Lesson 1
What SNAP is and what you can buy
⏱ 2 min
Key points
- SNAP is the program people still call food stamps.
- Benefits come on an EBT card that works like a debit card at grocery stores.
- It pays for food to eat at home, including fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread and snacks.
- It doesn't pay for alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, hot food or household items.
SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It's the same program people called food stamps until the name changed in 2008. The U.S. Department of Agriculture pays for the benefits, and your state runs the program: it takes your application, decides whether you qualify and sends your card.
If you're approved, your state puts money on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card each month on a set schedule. You use it at the checkout like a debit card, with a PIN. Most grocery stores, many corner stores and a growing number of farmers markets take it, and you can shop online with SNAP in every state.
What you can buy
SNAP covers food for your household to eat at home:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry and fish
- Milk, cheese and other dairy foods
- Bread, cereal and other grains
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic drinks
- Seeds and plants that grow food
What you can't buy
SNAP doesn't pay for beer, wine, liquor or tobacco, or for vitamins, medicine and anything with a "Supplement Facts" label. Food that's hot when you buy it isn't covered, and neither are pet food, cleaning supplies, paper products, soap and other household items. When you buy these along with groceries, you pay for them another way.
Soda and candy limits in some states
Some states now have USDA approval to stop SNAP from paying for soda, candy, energy drinks or similar items. As of October 2026, limits had started in Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas and Utah. Montana, North Dakota, South Carolina and Virginia were set to start November 1, 2026, and Nebraska December 1, 2026. Other states have later dates. Each state writes its own list, so check your state's SNAP website.
Hot meals
In a few states, people who are 60 or older, have a disability or are homeless can use SNAP at approved restaurants through the Restaurant Meals Program. After some disasters, USDA also lets SNAP buy hot food for a while.
Quick check
Which of these can you buy with SNAP?
Sources: What can SNAP buy?, USDA; SNAP food restriction waivers, USDA; SNAP online purchasing, USDA.