The previously well-known food stamps, or SNAP benefits, provide their beneficiaries with the option of purchasing healthy foods in different places, outside of the already well-known conventional supermarkets. One of the most striking options for some, where the benefits of the SNAP EBT are accepted, are farmers’ markets. Here we will tell you in detail about the places that no one would expect and the various ways in which SNAP beneficiaries can use these food benefits.
In 1974, when the United States government expanded the food stamps program nationwide, the main idea was that families with limited resources could be made easier to buy food in supermarkets. At that time, what was regal were paper coupons. However, in 2004, the method was modernized, moving from paper, to be replaced by pre-loaded plastic debit cards, with the amounts already authorized.
The benefits have already become electronic, hence the name SNAP EBT, which means Electronic Transfer of Benefits. As of 2008, the program became the Official Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Today, more than 22 million families in the United States receive these benefits.
What Can You Buy With Snap Benefits EBT Cards?
It is of utmost importance to verify that although supermarkets accept SNAP EBT, not all items in the supermarket can be chosen to be purchased with the benefits. Among the items that do not qualify are alcohol, vitamins and hot ready meals, such as roast chickens or meals that can be purchased in the buffet area of a supermarket.
SNAP focuses on foods that can be purchased and prepared at home. However, cold products from the deli counter, such as cold cuts and cheeses, are included within the benefit, because the United States Department of Agriculture considers them basic foods, other basic foods include fresh products, dairy, breads, cereals, meats, poultry, and fish.
When it comes to protein sources such as meat, poultry and fish, many of the local butchers and meat markets also accept SNAP EBT. Shops specializing in seafood products or farms that have a market on the premises are also included in the list. Also, some well-known convenience stores, such as Circle K and Cumberland Farms, are part of the group of businesses that accept SNAP, as well as pharmacy chains such as CVS and Walgreens, also accept SNAP, since they sell foods considered basic.
Pay Online With Your Food Stamps EBT Card
Something very interesting is that now online stores, such as Amazon, now also accept SNAP EBT. Additionally, if you order the food online, at your local supermarket, through services such as Instacart, you can pay with SNAP EBT, although you will have to take care of the shipping costs separately, since these are not covered within the program.
Kristen Wood of Flagstaff, Arizona, who grew up in a household receiving SNAP EBT benefits, commented on the expanded options for using these benefits. Recently, it was published that Thrive Market is the first online retailer to exclusively accept SNAP EBT, which gives the facility of a wider variety of accessible and healthy options for the beneficiaries.
It is essential that SNAP EBT users know how to get the most out of it and know about the good use of these food benefits. From buying plants to grow food to getting fresh, quality fruits and vegetables at farmers markets in the spring, there are unexpected ways these benefits can help feed families healthily and within reach.