Eligible Food Items

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.

In some areas, restaurants can be authorized to accept food stamp benefits from qualified homeless, elderly, or disabled people in exchange for low-cost meals.

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.

To access a detailed product eligibility list click here. The posted list does not cover ALL products currently on the market as the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) makes determinations upon request.  Product designations (i.e., eligible or ineligible for food stamp purchase) may have been changed.  If a determination has been changed since the initial review, the item is highlighted.

FNS will update the posted list as new designations are made.

In order to expedite future requests for determination, please submit by mail or email a complete product label or a sample of the item(s) to:

Chief
Retailer Management and Issuance Branch
Benefit Redemption Division
Food Stamp Program
USDA, Food and Nutrition Service
3101 Park Center Drive, Room 404
Alexandria, VA 22302

OR EMAIL TO:

BRDHQ-WEB@fns.usda.gov

Last modified: 07/30/2008