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. Many wonder if Factor meals, a popular meal delivery service, qualify as an approved purchase.
Can You Buy Factor Meals with EBT/ Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy Factor meals with Food Stamps or EBT.
This is because SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing staple foods and groceries that can be prepared at home. Factor meals, being a prepared meal delivery service, do not fall under the category of eligible food items as defined by SNAP guidelines. Therefore, they cannot be purchased using EBT or Food Stamps.
How to Check If Factor Meals 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:
Frozen vegetables: They have a "Nutrition Facts" label and are intended for home preparation. Therefore, they are SNAP-eligible.
Hot 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.
Additionally, 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 Factor meals 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: Foods that are hot at the point of sale, like rotisserie chickens or hot deli items, are not eligible.
Non-Food Items: Household supplies, pet foods, and other non-food products cannot be bought with EBT.
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 payment 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 approved 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
Are Factor meals eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits in any state?
No, Factor meals are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits in any state. SNAP guidelines uniformly exclude prepared meal delivery services like Factor meals from being purchased with EBT.
Will my EBT benefits be halted if I try to buy Factor meals with SNAP?
No, your EBT benefits will not be halted if you attempt to buy Factor meals with SNAP. However, the transaction will be declined, and you will need to use another form of payment or remove the item from your purchase.
Can I purchase a basket containing Factor meals and other SNAP-eligible items with my EBT card?
If your basket contains Factor meals along with other SNAP-eligible items, only the eligible items will be covered by your EBT card. You will need to pay for the Factor meals separately using another form of payment.
Why are Factor meals not considered SNAP-eligible?
Factor meals are not considered SNAP-eligible because they are prepared meals intended for immediate consumption. SNAP benefits are designed to cover staple foods and groceries that can be prepared at home, not ready-to-eat meals.
