You might think EBT, or Electronic Benefit Transfer, cards are just for groceries, right? Well, you’d be partially correct! EBT cards are used by people who receive food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). While they definitely help folks buy food, the truth is, there are some pretty **surprising things you can buy with EBT**. This essay is going to break down some of those things, so you know exactly what’s covered.
What About Prepared Foods?
Can you buy hot prepared foods at the grocery store using your EBT card? Yes, if the store participates in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), you might be able to buy prepared meals! This program is available in certain states and allows some SNAP recipients (usually those who are elderly, disabled, or homeless) to use their benefits to purchase meals at participating restaurants and grocery store delis.
This can be a huge help to people who have difficulty preparing meals for themselves, or who may not have cooking facilities available to them. It helps ensure that they have access to hot, nutritious food even if they face specific challenges. The rules can vary depending on the state, so it’s always smart to check the rules in your area!
Not all stores and restaurants accept the RMP. You’ll need to locate the places that do. You can often find a list online from your local social services agencies. The grocery store often has a list as well. Make sure you ask before trying to pay with your card!
Think about it: someone might not be able to cook, they might be elderly or live on the streets and need ready-to-eat meals to survive. This program helps a lot of people.
Seeds and Plants
Gardening can be a fun hobby, and it can also help you save money on groceries. The good news is, if you want to grow your own food, EBT can help!
What can you buy for your garden?
- Vegetable seeds
- Herb seeds
- Seedlings (young plants) that produce food
- Fruit-bearing plants (like tomato or pepper plants)
This is a great way to stretch your food budget and enjoy fresh produce. Growing your own food allows you to supplement your groceries with healthy and tasty foods.
However, your EBT card won’t cover things like gardening tools, soil, or decorative plants like flowers. It’s all about the food-producing plants! This is very important to understand when shopping.
Seafood
Want to enjoy some seafood? You’re in luck! You can use your EBT card to purchase fresh, frozen, and canned seafood.
This includes a wide variety of options:
- Fish
- Shellfish (like shrimp and crab)
- Canned tuna and salmon
Seafood is packed with nutrients, including protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your health. Having access to seafood can help with nutrition.
This is another way the EBT program tries to help low-income families have access to healthy food! Remember this when you shop. Read the labels carefully!
Beverages
When we think about food, we have to think about drinks too! Your EBT card can be used to buy a variety of beverages, including water, juices, and sodas. It all depends on what you want to buy!
Here are some examples of eligible beverages:
| Eligible | Not Eligible |
|---|---|
| Water | Alcoholic beverages |
| Juice | Vitamin supplements |
| Soda | Energy drinks |
It’s worth noting that EBT can be used to purchase some sodas and juice, but you can’t use it to purchase alcoholic beverages, or items such as vitamin supplements. You can purchase items that are intended to be consumed directly by the person using the card.
It is a good idea to compare prices when buying beverages, since you can buy what you want.
Dairy Products
You can use your EBT card to purchase a variety of dairy products. This includes milk, cheese, yogurt, and other similar items.
Here are a few tips for when buying dairy items:
- Check the dates! Make sure you buy items that are in date so they don’t go bad!
- Compare prices. Dairy products can fluctuate in price, so shop around!
- Pay attention to the packaging. Some items that may look like dairy products may not be.
Dairy products are a key source of calcium and other nutrients, helping to keep your body strong. Be sure to enjoy your dairy purchases!
There are many options available when choosing dairy. Have fun shopping for your dairy products!
Baby Formula
New parents, this one’s for you! EBT can be a lifesaver when it comes to baby formula.
This is important because:
- It gives families access to the food they need to feed their children!
- It supports the health of both the baby and the parents.
- It helps remove financial burdens from low-income families
The EBT card makes sure that every baby can eat no matter what!
You can buy infant formula using your EBT card! Make sure to use it when you need it. This is a great resource for parents!
Conclusion
So, as you can see, there are far more surprising things you can buy with EBT than you might have thought! From prepared meals to seeds for your garden, the program helps to make sure that people have access to the food they need. It’s all about helping families and individuals put healthy food on the table. Knowing the details of what your EBT card can buy can make a real difference in your grocery shopping experience!