What Can You Purchase With EBT Card? With an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, individuals can purchase a variety of food items and non-food items at authorized retailers. The EBT card works similar to a debit card, allowing users to access their benefits for essential needs.
Eligible Food Items
With an EBT card, users can purchase a wide range of food items, including:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat and poultry
- Seafood
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Snack foods
- Seeds and plants to grow food at home
Non-Food Items
While EBT cards primarily cover food purchases, there are certain non-food items that can be bought with EBT cards. These include:
- Seeds and plants for food production
- Energy drinks that have a nutrition label
- Food preparation items like cooking utensils and pots
Excluded Items
There are certain items that cannot be purchased with an EBT card. These include:
- Alcohol and tobacco products
- Pet food
- Non-food household items like cleaning supplies and toiletries
Farmer’s Markets
EBT cards can also be used at farmer’s markets to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and other eligible food items. This initiative promotes access to healthy and locally grown produce for EBT cardholders.
Online Purchases
With the advent of online shopping, EBT cards can now be used to make eligible food purchases online through select retailers. This convenience allows users to access fresh food from the comfort of their homes.
Double-Up Bucks Program
Some farmer’s markets and grocery stores participate in the Double-Up Bucks program, where EBT cardholders can receive additional benefits when purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables. This incentivizes healthy eating choices and supports local agriculture.
In conclusion, an EBT card can be used to purchase a variety of food items at authorized retailers, as well as certain non-food items. By understanding what can and cannot be bought with an EBT card, users can make informed choices to meet their nutritional needs.