Food Stamp Program Facts
Using Your Food Stamps
The Food Stamp Program helps you buy food you need for good health and nutrition. Your food stamps are in addition to money you now are spending for food. With food stamps, you can purchase more food for you and your family.
Remember - proper use of food stamps increases your buying power. You and your family can eat better and be healthier.
If you have any questions about using your food stamps, please contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Consumer Service Field Office in your area.
| Do Use Food Stamps to Buy: | Do Not Use Food Stamps to Buy: |
| Milk and other dairy products | Nonfood items |
| Meat, fish and poultry | Alcoholic beverages |
| Cereals and ingredients used for baking | Tobacco and tobacco products such as cigars, cigarettes, snuff and chewing tobacco |
| Vegetables and fruits | Drug store medication such as aspirin, antacids and cough drops |
| Cold deli items, such as sandwiches and salads which are intended to be eaten at home | Food preservation equipment such as canning jars and freezer containers |
| Ice and water for human consumption | Foods not intended to be eaten by people such as dog and cat food, and bird seed |
| Specialty food such as dietetic and diabetic foods, infant formulas and "health food" items | Vitamins and minerals in tablet, capsule, powder or liquid form |
| Garden seeds and plants for growing food at home | Food which is to be heated in the store |
| Pectin used in canning | |
| Deposits on returnable bottles and other returnable containers | |
| Hot prepared meals served by restaurants and non-profit agencies authorized by USDA to accept food stamps. |
Did you know that...
Illegal Use of Food Stamps...