Shopping with SNAP
May 4, 2025
Understanding what can and cannot be bought with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps recipients spend their benefits wisely. A common question is whether deli food qualifies as an approved purchase.
Can You Buy Deli Food with EBT/ Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy deli food with Food Stamps or EBT.
This is because SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing groceries that can be prepared and eaten at home. Deli foods, which are often ready-to-eat or hot, do not fall under this category. The program aims to support nutritious meal preparation rather than convenience foods, ensuring that recipients have access to ingredients for balanced meals.
How to Check If Deli Food 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, if the item is hot, prepared, and meant for immediate consumption, it is likely not SNAP-eligible. For example:
Packaged salad: It has a "Nutrition Facts" label and is intended for home consumption. Therefore, it is SNAP-eligible.
Hot soup from the deli: 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 deli food 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.
Non-Food Items: Household supplies, pet foods, and other non-food products are not eligible for purchase.
Prepared Foods: Hot foods and foods meant for immediate consumption, such as those from restaurants, are not covered by 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 is not covered by 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 approved items.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any exceptions to the rule that deli food is not SNAP-eligible?
Yes, there are exceptions. Cold deli items that are not prepared or hot, such as pre-packaged deli meats and cheeses, can be purchased with SNAP benefits. These items must have a "Nutrition Facts" label and be intended for home consumption.
Do SNAP eligibility rules for deli food vary by state?
No, SNAP eligibility rules for deli food do not vary by state. The federal guidelines set by the USDA apply uniformly across all states, meaning that hot and prepared deli foods are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits anywhere in the U.S.
Will my EBT benefits be halted if I try to buy deli food with SNAP?
No, your EBT benefits will not be halted if you attempt to buy deli food. The transaction will simply be declined at checkout, and you will need to use another form of payment or remove the item from your purchase.
Can I purchase a basket of groceries that includes deli food with my EBT card?
You can purchase a basket of groceries with your EBT card, but the deli food items will not be covered. At checkout, the system will separate eligible and ineligible items, and you will need to pay for the ineligible deli food with another form of payment.
