The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, helps people with low incomes buy food. It’s a really important program that helps families put meals on the table. But you can’t just buy anything with your SNAP benefits. There are some rules about what’s allowed and what’s not. This essay will explain what items you *can’t* purchase with SNAP benefits, so you know what to expect.
Non-Food Items
You cannot use SNAP benefits to purchase items that aren’t food. This is a pretty straightforward rule, but it covers a lot of ground. Think about it this way: SNAP is for helping you eat, not for other household needs.
One common question is about things like soap, paper towels, and diapers. Unfortunately, these are considered household supplies and personal hygiene items. Therefore, you can’t use your SNAP card to buy them. This is because SNAP is specifically designed to address food insecurity, not other essential living expenses. Sometimes, if you are really struggling, there may be other community resources available to help with these needs. You should always check with your local community resources to see what they can provide.
Cosmetics and toiletries are also not covered. So, things like shampoo, makeup, and deodorant are not eligible. The same goes for cleaning products like laundry detergent and dish soap. SNAP is all about making sure you have money for food, so these non-food essentials are left out.
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Deodorant
- Paper Towels
Alcohol and Tobacco Products
Another category of items you can’t buy with SNAP benefits is alcohol and tobacco. These are not considered essential for maintaining a healthy diet. This rule is pretty consistent across all states.
Alcohol includes beer, wine, and liquor of any kind. Whether it’s for personal use or to share with friends and family, SNAP cannot be used to pay for it. The same rules apply to tobacco products, like cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco. The main goal of the program is to get food in the bellies of people who need it, so anything that isn’t food-related falls outside of the rules.
This might be disappointing for some people, but it’s part of the deal. SNAP is not meant to subsidize lifestyle choices but instead focuses on nutritional needs. You can’t use the card to buy lottery tickets or scratch-offs either, even if those items are sold at the grocery store.
- Beer
- Wine
- Liquor
- Cigarettes
Vitamins, Medicines, and Supplements
While many people view vitamins and supplements as part of a healthy diet, the SNAP program treats them differently. Generally, you cannot buy vitamins, medicines, or supplements with your SNAP benefits, unless they are prescribed by a doctor. This is because the program is designed to provide assistance with food items rather than medical needs.
Over-the-counter medications like pain relievers or cold medicine also aren’t eligible. Even if a medication is considered a dietary supplement, SNAP doesn’t cover it, unless your doctor says it’s necessary and writes you a prescription. This is because the program wants to make sure it focuses on nutritional needs rather than medical needs.
For example, let’s say someone has a prescription for a vitamin D supplement. In that case, SNAP may be able to cover the cost. Without a prescription, though, the item would not be covered. Make sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist to find out what is the best way to get your health needs met, in addition to your food needs. This way, you can take care of your overall health.
| Item | SNAP Eligible? |
|---|---|
| Prescription Medications | Sometimes |
| Vitamins (without a prescription) | No |
| Over-the-counter medications | No |
| Supplements | No |
Prepared Foods and Hot Meals
The rules around prepared foods are a little tricky. You cannot purchase prepared foods that are meant to be eaten right away, such as a hot meal from a deli, with your SNAP benefits. This is generally a pretty consistent rule across the US.
You can, however, use your SNAP benefits to buy cold deli items like sliced meats and cheeses, as long as you are going to use them to prepare your own meal at home. You can also use your benefits to purchase unprepared foods that you intend to prepare yourself, such as raw chicken or vegetables. SNAP focuses on food items, but it excludes foods prepared for immediate consumption. SNAP wants you to focus on preparing your own meals.
A common exception to this rule is for those who are homeless, elderly, or disabled. These individuals might be able to use their SNAP benefits at certain restaurants approved by the state. It’s important to check with your local SNAP office to see if you or your loved one qualifies. In general, however, your benefits won’t pay for hot meals at the grocery store or a restaurant.
- Hot food from a grocery store deli
- Prepared meals from a restaurant
- Foods consumed inside the store
- Fast food meals
Keep in mind that the specific rules can sometimes vary by state, so it’s always a good idea to check your local SNAP guidelines for the most up-to-date information. Knowing these rules will help you use your SNAP benefits efficiently and effectively to put healthy meals on your table. If you have any questions, you can ask someone at your local SNAP office.