Can I Buy Cold Chicken With EBT Benefits?

The Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system provides food assistance to eligible individuals and families through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This program helps low-income households purchase eligible items at authorized retailers. Understanding EBT guidelines ensures recipients can effectively utilize their benefits for household food needs.

EBT and Prepared Foods

When considering purchasing chicken with EBT, the distinction between hot and cold prepared foods is important. Cold, unprepared chicken, such as a chilled rotisserie chicken from a deli case or pre-packaged cold chicken from the meat section, is generally eligible for purchase with EBT benefits. These items are intended for preparation and consumption at home, functioning as ingredients for meals.

Conversely, hot, prepared foods intended for immediate consumption are typically not eligible for EBT purchase. This includes items like a hot rotisserie chicken directly from a warmer, hot deli meals, or any food sold hot at the point of sale. EBT benefits are designed to support grocery purchases for home cooking, not restaurant-style ready-to-eat meals. A limited exception exists for the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), available in certain states for eligible homeless, elderly, or disabled individuals, allowing them to purchase prepared meals from participating restaurants. This program is a specific, limited initiative and not the general rule for EBT usage.

General Food Eligibility with EBT

EBT benefits are primarily intended for buying food items that households prepare and consume at home. This includes a broad range of staple foods necessary for a balanced diet. Eligible items encompass fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned), meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products.

EBT can also be used for breads, cereals, and other grains. Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages are generally eligible. Additionally, seeds and plants that produce food for the household’s consumption can be purchased.

Items Not Covered by EBT

While EBT benefits cover a wide array of food items, certain categories are excluded from purchase. Alcoholic beverages (including beer, wine, and liquor) and tobacco products (such as cigarettes) cannot be bought with EBT benefits.

Non-food items are generally not covered, including pet food, cleaning supplies, paper products, and household goods. Vitamins, medicines, and supplements are also excluded. Live animals (with exceptions for shellfish and fish removed from water) cannot be purchased.