Can Alcoholic Drinks and Energy Drinks Be Purchased with SNAP Payment Benefits? Here’s What’s Covered by Food Stamps
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as Food Stamps, is a major source of financial assistance for millions of Americans to purchase healthy food. Very stringent rules state what can be bought using SNAP benefits. This article goes into detail regarding what is included in the eligibility and prohibition list, especially about alcoholic and energy drinks, along with other instructions for retailers and recipients.
Read more: Can bottled water be purchased with SNAP Payment benefits and what is covered by Food Stamps?
What can be purchased with SNAP benefits?
SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food and drink items that have a Nutrition Facts Label. Eligible products include groceries such as:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Bread and cereals
- Dairy products
- Meats, poultry, and fish
- Non-alcoholic beverages
Additionally, seeds and plants used to grow food at home are covered. The guiding principle is that SNAP benefits are intended to help recipients buy items that contribute to a healthy diet.
What cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits?
Certain items are strictly prohibited, regardless of the recipient’s circumstances or requests. SNAP benefits cannot be used for:
- Hot foods (e.g., prepared meals or cooked foods sold at grocery stores or delis).
- Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, or spirits).
- Energy drinks that do not have a Nutrition Facts Label (those with a Supplement Facts Label are considered supplements and are ineligible).
- Tobacco products (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco).
- Non-food items, such as:
- Gasoline
- Pet food
- Vitamins or medicines
- Toiletries, including toilet paper, soap, and feminine hygiene products
- Baby products like diapers and bottles
- Paper goods like coffee filters, napkins, or paper towels
Even if a recipient explains they have no other way to pay for these items, SNAP regulations must be strictly followed.
Responsibilities of retailers
Retailers play a crucial role in ensuring that SNAP rules are followed. Here are the key responsibilities for store owners and employees:
Integrated Cash Register Systems
Retailers are charged with ensuring that the integrated cash register systems used in their premises are programmed correctly. Items that are not part of SNAP benefits are not to be approved. This would lead to accidental violations.
Employee Training
The responsibility of training employees about SNAP regulations lies with the owners. Complete training makes sure that errors are not made at checkout and that employees fully understand what has been permitted and prohibited by the program.
Training kits are available with the FNS to be used in educating these employees.
Consequences of violating SNAP rules
Breaking SNAP rules can have severe consequences for retailers. If prohibited items are sold using SNAP benefits, the following penalties may apply:
- Disqualification: The store may be disqualified from participating in SNAP, cutting off a significant revenue stream for businesses serving SNAP recipients.
- Fines: Retailers may be required to pay substantial fines.
- WIC Disqualification: Violations of SNAP rules could also lead to disqualification from the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, further impacting business.
To avoid these penalties, retailers must diligently adhere to SNAP guidelines.
Where to get help
For queries regarding SNAP rules or assistance, please reach out to the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) SNAP office at RPMDHQ-Web@fns.usda.gov. They assist consumers and retailers with guidance regarding SNAP rules.
Key takeaway: Stay informed to stay compliant.
SNAP benefits help many families; thus, the program must be strictly followed. Besides the common prohibition of alcoholic drinks and energy drinks without Nutrition Facts Labels, non-food products, the range of hundreds of healthy items that can be bought is indeed enormous. Both the retailer and SNAP recipient should be aware of the rules in order to avoid any inconvenience in accessing these vital public funds.
