If you’re receiving CalFresh benefits, also known as EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer), you’re probably wondering exactly what you can spend your money on. It can sometimes feel a little confusing! This essay will break down the basics of what you can buy with your EBT card. We’ll cover the important stuff, like food, and also touch on some things that are *not* covered. Think of it as a handy guide to help you make the most of your benefits and shop smart.
What Foods Can I Purchase?
The primary purpose of CalFresh is to help people access nutritious food. This means your EBT card is accepted at most grocery stores, supermarkets, and even some farmers’ markets. But what exactly *counts* as food? Let’s get into it!
Generally, you can use your EBT card to buy any food item intended for human consumption. This includes fresh, frozen, and canned foods. You can buy things like fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products. This is the core of your healthy eating plan.
You’re also able to buy things like breads, cereals, pasta, and rice. Many of these items are also essential for creating meals. Snacks like chips and cookies are acceptable as well, although it’s important to remember that CalFresh is intended to supplement your diet with the nutritional needs.
Here are some common examples:
- Fresh produce (apples, bananas, spinach)
- Meat and poultry (chicken, beef, turkey)
- Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese)
- Breads and cereals (bread, bagels, oatmeal)
Your EBT card can be used to buy most foods at grocery stores and other approved retailers.
What About Drinks?
Drinks are a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to EBT. Many common beverages are eligible, but there are some limitations. It’s helpful to know the rules so you don’t get surprised at the checkout!
You can absolutely purchase things like water, juice, and milk with your EBT card. These are considered essential and nutritious. Formula for babies is also covered, as is juice, which can add essential vitamins to your diet.
However, there are some exceptions. Alcoholic beverages are *not* allowed. Sodas and energy drinks also have rules that may vary by state, but they are sometimes restricted. This can often depend on the amount of sugar and if the food is processed. Be sure to check with your local rules, as they can change.
To summarize, here’s a little chart:
| Allowed | Not Allowed |
|---|---|
| Water | Alcohol |
| Juice | Alcoholic Mixers |
| Milk | Energy Drinks (Sometimes) |
Can I Buy Prepared Foods?
Buying prepared foods with your EBT card is a little trickier than buying groceries, but it’s definitely possible in some cases. The rules here are designed to encourage healthy eating and prevent misuse of benefits.
If a store participates in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), which is specifically for some people, you can use your EBT to buy hot, prepared meals. The RMP is for people like those who are elderly, disabled, or homeless and who may not be able to prepare their own food. To know if the store participates, you can ask. The stores will let you know.
You *cannot* generally use your EBT card to buy hot food at fast-food restaurants unless the restaurant is an RMP participant. You also can’t buy prepared meals that are meant to be eaten at the store, such as a salad bar or a hot bar, unless the store is approved.
Here’s the gist of it:
- RMP Participants: Often Allowed
- Fast Food (Non-RMP): Usually Not Allowed
- Prepared foods at regular grocery stores: Sometimes Allowed
What About Non-Food Items?
While CalFresh is mostly for food, there are a few exceptions where you might be able to purchase non-food items, but it’s not a common occurrence. Make sure to use your EBT card wisely, and be sure to only purchase what is approved!
Generally, your EBT card cannot be used to buy things like household supplies (paper towels, cleaning products), pet food, or hygiene products (shampoo, soap). These items are considered non-food items and must be purchased with other funds.
There’s also no buying of things like alcohol, tobacco products, or lottery tickets with your EBT card. Your EBT card can also not be used to pay for things like clothing, electronics, or other non-essential items.
It’s important to always separate your food purchases from your non-food purchases when using your EBT card. If you accidentally try to buy a non-food item with your EBT card, the transaction will be declined.
Purchasing Seeds and Plants
This is a really interesting option! If you’re into gardening, you might be excited to learn that you can actually use your EBT card to purchase seeds and plants that produce food. This is a cool way to get fresh food for yourself!
Think about it – you can buy seeds to grow tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, or other vegetables in your own garden. If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, you can also buy fruit trees or bushes to grow fruit. Plants with edible fruit are typically accepted!
This can be a really fun and economical way to supplement your diet with fresh, healthy food, especially if you’re looking to grow your own produce. You can also buy herbs, which can enhance meals.
Here’s a quick list:
- Vegetable seeds (tomatoes, lettuce, etc.)
- Fruit-bearing plants (apple trees, berry bushes, etc.)
- Herb plants (basil, mint, etc.)
Using EBT at Farmers’ Markets
Farmers’ markets are a great place to find fresh, local produce, and you can often use your EBT card there! It’s a win-win: you get access to healthy food, and you support local farmers. This is a great way to find the freshest food available!
Many farmers’ markets participate in the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) program, which means they accept EBT cards. You’ll usually go to a market information booth and swipe your card to receive tokens or coupons. You can then use these tokens/coupons to buy food from the participating vendors.
This is great because you often get better prices and fresher food at farmers’ markets than in grocery stores. It’s also a good way to learn about new kinds of fruits and vegetables and discover local favorites!
The key is to look for the signs that indicate the farmers market accepts EBT and SNAP. Then you can head to the information booth.
| Things to Know | Details |
|---|---|
| Look for Signs | Check for EBT/SNAP acceptance signs. |
| Get Tokens | Swipe your card at the info booth for tokens. |
| Spend Tokens | Use tokens to buy eligible food items. |
Conclusion
So, now you have a better idea of what you can buy with your EBT CalFresh benefits! Remember the main focus is on nutritious food. You can buy groceries, and sometimes prepared meals and you can grow food using your EBT. Make sure to read the rules, and always prioritize healthy eating. Using your EBT card wisely can help you and your family have access to the food you need. Happy shopping!