The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, has been assisting low-income American families with acquiring healthy foods since its formation in 1939 as the Food Stamp Program. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service provides supplemental funds to the grocery budgets of low-income families to help them afford critical foods they need in their daily lives.
You can utilize SNAP benefits if you meet the eligibility requirements and apply. The entry standards vary by state and can be complex, so applying for benefits is your best bet for determining eligibility. Your eligibility is typically measured based on your gross and net monthly incomes versus the household size. Those who are eligible can qualify for benefits, with a single person open to receiving as much as $281 in monthly funds as of 2023.
But if you are eligible, you’ll need to know what you can and can’t buy with SNAP benefits. The rules for using your SNAP benefits state that you can only use your benefits to order healthy foods.
Why Are These Rules In Place?
The rules for what you can buy with SNAP benefits are intact because many low-income households are struggling with food insecurity. People who don’t earn enough money are often more likely to obtain the healthy foods they need daily. Chronic health conditions are often worse in low-income homes because people in those places can’t afford what they need the most.
People who can’t pay for healthy foods are more likely to experience physical and mental health struggles. A person could be more likely to become ill and mentally unfocused, plus that someone could struggle to stay energetic. You could miss work or school because of illnesses or a lack of energy if you don’t get the required food.
General Foods You Can Get With SNAP Benefits
There are various types of foods that you can get through your SNAP benefits:
What Meats Can You Get?
You can get various meats through your SNAP funds, including the following:
Fresh meats are best for your health, but you can also order processed items that are often easier to prepare.
Infant and Toddler Products
One of the more common items people order with their SNAP funds is infant and toddler products. SNAP benefits cover various infant formulas, cereals, juices, and other foods. Remember that your SNAP benefits only cover foods and not baby care products like diapers, soaps, oils, wipes, and other care items.
Growing Plants For Food
One of the more unique SNAP benefits people don’t know about entails how you can acquire seeds for growing food through your SNAP funds. Seeds and edible plants that produce food can be purchased through your benefits. You will still need to obtain other items to care for those plants and grow your seeds.
This point is appealing because it helps you become more self-sufficient. Since you’re growing your own food, you’ll have an easily accessible resource to work with. You can also encourage others in your household or community to partake in a garden program where people can grow their own foods. This activity is great for the entire family, plus people can take pride in making things on their own.
What You Can’t Buy With SNAP Benefits
While there are many things you can get with your SNAP benefits, there are also numerous foods you cannot get with them. Here are some of the products you cannot get with your benefits:
Check Your State For Extra Rules
Be sure you check with your state for additional rules on what you can and can’t get with SNAP benefits. Every state has different standards for what is open. For example, people in rural parts of Alaska can use their benefits to obtain bows and arrows for hunting purposes.
Conclusion
Your SNAP benefits are critical to helping you stay healthy and happy. But be sure you look at what you can get from your benefits before applying. There’s a diverse array of items you can get with your benefits, but there are also some limits. Visit the website of your state’s SNAP benefits program for information on your area and to apply for benefits.