Shopping with SNAP
May 4, 2025
Knowing what you can and can’t buy with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as food stamps, helps recipients spend their benefits wisely. Many recipients may wonder whether bloom is an eligible purchase.
Can You Buy Bloom with EBT/ Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy bloom with Food Stamps or EBT.
This is because SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing food items that are meant for human consumption. Bloom, which is typically used for gardening or floral purposes, does not fall under the category of eligible food items. Therefore, it cannot be purchased using SNAP benefits.
How to Check If Bloom Is SNAP-Eligible
To determine if an item is SNAP-eligible, check its label. If it has a "Nutrition Facts" label, it is likely eligible. Conversely, items with a "Supplement Facts" label are not eligible. Additionally, hot, prepared foods meant for immediate consumption are generally not SNAP-eligible. For example:
Frozen vegetables: They have a "Nutrition Facts" label and are intended for home consumption. Therefore, they are SNAP-eligible.
Hot deli pizza: It’s hot, prepared, and meant for immediate consumption. Therefore, it is not SNAP-eligible.
If in doubt, compare the product to USDA rules to determine SNAP eligibility.
Large chain stores often use small shelf labels or icons that say "SNAP Eligible" or "EBT Accepted." Websites of large chains like Walmart, Amazon, or delivery platforms like Instacart often let you filter by SNAP-eligible items. If still unsure, ask the shop assistant before making a purchase.
What Else Can You Not Buy with EBT/Food Stamps?
While SNAP benefits cover a wide range of essential food items, there are products like bloom that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:
Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
Vitamins and Supplements: Items with a "Supplement Facts" label, such as vitamins and dietary supplements, are not covered.
Hot Foods: Prepared foods that are hot at the point of sale, like hot deli meals, are not eligible.
Non-Food Items: Household supplies, pet foods, and other non-food products cannot be bought with SNAP benefits.
What Happens If You Try to Buy an Ineligible Item with an EBT Card?
If you try to buy an ineligible item with your EBT card, the transaction will be declined at checkout. The cashier or the self-checkout system will notify you that the item cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits. You will need to use another form of payment or remove the item from your purchase. This ensures that SNAP benefits are used only for eligible food items.
Manage Your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny
Benny is a great option to manage your SNAP benefits effectively. With Benny, you can check your EBT balance and transactions in real-time, helping you stay on top of your EBT spending. Plus, you can earn cash back on groceries and other purchases at popular stores such as Walmart, Target, and 7-Eleven. Download Benny to start saving on your EBT benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any state where bloom is eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?
No, bloom is not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits in any state. SNAP benefits are strictly for food items meant for human consumption, and bloom does not fall under this category.
Can a basket containing bloom be purchased with SNAP benefits?
No, if a basket contains bloom, it cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits. The presence of ineligible items like bloom in the basket disqualifies the entire purchase from being covered by SNAP.
Will my EBT benefits be halted if I try to buy bloom with SNAP?
No, your EBT benefits will not be halted if you attempt to buy bloom with SNAP. However, the transaction will be declined, and you will need to use another form of payment or remove the bloom from your purchase.
Are there any exceptions for buying bloom with SNAP benefits?
There are no exceptions for buying bloom with SNAP benefits. The program's guidelines are clear that only food items meant for human consumption are eligible, and bloom does not meet this criterion.
