Can You Buy Lunch Meat and Other Groceries With EBT?

The Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system distributes Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This program assists low-income individuals and families in acquiring nutritious food, thereby supporting household food budgets. Benefits are electronically loaded onto an EBT card, functioning similarly to a debit card, for use at authorized retailers.

What You Can Buy with EBT

SNAP benefits are specifically designed for purchasing food items intended for household consumption. This broad category includes a wide array of groceries necessary for preparing meals at home. Consumers can acquire fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables.

Meat, poultry, and fish, whether fresh, frozen, or canned, are also eligible purchases. This includes lunch meats, deli-sliced meats, and other prepared cold deli items such as salads, provided they are not hot at the point of sale. Dairy products, including milk, cheese, yogurt, and even ice cream, along with breads, cereals, and snack foods like chips and cookies, are covered. Non-alcoholic beverages, spices, and condiments also qualify.

SNAP benefits extend to seeds and plants that produce food for the household. This allows individuals to grow their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs, enhancing food security and potentially stretching benefit value. Eligible items include seeds for garden vegetables, fruit trees, and edible plants, but not gardening supplies like soil or fertilizer. Most grocery stores, convenience stores, and some farmers’ markets accept EBT cards for these food purchases.

What You Cannot Buy with EBT

Certain items are excluded from purchase with SNAP EBT benefits to ensure the program’s focus on essential nutrition. Alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and liquor, are not eligible. Tobacco products also cannot be purchased with EBT.

Vitamins, medicines, and any items bearing a “Supplement Facts” label are not covered, as they are considered dietary supplements rather than food. Hot foods prepared for immediate consumption, such as rotisserie chickens or hot deli meals, are ineligible.

Non-food items also fall outside the scope of SNAP benefits. This includes household supplies like cleaning products, paper goods, and hygiene items. Pet food and cosmetics are also prohibited purchases.

Using Your EBT Card at the Store

Using an EBT card at a grocery store is a straightforward process, similar to using a debit card. At checkout, the EBT card is swiped or inserted into the point-of-sale (POS) terminal. The cardholder then enters their Personal Identification Number (PIN) on the keypad to authorize the transaction.

Some terminals may prompt the user to select “food” or “cash” benefits if both types are available on the card. After entering the PIN, the transaction amount for eligible food items is confirmed. Review the receipt after purchase to verify transaction details and check the remaining balance on the EBT card.