The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), designed to combat food insecurity in low-income households, has been the subject of misinformation regarding its permissible uses. One persistent rumor suggests that SNAP benefits, often distributed via Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, can be used to purchase alcohol. This is unequivocally false.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Food and Nutrition Service, which oversees SNAP, has explicitly stated that alcohol is not an eligible purchase under the program. Attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages with SNAP benefits is not only a futile endeavor, as the transaction will be denied, but it can also lead to investigation for fraud and potential loss of SNAP eligibility.
“SNAP benefits absolutely cannot cover beer, wine (or) liquor,” stated USDA spokesperson Cherish Meadows. She further clarified that the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) operates under similar restrictions. This ensures that government assistance is directed towards providing nutritional support rather than subsidizing alcohol consumption.
The confusion surrounding this issue may stem from a SNAP rule that permits liquor stores to accept EBT payments if a substantial portion of the purchase consists of eligible food items. However, any alcoholic beverages included in the transaction will still be rejected. The focus remains on providing access to nutritious food options for low-income individuals and families.
SNAP EBT Card: What Can You Buy?
SNAP EBT cards offer crucial support, enabling recipients to buy a diverse array of essential food items. This includes fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, bread, and cereals. Furthermore, SNAP benefits can be used for snack foods, non-alcoholic beverages, and even seeds and plants intended for household food production. This extensive selection of eligible items guarantees that beneficiaries have access to nutritious choices, fostering a balanced diet.
However, certain items are explicitly excluded from SNAP eligibility. These include non-food items such as household supplies and personal hygiene products, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vitamins, supplements, pet food, cosmetics, and prepared foods designed for on-site consumption. Notably, hot foods available for immediate consumption at the point of purchase are also ineligible.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds, a separate welfare program, may, under very specific circumstances, be used to purchase alcohol. However, this is a rare exception and does not apply to SNAP benefits. The primary purpose of SNAP is to alleviate food insecurity by providing financial assistance for the purchase of nutritious food items.
