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 recipients may wonder whether paper plates qualify as an approved purchase.
Can You Buy Paper Plates with EBT/ Food Stamps?
No, you cannot buy paper plates with Food Stamps or EBT.
This is because SNAP benefits are intended to cover food items that are essential for nutrition. Non-food items, including paper plates, do not qualify under the program's guidelines. The focus of SNAP is to ensure that recipients have access to nutritious food, and therefore, items that do not directly contribute to this goal are excluded from the list of eligible purchases.
How to Check If Paper Plates Is SNAP-Eligible
To determine if an item is SNAP-eligible, check its label. If the item has a "Nutrition Facts" label, it is likely eligible. Conversely, if it has a "Supplement Facts" label, it is not eligible. Additionally, hot, prepared foods meant for immediate consumption are generally not eligible. For example:
Frozen pizza: It has a "Nutrition Facts" label and is intended for home consumption. Therefore, it is SNAP-eligible.
Hot deli sandwich: 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 paper plates that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:
Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks are strictly prohibited under SNAP guidelines.
Vitamins and Supplements: Items with a "Supplement Facts" label, such as vitamins and dietary supplements, are not eligible.
Pet Foods: Food items intended for pets or animals cannot be bought with SNAP benefits.
Household Supplies: Cleaning products, paper goods, and other non-food household items are excluded from SNAP eligibility.
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 to complete the purchase for that item. This ensures that SNAP benefits are used only for eligible food items.
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Benny is a great option to manage your SNAP benefits effectively. With our app, you can check your EBT balance and transactions in real-time, helping you stay on top of your spending. Plus, you can earn cash back on groceries and other purchases at popular stores such as Walmart, Target, and 7-Eleven.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are paper plates ever eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?
No, paper plates are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. SNAP is designed to cover food items that contribute to nutrition, and non-food items like paper plates do not meet this criterion.
Will my EBT benefits be halted if I try to buy paper plates with SNAP?
No, your EBT benefits will not be halted if you attempt to buy paper plates. However, the transaction will be declined, and you will need to use another form of payment for the paper plates.
Can I purchase a basket of items that includes paper plates with SNAP benefits?
No, if your basket contains paper plates, you will need to separate the eligible food items from the ineligible ones. Only the food items can be purchased with SNAP benefits, while the paper plates will require a different payment method.
Do SNAP eligibility rules for paper plates vary by state?
No, SNAP eligibility rules for paper plates do not vary by state. Paper plates are universally considered non-food items and are therefore ineligible for purchase with SNAP benefits across all states.
