The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is known in Nebraska as the Food Stamp Program and uses an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, is a vital lifeline for thousands of families. The program is designed to help low-income households purchase nutritious food. However, many recipients are often surprised and confused to find that their EBT card is declined when they try to buy certain items at the grocery store. These restrictions are not set by the state of Nebraska or the individual store; they are part of a strict set of rules established at the federal level by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Hot, Prepared Foods
The most common point of confusion is the rule against buying hot, prepared foods. You cannot use your EBT card to buy a hot rotisserie chicken, a hot slice of pizza from the deli, or a hot cup of soup from the soup bar. The federal law that created the SNAP program explicitly states that the benefits are to be used for food that is intended for “home consumption.” Hot, prepared foods are considered to be for immediate, on-site consumption, like a restaurant meal, and are therefore ineligible.
Alcohol and Tobacco
This is one of the most well-known and least controversial restrictions. The SNAP program is designed to provide for a household’s nutritional needs. As such, it is illegal to use your EBT card to purchase any alcoholic beverages. The same rule applies to all tobacco products, including cigarettes and chewing tobacco.
Vitamins and Supplements
You also cannot use your EBT card to buy vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. The USDA’s reasoning for this rule is that if an item has a “Supplement Facts” label, it is a supplement, not a food. If an item has a “Nutrition Facts” label, it is considered a food. This distinction means that while you can use your EBT card to buy a nutrient-rich food, you cannot use it to buy a bottle of Vitamin C pills.
Pet Food
While pets are an important part of many families, the SNAP program does not consider pet food to be an eligible expense. The law is strictly written to cover the food needs of the human members of a household. As a result, you cannot use your EBT card to buy any pet food.
Non-Food Household Items
The SNAP program is exclusively for food items. This means you cannot use your EBT card to buy any non-food household goods, even if they are essential. This list of ineligible items includes things like cleaning supplies, paper products, personal hygiene, and diapers. These items must be purchased with another form of payment.
A Program with a Narrow Focus
The rules governing the use of EBT in Nebraska and across the country are designed with a very specific and narrow purpose. That is to provide for a household’s basic food needs. While many people argue that the rules should be expanded to include other essential items, the program’s federal guidelines remain strict. Understanding these rules is a key part of navigating the system for the thousands of Nebraskans who rely on it.
Do you think the rules for what can be purchased with EBT are fair? Are there any items on the restricted list that you think should be allowed? Share your opinion!
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