Written By: Alyson Clare Alyson Clare Alyson has worked much of her adult life in retail, starting out as a checkout chick. Within five years she was managing a supermarket and 67 staff. She has a large family, so has always been a savvy shopper. She decided to put pen to paper to share insider knowledge to help our readers Learn about our editorial process
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Can You Buy Diapers with Food Stamps?
No, You Cannot Buy Diapers with Food Stamps.
While food stamps can’t buy diapers, the benefit does allow the recipient to buy plenty of nutritional food.
SNAP is a benefit to help make life a little easier for low-income families, therefore, it is a legitimate query.
Disposable diapers are expensive, and anyone with babies and toddlers understands the rate at which you go through each pack.
Food stamps are for purchasing nutritional and healthy edible goods only.
It hopefully frees up other cash for baby essentials.
Since the 1930s, the US Government has provided financial assistance to families on low incomes.
Initially, this was known as ‘Food Stamps’ because that’s what they were; stamps to present at a participating store to exchange for food.
In more recent years, the actual name has changed to SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, but most people still choose to call the benefit food stamps.
If you have a young baby and are in receipt of SNAP, you might wonder if you can buy diapers with food stamps?
Our article helps make the minefield of what you can purchase for your baby easier.
Can You Transfer Food Stamps Into Cash?
In 2004, people enlisted on the USDA SNAP Program received an EBT card.
State Welfare Departments issue benefits via a magnetically encoded payment card.
The Electronic Benefits Card looks and behaves much like a debit card.
You may have noticed people asking for cash-back or using an ATM with an EBT card.
It is only possible if you receive certain other benefits paid directly to your EBT account.
SNAP recipients are only allowed to use the balance of their account in participating stores against eligible products.
What You Can Buy with Food Stamps
If you’re a family with a small baby, use your SNAP payment at many retail outlets across all 50 states.
To make it easier to remember what you can use it for, think edible and healthy.
For babies, in particular, these items include;
- Infant formula
- Milk
- Juice
- Puree
- Cereal and Oatmeal
As children get older, food stamps help to cover the cost of nutritional ingredients to prepare healthy and filling meals.
Products include;
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Meat
- Fish
- Eggs
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Candy
- Non-alcoholic drinks
The lists cover all of the major food groups leaving a small allowance for a few treats.
Why You Can’t Use Food Stamps for Diapers
It’s true, diapers are a necessity for babies and toddlers, but not a foodstuff.
In the 1930s, food stamps were introduced to help people in need buy and eat nutritious food.
It was hoped to make them stronger and become more productive in society.
The mantra stuck; food stamps are only for purchasing edible products, milk, and juice.
Other Help Available to Pay for Diapers
There is possibly more help available, depending on your circ*mstances.
TANF –Temporary Assistance to Needy Families is another benefit paid onto an EBT card.
It is often a one-off or short-term arrangement to help out in a crisis.
Which Stores Accept Food Stamps
Many retailers, both large and small, accept food stamps in payment for eligible products.
Present your EBT card at checkout, the total grocery spend is deducted from your available balance.
The store is then refunded by the USDA.
There are too many stores to list but expect Aldi, Target, Walmart, Costco, Kroger, Sam’s Club, and Whole Foods Market to happily accept your EBT card.
Can You Spend Food Stamps Online?
All of the stores already mentioned also take Food Stamps on their online platforms against eligible products.
Amazon and Amazon Fresh also accept SNAP payments, just enter the unique card number at checkout.
How to Find Participating Stores
Head online to the SNAP Retailer Locator and enter the zip code of your location.
A map opens up with every SNAP authorized retailer in the vicinity.
Tap each pinpoint for store information and directions, or enlarge the map if you’re looking further afield.
How Much Snap You are Entitled to
SNAP is means-tested and considers income and Social Security payments.
The amount each recipient gets depends on which state you inhabit and the size and makeup of your family.
There are online calculation charts available to see if it is worthwhile applying.
There is online help or an agent at the end of the phone if you experience any difficulties.
Conclusion
There are many necessities when a baby enters the family.
Clothing, toiletries, bedding, and toys are but a few.
Nappies are one of the bigger expenses and ongoing for the first year or two.
If you’re on a low income, it would be a great help if SNAP benefits covered the cost.
Food stamps cannot be used to buy diapers or any of the other products mentioned.
Food stamps are for the purchase of healthy and nutritious food to sustain a growing family.
