Most people know that EBT cards, also called SNAP benefits, help families buy food. Think groceries, right? You probably imagine fruits, veggies, and maybe some cereal. But what if I told you that you could buy way more than just those everyday items? It’s true! There are actually some pretty surprising things you can buy with EBT. Let’s dive in and explore some of them.
Seeds and Plants to Grow Your Own Food
One of the coolest things you can buy with EBT is seeds and plants that will actually grow food! This means you can use your benefits to start your own little garden. How awesome is that?
Imagine having fresh tomatoes, lettuce, or herbs right in your backyard. This is possible with EBT! This also helps with things like healthy eating, since you will know what you are growing. This can be an excellent way to eat more produce. Think of it as investing in future meals!
There are a few things to keep in mind when you do this. You can use your EBT to buy:
- Seeds to grow fruits and vegetables.
- Seedlings (baby plants) of fruits and vegetables.
- Herbs, like basil or mint.
You can’t use EBT for things like gardening tools, fertilizer, or decorative plants.
Plus, growing your own food is a great learning experience. You can learn about where food comes from and the importance of taking care of the environment. Gardening can be a fun hobby! Here is a quick guide of things to think about when buying plants:
- What zone are you in? Different plants thrive in different climates.
- What is the plant? Make sure you like it!
- Do you have space? Some plants grow bigger than others.
- Will you take care of them? Plants need some TLC!
Certain Snack Foods and Beverages
While EBT is primarily for food, there are certain snack foods and drinks that are considered eligible purchases. This can include things like chips, cookies, and other treats! You still have to follow the rules, though.
This might seem counterintuitive, but it’s true! EBT cards allow for the purchase of some convenience foods, making it easier for families to plan meals and grab snacks on the go. This can be super helpful if you have kids who need a quick snack.
Here is what you need to keep in mind when deciding what snacks to buy. They cannot be:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
- Prepared foods, such as a deli item
When you’re at the store, just look for the items with the EBT logo. Make sure you check the labels! Here is what some common snack foods could look like:
| Snack | Can You Buy With EBT? |
|---|---|
| Chips | Yes |
| Candy | Yes |
| Soda | Yes |
| Protein Bars | Yes |
Food at Farmers’ Markets
Farmers’ markets are fantastic places to find fresh, local produce. Guess what? You can use your EBT card there too! It’s a win-win: You get delicious, healthy food, and you support local farmers.
Many farmers’ markets participate in the EBT program. This means you can use your card just like you would at the grocery store. Look for the signs that say they accept EBT. They will usually give you tokens or a special card to use at different stands.
Farmers’ markets are a great way to find things like:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables, which are a very important part of a balanced diet.
- Local honey and other products.
- You may find meat, eggs, and dairy.
Some farmers markets will even offer extra benefits to EBT users. They may match your EBT purchase. This is great, because you get twice the amount of food for your money! In order to find this opportunity, you can search the internet, and see if there is any matching in your area.
Ordering Groceries Online
In today’s world, online shopping is huge! And yes, you can often use your EBT card to order groceries online. This can be a game-changer for people who have difficulty getting to a physical store.
Many grocery stores and online retailers now accept EBT for online orders. This makes it super convenient to get your groceries delivered right to your door, without ever leaving your house. It’s great, especially if you are busy or don’t have easy access to transportation.
When you shop online, be sure to look at:
- The store’s website or app to see if they accept EBT.
- The store’s delivery fees.
- If you can use EBT for delivery or pickup.
Here are some common stores where you can use EBT online:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Some local grocery stores
Meal Kit Subscriptions (Sometimes!)
Meal kit services have become increasingly popular. They deliver pre-portioned ingredients and recipes right to your door, making cooking a breeze. But can you use EBT for them? Well, it depends.
The rules regarding meal kits and EBT can vary. Some meal kit services that sell only eligible food items may accept EBT. This can make it easier to make healthy meals. You will need to check the specific rules of each service.
To find out if a meal kit service accepts EBT:
- Check their website for information about payment options.
- Look for an EBT logo.
- Contact their customer service to ask.
Before signing up, it’s wise to check if the company works with EBT. Here are some things to consider when picking a meal kit:
| Consideration | Notes |
|---|---|
| Cost | Meal kits can be expensive, so make sure it fits your budget. |
| Variety | Look for services that offer a wide range of recipes to suit your tastes. |
| Ingredients | Are the ingredients fresh and high-quality? |
Food for Special Dietary Needs
EBT can be used to buy foods that meet certain special dietary needs. This includes foods for people who have allergies or specific health conditions.
People with specific dietary restrictions have to be extra careful about what they eat. It’s great that EBT helps them. You can often find many of these foods at the grocery store.
Here are some examples of foods that can be purchased:
- Gluten-free products.
- Dairy-free alternatives.
- Items that meet kosher or halal dietary needs.
You should always check the product’s label carefully. If it says “food,” you can usually purchase it with EBT. If the product is “supplemental” (such as some vitamins), then it might not be covered. Here are some things to check for on the label:
- Check the ingredients.
- Check the nutrition information.
- Look for allergy warnings.
So, as you can see, EBT can be used for a lot of different things you might not have realized! From starting a garden to shopping online, there are many ways to use your benefits to get healthy food. Always remember to check the specific rules and guidelines in your state, but hopefully, this gives you a good idea of the possibilities!