this article, we will explore whether you can buy candy and snacks with an EBT card and what you need to know before doing so.
Can You Buy Candy With an EBT Card
Yes, It is possible to use an EBT card to buy candy. The use of an EBT card, which is also known as SNAP benefits or food stamps, varies depending on the state in which you reside. However, in general, candy and other sweets are considered to be food items and can be purchased with EBT benefits, whether it be food benefits or cash benefits.
It is always a good idea to confirm your state’s EBT program and unauthorized fees on EBT cards for more specific information on the restrictions and limitations of what you can purchase with an EBT card.
Buying Gift Basket With EBT, is It Possible
In some cases, gift baskets that contain candy can also be purchased with EBT benefits, provided that more than 50% of the value of the item comes from the food it contains. The USDA specifies that toys and gift baskets containing candy may be purchased under certain conditions.
Consequently, many gift baskets are EBT-eligible and can be purchased from a variety of sources, including online retailers.
Types of Candy That You Can Buy With an EBT Card
As the holiday season approaches, it is worth noting that candy can be purchased with EBT benefits for various occasions, including Valentine’s Day, Halloween, and Christmas.
Gift baskets, decorations, and seasonal treats that include edible food items may also be EBT-eligible, provided that they meet the necessary requirements.
Where to Go for Purchasing Candy With EBT
Purchasing candy with EBT benefits is simple and can be done at any retailer that accepts EBT payments. Many major grocery stores, convenience stores, and gas stations are EBT-approved retailers, making it easy to find a retailer that accepts EBT payments in your area.
When checking out, the eligible and ineligible items can be mixed together, and the EBT card will only pay for the eligible items.
If you’re wondering where you can buy candy with your EBT card, the good news is that you have plenty of options.
EBT cards are accepted at a wide variety of retailers, including major grocery stores like Walmart, Kroger, and Whole Foods.
These stores typically have a sticker on or near the front door indicating that they accept EBT payments. Like some stores that accept OTC cards. In addition, you can also purchase candy at many convenience stores and gas stations such as 7-Eleven, Chevron, and Flying J.
Keep in mind that the list of EBT-approved retailers can vary by state, so it’s a good idea to check with your local agency for a complete list of participating retailers in your area.
Can You Buy Snacks With EBT
Yes, you can buy snacks with an EBT card. EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer, a government program that assists low-income families and individuals to help them purchase food.
EBT cards work like debit cards and are loaded with food assistance benefits, which can be used to buy eligible food items, including snacks. You also can buy baby snacks with an EBT card.
The specific types of snacks you can purchase with an EBT card depend on the state in which you live, as the EBT program is administered by each state individually.
Generally speaking, snacks considered “junk food” are not eligible for purchase with EBT cards, as the program is designed to help families buy nutritious food.
However, there are still many snack options that are EBT-eligible and can be purchased using your benefits.
Related: Using EBT cards at gas stations with Important Guides.
Some Information About EBT Card Eligible Items
Examples of snacks that are typically eligible for purchase with an EBT card include:
- Fruits and vegetables: Fresh, canned, and frozen fruits and vegetables are all eligible for purchase with an EBT card. This includes pre-cut fruits and vegetables, as well as fruit cups and frozen vegetables that can be easily heated up.
- Whole-grain products: Whole-grain bread, crackers, and pasta are all eligible for purchase with an EBT card. These products are healthier than their refined-grain counterparts and can be used to make satisfying snacks like sandwiches and pasta salads.
- Dairy products: Milk, cheese, and yogurt are all eligible for purchase with an EBT card. These products can be used to make healthy snacks like smoothies and fruit parfaits.
- Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are a great source of protein and healthy fats, and many varieties are eligible for purchase with an EBT card. Examples include almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, and peanuts.
- Snack bars: Some types of snack bars, such as granola bars and protein bars, are eligible for purchase with an EBT card. However, it’s important to check the ingredients list and nutrition information to ensure they meet EBT eligibility requirements.
Note: It’s important to note that while you can use your EBT card to purchase snacks, it’s recommended that you use your benefits to buy nutritious foods that will help you and your family stay healthy. Follow care tips to keep in mind when you buy from food trucks using an EBT card.
Can You Buy Candy and Snacks With EBT From Amazon
Yes, you can purchase eligible candy and snacks with your EBT card from Amazon. In January 2021, Amazon announced that it would begin accepting SNAP EBT as a payment method on its platform.
This means that eligible food items, including candy and snacks, can now be purchased with EBT on Amazon. To ensure that you are buying EBT-eligible items, look for the “SNAP EBT eligible” label on the product page.
You can also filter your search results to show only SNAP-eligible items by selecting “SNAP EBT” under the “Amazon Programs” filter.
Keep in mind that not all products sold on Amazon are eligible for purchase with EBT, so make sure to double-check the eligibility of items before adding them to your cart.
Conclusion
In addition, some states have implemented restrictions on the types of foods that can be purchased with EBT cards, such as sugary drinks and snacks that are high in fat and calories.
These restrictions are intended to encourage healthier eating habits and promote the well-being of EBT beneficiaries.
Overall, EBT cards can be used to purchase a variety of snack options, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements of the program.
By choosing nutritious snack options and making healthy choices, you can stretch your benefits further and support your family’s health and well-being.
FAQ’s
Can I buy any kind of candy or snack with my EBT card?
No, not all candy and snack items are eligible for purchase with EBT benefits. Generally, only items that have a nutrition facts label and are intended for human consumption are eligible. This means that items like candy bars, chips, and cookies are usually eligible, but non-food items like chewing gum, vitamins, and supplements are not.
Can I buy candy and snacks with both EBT food benefits and EBT cash benefits?
Yes, you can use both your EBT food benefits and EBT cash benefits to purchase candy and snacks, as long as they are considered eligible food items.
Are there any restrictions on the quantity of candy and snacks I can buy with my EBT card?
No, there are no specific restrictions on the quantity of candy and snacks you can buy with your EBT card. However, you should keep in mind that there are overall limits on the amount of EBT benefits you can receive each month, so you may want to budget your benefits accordingly.
Can I buy gift baskets that include candy and snacks with my EBT card?
Yes, you can buy gift baskets that include candy and snacks with your EBT card, as long as the value of the food items in the basket is greater than 50% of the total value of the basket. This means that if you’re buying a gift basket with multiple items, you’ll need to make sure that the majority of the value comes from eligible food items.
Can I buy candy and snacks online with my EBT card?
Yes, you can use your EBT card to purchase eligible food items online through participating retailers like Amazon and Walmart. However, not all retailers accept EBT online, so you’ll need to check with the retailer to see if they accept EBT payments.