7 Things You Didn't Know You Could Buy with EBT

If you've ever wondered "What do people buy with food stamps?" You might be surprised by the answer!

Of course, most people have been told that you can only purchase food items with your EBT card. That makes sense, right? But you might be surprised what the government considers a qualifying food purchase! We've discovered that it isn't limited to your usual grocery purchases!

From restaurant meals to harpoons, we've uncovered some pretty surprising things in the food stamps law. Some of these, like fast food and hunting equipment, are limited to certain people and certain areas. We've found all the details for you, so be sure to watch the video for more information about these programs.

[pamelatorres]

When I was having major health issues, but was fighting for disability, I got $17.00 a month EBT. We learned that you can't buy rotisserie chicken at Walmart, unless you wait until the next day when they are refrigerated and discounted. I also bought their bakery items that were day old and discounted. Can goods are discounted when they are dented, and item that are discontinued usually are half price or less. This made my miniscule EBT stretch further. Another tip: our local farmers donated a lot of in season food to the nearby food bank, and you can get mostly non-parishable foods there too. Getting EBT also qualified me to get a free cell phone and service.

[berrypatch]

You can also buy bulk baking soad and vinegar for cleaning supplies. This a great way to save money as well.

[chillertheater]

I have always thought it's stupid that you can't buy hot foods on food stamps hot or cold what the heck is the difference it's all food

[inspirationlifecareservices]

Great content! You should mention Ibotta and other grocery rebate programs in a video. I was able to buy a 55" tv and a laptop with my rebates from my groceries that I bought with food stamps. There was nothing illegal about it, I just made sure to buy items that had rebates and those are items I couldn't afford without being a smart grocery shopper. Also, there is a federal grant program at my local farmers market that doubles EBT money towards fruits, vegetables and plants. People should see if their local farmers market participates.

[trucknlifewithladybelle]

Years ago when they started this program I was getting $26 in food stamps a single mother of 3 and that's exactly what I did I went and bought vegetables(as much as I could) and fruit ( one at a time)one at a time.. We had a garden every year for 5 years to I was ineligible for food stamps.. We had a garden every year for 5 years to I was ineligible for food stamps .. I sure did value that $26..

[worthrepeating]

Here in Florida you can purchase nutrition drinks such as Boost and Ensure. You can also buy stuff like whey protein for building muscle mass.

[missiesmith]

In AZ, Vitamins can be bought with food stamps.

[connierosario]

Things I buy with ebt:

1. Storage containers. Many eligible foods are packed in containers that are reusable.

2. Cutting boards and knives. Small ones that come in packages of summer sausages and cheeses.

3. Kids toys. That are filled with candy!

4. Easter baskets with candy. Some baskets are nice and can be used to store potatoes, onions, etc.

5. Plant starters. Eggs come in cartons that are great to start saplings in.

6. Glass and plastic jars for storing pasta, sauces, left over veggies, etc.

7. Ice trays. Cookie trays are great for making small ice blocks for your iced coffee.

8. Serving platters. Some stores sell crackers, meat, and cheese on a wooden serving platter.

[DDios-ihde]

You can buy seeds to grow food with food stamps.

[christinaraymond]

If you go to a farmer's market with your foodstamps the amount of money you have doubles at a farmer's market I just found this out

[edscully]

Freeze dried (backpacking/camping) foods are SNAP eligible. Yes, they are expensive. But, they are real food that you prepare. You only need a way to heat water (small backpacking stove & fuel, or a can of sterno. And, they have a very long shelf life. If you live in an area that has frequent power outages these are practical. I have put them to use on many occasions.

[paulettebarrow]

WOW I DIDNT KNOW YOU CAN BUY SEEDS AND FOOD PLANTS, AWESOME TO KNOW THANK YOU

[Teresa-xqut]

Bet yet I couldn't ever buy a hot chicken for dinner when I was too sick to cook but could buy protein powder or a birthday Cake. The system is messed up..

[Sunshineywytch]

OMG I just found your channel and am in love. I'm a disabled woman getting SSDI and EBT. I used to have a fruit, veggie and herb garden back when my 4 boys were still at home. I had no idea that I could buy seeds and such with my food stamps card! My 4 boys said they'd help me plant it too. Thank you thank you thank you!

[Candacecityvlogs]

In Atlanta, GA you can get hot food in grocery stores, they don’t care, I was shocked

[tarabrooks]

You can buy supplements. When I was separated from my husband for 2 years I had to get on public assistance/EBT. Our daughter was having trouble sleeping and I was told by a friend to try melatonin and that I could get them with my EBT. I went to Walmart and sure enough, I was able to get them with my EBT.

[NurseTara]

Thank you so much for your blog post, I had no idea I was qualified to get Amazon Prime at a discount. Very easy to sign up and will save my family so much money.

[teresahaven]

I actually knew these things, from struggling most of my adult life. The biggest battle I had years ago was buying drinking water during a summer that our well ran dry. I battled at that time and it worked. Water became eligible to be purchased on food stamps. This was late 80s in Washington state. Also, crushed ice, but not block ice.

[Rexroybal]

Thank you guys so much! I love the museums so much but I don't go that often because they can get pricey. Now I go for $1, thank you!

[lgee]

If you have an EBT card you can get AT&T internet service for 10.00 per month