SNAP benefits can be used to buy:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products
• Breads and cereals
• Seeds and plants, which provide food for the household to eat
• Seeds and plants, which provide spices for use in cooking
• Baby formula
• Water and ice labeled for human consumption
• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages

SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy:

• Prepared hot foods in grocery stores or any prepared food (hot or cold) meant to be eaten at the store
  • Note: SNAP clients who are eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program can use SNAP benefits to buy prepared meals at participating restaurants.
• Alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, or tobacco
• Cleaning products, paper products, toiletries, or cooking utensils
• Pet supplies
• Items for food preservation such as canning jars or lids, freezer containers, or food wrapping paper
• Medicines, vitamins, or minerals
• Items for gardening, such as fertilizer or peat moss

Complaints 

You can make a complaint to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) about a retailer that doesn’t allow you to make an eligible purchase. You must provide the name and location of the retailer.

Online

Submit a complaint on the USDA website.