Question for anyone who currently uses the Food Stamp Card?!
Answers: For the first time in my adult life I have found myself unemploy and eligible for minimal food stamp benefits. I know the general yes/no's for food stamps, but could someone suggest a website or knowledge on the more specific yes/no's. I know fruits/veg/bread/cereal/meats are ok but could you give me a site that has more specifics. I have this fear of being told in front of others that I can't have some grocery item I accidentally don't know I can buy with the food stamp card :) I don't smoke or drink so I'm good there.
Accprding to http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/faqs.htm#3
10. What foods are eligible for purchase with food stamps?
Households CAN use food stamp benefits to buy:
Foods for the household to eat, such as:
-- breads and cereals
-- fruits and vegetables
-- meats, fish and poultry; and
-- dairy products
Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat.
Households CANNOT use food stamp benefits to buy:
-- Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco
Any nonfood items, such as:
-- pet foods;
-- soaps, paper products; and
-- household supplies.
-- Vitamins and medicines.
-- Food that will be eaten in the store.
-- Hot foods
There used to be restrictions about imported foods, but I don't think there are any longer. Like pineapple used to be off limits for food stamps, but I'm sure most of our pineapples come from Hawaii, now, so that's a non-issue. Coffee, even though it's usually imported, has always been okay.
No one's going to point and laugh if you choose something you can't purchase with them (most people won't even notice what payment method you've used), and the store will likely be very helpful and try to accomodate your needs and inform you.
What Can Be Bought With Food Stamps?
You can use food stamps to buy food or seeds and plants to grow food in your home garden.You cannot use food stamps to buy:
Alcoholic beverages or tobacco;
Hot foods ready for immediate consumption or foods to be eaten on the store premises;
Pet foods;
Soap or paper products or other non-food items.
You cannot use food stamps to pay back grocery bills.
You will not be charged sales tax on food items or meals purchased with food stamps.
All food items are ok except for take out food like salad bar or premade sandwiches or takeout soup.
Any food you make at home is a safe bet. I think gum is out. It can be embarrassing. I'm not on the card right now, but was. I used the self check-out because I was even too embarrassed to have a cashier. I hope you don't feel that way, but I understand. good luck.