After the initial scare of the pandemic, many people began stocking up on survival food. People began to consider survival with the potential of non-access to grocery stores for an extended period, but many worried about having the initial funds to stock up like others. Scenarios like this beg the question: “Can you buy survival food with EBT?”.
There are many survival food items you can buy with your EBT card. Stores will accept EBT for staple foods such as fruits and vegetables, bread, and meat. You can also purchase snacks with this card. However, you won’t be able to buy things like alcohol or food that’s already hot.
To learn more about what you can and cannot buy with an EBT card and some of the best survival foods, keep reading!
The Types of Food You Can Buy with EBT
You can purchase most of the food you’ll need in a survival situation using your EBT card. According to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, the types of food you can buy this way include:
- Snack foods
- Dairy products
- Baking supplies
- Fruits and vegetables
- Bread and cereals
- Most canned goods
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Meats, including poultry and fish (including live shellfish)
When in doubt, check the price sticker on grocery store shelves. Most will specify whether or not an item is EBT-approved.
Some Items You Cannot Buy with EBT.
While many food items are EBT-accessible, there are some limitations on what you can purchase. You will not be able to purchase alcohol or any tobacco products using your EBT card, nor any household products such as:
- Shampoo
- Body wash
- Toothpaste
- Cleaning supplies
In addition, several other goods are not approved for EBT purchase, either. These include:
- Pet food
- Health supplements, like vitamins and over-the-counter medications
- Prepared foods, such as rotisserie chicken, cooked fish, and pre-made salads
Again, check the price sticker on the shelf or ask an employee if you need help figuring out what is and isn’t EBT-accessible.
Best Survival Foods You Can Buy with EBT
While you should buy everything you can when there’s a chance you won’t have access to the grocery store for long periods, some items have a significantly longer shelf life and nutritional value than others. Here are some of the best survival foods you can purchase with your EBT card.
Canned Tuna & Salmon
Canned tuna and salmon both have very long shelf lives and will still keep for three to four days in the refrigerator once opened. They’re rich in protein and healthy fats, such as the Omega 3s that fish is famous for.
Energy Bars
Energy and protein bars are very convenient and can be kept anywhere, whether in the pantry, car, or backpack. They’re available in various flavors, but some have more nutritional value than others. Make sure to look for a brand with a high-calorie content but plenty of protein and other essential nutrients.
Brown Rice
Brown rice is another food with a very long shelf life. It has a good amount of protein and several essential vitamins and minerals like iron. It’s high in calories and will keep you full for a long time, and it’s easy to create various dishes with!
Dried Beans
Dried beans come in much larger quantities than canned beans, so buying them instead gives you a better bang for your buck. Most kinds of beans are high in protein and several other vitamins and nutrients.
What Exactly is EBT?
Electronic benefits transfer, or EBT, is a system available throughout all 50 states, plus Washington, DC; Puerto Rico; The Virgin Islands; and Guam, that allows participants in the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) to pay for food through federal assistance. SNAP EBT cards can purchase necessary food items with a pre-paid balance loaded onto the card each month.
How Do You Apply for EBT?
You can apply for SNAP EBT benefits through your local or state government SNAP program. Each state has a different application process, so you must contact your local agency directly to begin the application process. Some states allow people to apply online, while others require a paper application.
To qualify for SNAP benefits, you must meet certain resource and income requirements, which are updated annually. After you apply for benefits, you’ll typically need to complete an eligibility interview either over the phone or in person and provide proof of the information you provided on your application.
What Are the Current EBT Requirements?
According to the USDA Food & Nutrition Service, as of January 1, 2021, you must have $2,250 in countable resources or less or $3,500 or less if one household member is over 60 or disabled. These requirements will stay in place until September 30, 2021. Certain resources are not included when determining your eligibility, including:
- Your home
- Retirement and pension plans
- Any supplemental security income (SSI)
- Any temporary assistance for needy families (TANF or welfare) income
Vehicles are typically counted as resources unless they meet any of the following criteria:
- They serve as your home
- You would get less than $1,500 for selling it
- They transport your household’s gas or water supply
- They transport a physically disabled household member
- They’re used for income-producing purposes (such as a taxi)
- They produce an annual income consistent with their fair market value
- They’re needed to travel long distances for work (excluding daily commutes)
If your vehicle does not meet these criteria, any fair market value over $4,650 will count as a resource.
Income limits vary based on household size, and gross and net income are both considered. If your SNAP application is approved, your monthly EBT allowance will also depend on your household size.
Conclusion
It’s possible to buy survival food with an EBT card, also known as an Electronic Benefits Transfer card. This system is available in all 50 states. It allows participants in the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) to pay for necessary food items with a pre-paid balance on their card.
While you can purchase most food items with your EBT card, some limitations exist, such as alcohol, tobacco, household products, and prepared foods. The best survival foods purchased with an EBT card include canned tuna and salmon, energy bars, brown rice, and dried beans. If you are interested in applying for an EBT card, you can do so through your local or state government SNAP program.
