If you’re a Californian who receives CalFresh benefits (also known as food stamps), you probably have an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. This card works like a debit card, but instead of money, it holds your food benefits. Figuring out exactly what you can and can’t buy can be a little tricky, so this essay will break down the basics of what you can purchase with your EBT card at CalFresh-approved stores. We’ll cover everything from groceries to what’s considered a “treat.”
What Are the Basic Food Items I Can Purchase?
Let’s get straight to the point: You can use your EBT card to buy a wide variety of food items to prepare meals at home. That’s the main purpose of the program!
The World of Groceries: What’s Allowed?
When you think about groceries, a ton of options come to mind. CalFresh allows you to purchase things that will help you prepare meals, here are some examples.
Here’s a list of common foods you can get:
- Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, canned – as long as there’s no added sugar or syrup)
- Meat, poultry, and fish (fresh or frozen)
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Breads, cereals, pasta, and rice
- Seeds and plants that produce food (like a tomato plant, but not a decorative flower)
Remember, the key is that these items are generally designed for home cooking. Snacks like potato chips are allowed but prepared meals are generally not. When in doubt, look for the item on shelves that can be cooked at home.
There are a lot of grocery items out there, so let’s go into more detail about some of the categories that are covered:
Beyond the Basics: What About Special Foods and Drinks?
Sometimes, you might need or want items that aren’t the standard fruits and veggies. CalFresh does allow some of these special items, but there are some restrictions.
You can buy:
- Juice, but only if there is no added sugar.
- Infant formula.
- Coffee and tea, but only the non-prepared versions.
- Dietary supplements.
These items are allowed to support specific health needs. This is to make sure people receiving CalFresh benefits are provided with a lot of food choices.
It’s important to remember that you can’t use your EBT card to buy items like alcohol, tobacco products, or pet food. Those things are not considered essential for your diet.
Restaurant Meals & Delivery: When Can I Eat Out?
You can’t normally use your EBT card to buy prepared meals from a restaurant. However, there’s a special program called the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), which is only available in certain counties.
Here’s the deal:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Who’s Eligible? | People who are elderly, homeless, or disabled and can’t cook at home. |
| Where Can I Use It? | At participating restaurants in your county. |
| What Can I Buy? | Prepared meals. |
If you’re in a participating county and meet the requirements, you can use your EBT card at restaurants to get prepared meals. Check with your local CalFresh office to find out if your county participates and what restaurants are included.
Food delivery services are complicated. The EBT card can only be used on delivery apps if they are authorized by CalFresh and only for eligible food items.
What Can’t I Buy With My EBT Card? The Restrictions
There are some things that are definitely off-limits when it comes to using your EBT card. Understanding these restrictions is essential to staying within the rules and not having your benefits affected.
You cannot use your EBT card to buy:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Vitamins, medicines, and supplements (unless a doctor prescribes them)
- Pet food
- Household supplies (like paper towels or cleaning products)
- Non-food items (like shampoo or makeup)
If a store sells non-food items like those above, you will need to use another method of payment. These rules help make sure the CalFresh benefits are used for food purposes.
If you’re unsure about an item, ask a store employee. They are usually very familiar with what you can and cannot buy with EBT.
You also cannot use your EBT card to pay for restaurant meals unless you are eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program.
Conclusion
So, now you have a better idea of what you can buy with your EBT card at CalFresh! Remember that the primary goal of CalFresh is to help you buy the food you need to feed yourself and your family. From fresh produce to ingredients for cooking, your EBT card opens the door to a variety of food options. Knowing the rules and restrictions will help you make the most of your benefits and make sure you’re staying within the guidelines. Enjoy the shopping!