The question of whether food stamps, now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), can be used to purchase alcohol is a common one. A recent claim circulating on social media suggested that EBT cards, the electronic method for distributing SNAP benefits, could now be used to buy liquor. This article clarifies the facts and regulations surrounding SNAP and alcohol purchases.
EBT card with groceries
The Truth About SNAP and Alcohol
The primary function of SNAP is to provide low-income individuals and families with financial assistance to purchase nutritious foods. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service explicitly prohibits the use of SNAP benefits for the purchase of alcoholic beverages.
According to USDA Food and Nutrition Service spokesperson Cherish Meadows, SNAP benefits “absolutely cannot cover beer, wine (or) liquor.” This regulation is consistent across the SNAP program nationwide. The USDA website also confirms this, listing alcoholic beverages as ineligible items. Other ineligible items include tobacco products, pet foods, and cosmetics.
EBT Cards and Authorized Retailers
While SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase alcohol, it’s important to understand how authorized retailers operate. Liquor stores may be authorized to accept SNAP benefits if they also sell a significant inventory of eligible food items, as stated by Meadows. However, SNAP recipients are still prohibited from purchasing alcohol at these stores using their EBT cards. They can only purchase approved food items.
TANF: A Potential Loophole?
There is a distinction between SNAP and another assistance program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). TANF provides states with federal funding to support families with basic needs. Unlike SNAP and WIC, TANF benefits can sometimes be withdrawn as cash from an ATM, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
This is where a potential gray area emerges. While most states have restrictions on how TANF funds can be used, it is challenging to monitor how cash withdrawn from an ATM is spent. In theory, TANF funds withdrawn as cash could be used to purchase alcohol.
Furthermore, some states, like California, do not explicitly restrict the use of TANF benefits for alcohol purchases. Texas, while not explicitly banning alcohol, states that public assistance should be used for “goods and services that are considered essential and necessary for the welfare of the family.”
States with Flexible TANF Usage
Certain states offer more flexibility in how TANF funds can be spent, leading to scenarios where alcohol purchases could be possible, even if unintended. It’s important to note that this is not a direct allowance or endorsement of alcohol purchases using public assistance, but rather a consequence of the program’s structure in specific states.
Debunking Misinformation
The Facebook post suggesting a change in EBT card rules is misleading. There have been no recent changes to federal guidelines regarding the use of SNAP benefits for alcohol purchases. The USDA continues to prohibit the use of SNAP for alcohol, and this policy remains consistent.
Examples of food items eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits
Conclusion: Know the Facts
In conclusion, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase alcohol. This is a federal regulation enforced by the USDA. While there may be instances where other public assistance programs, like TANF, could potentially be used for alcohol purchases, this is not the intended purpose and may be subject to state-specific regulations and restrictions. Always rely on official sources and fact-checked information when seeking clarity on SNAP and EBT policies.
References
- Gabriela Sibori, Aug. 14, Email exchange with USA TODAY
- Cherish Meadows, Aug. 8, Phone call with USA TODAY
- USDA, April 14, 2021, What Can SNAP Buy?
- National Conference of State Legislatures, Dec. 12, 2019, Restrictions on Use of Public Assistance Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Cards
