Are you a beef jerky lover who relies on EBT or food stamps to make ends meet?
Good news! In 2019, the U.S. federal government expanded the range of foods that can be purchased with EBT and food stamps to include beef jerky.
This decision not only benefits jerky enthusiasts, but also allows for greater choice and economic growth.
However, there are still some restrictions on what can be purchased with EBT and food stamps.
In this article, we’ll explore the rules and regulations surrounding EBT and food stamp purchases, as well as answer the burning question: can you really buy beef jerky with EBT?
Can You Buy Beef Jerky With EBT?
Yes, you can buy beef jerky with EBT and food stamps at any store that accepts them. This is because beef jerky is considered a food item, just like steak, lobster, or shrimp.
However, it’s important to note that legislators have proposed removing high-end food items from the program. This is because data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that people in the income group low enough to qualify for SNAP hardly buy any beef or seafood due to their high cost.
EBT and food stamp benefits are intended to provide people with foods they can cook at home. Therefore, it’s helpful if convenience stores make it possible for families to do “a real shop for foods they can prepare into meals,” according to nutrition expert Wootan.
What Is EBT And How Does It Work?
EBT stands for Electronic Benefit Transfer, which is a system used by the government to distribute benefits to people who qualify for assistance programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly known as food stamps. EBT works like a debit card, where beneficiaries can use their EBT card to purchase eligible food items at participating retailers.
In addition to grocery stores, EBT cards can also be used to order groceries online for delivery or pickup from select stores. Amazon and Instacart are two examples of retailers that offer this service to EBT users.
It’s important to note that EBT benefits have certain restrictions and limitations. For example, beneficiaries cannot use their benefits to purchase non-food items such as household supplies or personal care products. Additionally, there are limits on the amount of benefits that can be used per transaction and per month.
Understanding The SNAP Program And Eligibility Criteria
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal nutritional assistance program designed to help low-income households boost their purchasing power. SNAP provides a monthly benefit on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which is similar to a debit card and can be used at authorized retailer stores.
To be eligible for SNAP benefits, households must meet certain criteria based on their income and resources. The income limit for SNAP eligibility is 130% of the federal poverty level, which varies depending on the household size. For example, a household of four must have a gross monthly income of no more than $2,790 to qualify for SNAP benefits.
In addition to income requirements, households must also meet resource limits. This means that they cannot have more than $2,250 in countable resources, such as cash or money in a bank account. However, some resources are not counted towards this limit, such as a home and its surrounding land.
There are also certain items that cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits. Live animals (except shellfish, fish removed from water, and animals slaughtered prior to pick-up from the store) are not eligible for purchase. Additionally, foods that are hot at the point of sale and non-food items such as pet foods, cleaning supplies, paper products, and other household supplies, hygiene items and cosmetics cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits.
It’s important to note that there have been proposals to change the types of food items that can be purchased with SNAP benefits. Some advocates have called for healthier food options to be prioritized under the program, while others have proposed removing high-end food items altogether.
What Can You Buy With EBT And Food Stamps?
If you receive EBT or food stamp benefits, you can use them to buy a variety of food items at any store that accepts them. This includes staples such as bread, cereal, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, and non-alcoholic beverages. You can also use your benefits to purchase seeds and plants that produce food, such as tomato seeds.
It’s important to note that there are restrictions on what you can buy with EBT and food stamps. You cannot use them to purchase alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco, or any nonfood items such as pet food, soaps, paper products, or household supplies. Additionally, hot foods are not eligible for purchase with EBT and food stamps.
While there is a long list of snacks that are approved by the USDA for purchase with EBT and food stamps, legislators have proposed removing high-end food items from the program. This is because the program is intended to provide people with foods they can cook at home and data shows that people in the income group low enough to qualify for SNAP hardly buy any beef or seafood due to their high cost.
The Expansion Of Eligible Foods In 2019
In 2019, the U.S. federal government expanded the range of eligible foods that can be purchased with EBT and food stamps. This decision was made to provide greater choice for those using the program and to improve the economy by allowing more people to purchase a broader range of foods. As a result, beef jerky became a product that people can buy with EBT and food stamps.
However, the law technically requires stores to have more nutritious food options. This means that stores in the federal program are supposed to regularly stock multiple different types of food that fall into each of the following categories: fruit/vegetables, dairy, meat/seafood, and bread/cereal. Unfortunately, many stores do not meet these requirements, particularly in rural areas where healthy options are lacking.
Despite this, the expansion of eligible foods in 2019 provides greater flexibility for families who use EBT and food stamps. They can now purchase a wider variety of foods, including beef jerky, at any store that accepts these benefits. However, it’s important to remember that these benefits are intended to provide people with foods they can cook at home, so it’s helpful if convenience stores make it possible for families to purchase foods they can prepare into meals.
The Benefits Of Allowing Beef Jerky Purchases
The decision to allow the purchase of beef jerky with EBT and food stamps has been welcomed by jerky lovers everywhere. This move allows for greater choice for those using EBT and food stamps, which ultimately betters the economy. Allowing more people to purchase a broader range of foods benefits not only jerky fanatics but also the overall economy.
Under the change proposed by the Trump administration, retailers could stock dried meats such as beef jerky and shelf-stable, processed cheese products to help them meet their meat and dairy requirements. This may offset the need to offer as many fresh meat and dairy products. While some critics argue that beef jerky is just a snack and not a main course, it’s important to note that having access to a variety of food options is crucial for low-income families who rely on EBT and food stamps.
Moreover, beef jerky is a convenient and long-lasting source of protein that can be consumed on-the-go or used in recipes. It’s also a popular snack for hikers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who need a portable and high-energy food source.
Restrictions On EBT And Food Stamp Purchases
While EBT and food stamp benefits can be used to purchase a wide variety of food items, there are some restrictions on what can and cannot be purchased with these benefits. Government guidelines are strict and dictate that SNAP benefits can only be used to purchase food items, which includes fruits and vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, dairy products, breads and cereals, baby food and formula, and nonalcoholic beverages.
Non-food items such as cleaning supplies, paper products, and other household items are prohibited. Additionally, hot foods and foods that can be eaten in the store are not covered by SNAP benefits. This means that pre-prepared foods like cold deli sandwiches or pizza slices cannot be purchased with EBT or food stamps.
It’s also important to note that SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase any type of alcohol, including beer, wine, or malt beverages. Tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, loose tobacco, e-cigs, e-cig refills, or anything else involving tobacco or tobacco products are also prohibited.
While junk food like potato chips, pretzels, and ice cream are eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits, energy drinks with a supplement facts label are not eligible. Similarly, gift baskets containing food and non-food items are not eligible for purchase using SNAP benefits if the value of the non-food items exceeds 50% of the purchase price.
