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Food Stamps

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There are typically a lot of myths that are associated with the food stamp program and the use of the benefits. To help deal with some of the misconceptions, the following information has been provided to provide more insight into what can and cannot be purchased with benefits from the food stamp program. Generally speaking, most food items are allowed; however, there are some exceptions and many people who are against the food stamp program and its usage commonly need more specific information in order to understand that recipients do not abuse the program.

Food Stamps Can Be Used To Buy Dog Food

This is false. EBT cards and food stamp benefits do not work for the purchase of non-food items. This would include items such as soap, pet food, paper products, cleaners, medicines, and vitamins. Typically what happens when someone has these items in their cart during checkout is that the food balance is applied to the card and then the individual pays for non-food items with cash or another form of payment, such as a debit card.

Food Stamps Can Be Used To Purchase Energy Drinks

This is actually true. Energy drinks are generally okay to purchase, assuming that they have a nutrition facts label. Drinks without these types of labels are considered to be ‘supplements’ making them a non-food item and thus ineligible. As a result, some drinks that are commonly found at health food stores and organic stores tend to be labeled as supplements and cannot be applied to a food stamp benefits balance.

Food Stamps Can Be Used To Purchase A Birthday Cake

This is true. Food stamp benefits can be used for a birthday cake assuming that the value of the non-edible decorations does not exceed 50 percent of the price. Benefits can also be used to purchase ice cream, soft drinks, candy, and cookies. For this reason, food stamp recipients have often had a stigma associated with some of their purchases at the checkout counter because there is the ongoing debate of whether or not these items should be allowed for purchase within the program.

People Use Food Stamps To Purchase Alcohol and Cigarettes

This is incorrect. Contrary to misconception, food stamp benefits cannot be used to purchase wine, beer, alcohol, or tobacco products. However, they can be used to purchase cereal, bread, fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, poultry, and dairy products. Food products can be purchased as long as they are not already warmed and are not meant to be eaten inside of the grocer area.

Food Stamps Can Be Used To Purchase A Jack’o’Lantern

This is somewhat false. It is not possible to use food stamp benefits to purchase these options for decoration or ornamental purposes. However, it is possible to use food stamp benefits to purchase pumpkins. The pumpkins can be hollowed out and used for food throughout the season and then the remains of the pumpkin itself can be used for the jack’o’lantern for the kids in your household.

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