It may seem easy to know what is and isn’t a food item, but the USDA Food and Nutrition Service has pretty strict guidelines as to what qualifies. Something like a frozen pizza, loaf of bread or head of lettuce is obviously a food item, but what about a store-made hot sandwich or slice of pizza? Not so much. Even something as simple as meat gets a line drawn across it, as the meat has to be cut up and not alive.
The list of foods that’s okay to use a SNAP card with are:
The following is a list of foods that can’t be bought with a SNAP card:
Although the USDA FNS doesn’t allow recipients to use food stamps for hot foods at point-of-sale, they do make an exception for qualified homeless, elderly or disabled people in certain areas that provide low-cost meals.
This is where the line gets a little blurry, because some people’s idea of junk food may not be congruous with the USDA FNS’, like a high-protein granola bar that’s low on sugar and fat. Recipients can buy typical “junk foods” like ice cream or soft drinks if they have a nutritional label on them, and “luxury” foods that don’t, like seafood or steak.
When it comes to iffier foods like energy drinks or power bars, the same stipulations are maintained: the foods have to have a nutritional label on them. If they have a supplements facts label, like on protein mixes or shakes, then they’re not eligible food items.
It’s almost easier to make a list of what people can’t buy with food stamps, as those stipulations are crystal clear:
Interestingly, Alaska residents can use their food stamps to buy a bow and arrow because in rural areas, residents sometimes use that equipment to catch their own natural, free-range food.