If you’re using an EBT card, also known as a food stamp card, you probably have a lot of questions about what you can and can’t buy. One common question is, “Does EBT cover paper products?” The rules can be a little confusing, and it’s important to understand what you can spend your benefits on. This essay will break down the basics of EBT and paper products, so you can shop with confidence!
The Simple Answer: What Can EBT Purchase?
So, does EBT cover paper products like paper towels and toilet paper? No, EBT benefits generally do not cover paper products. Your EBT card is primarily for purchasing food items that your household can eat. This includes things like fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and grains. It’s designed to help people afford healthy meals.
What Exactly Does EBT Pay For? The Food Categories
EBT can be used to purchase food in a few broad categories. These are the types of items the card *does* pay for:
Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables are covered. This includes things like apples, bananas, peas, and carrots.
Meat, Poultry, and Fish: You can buy raw and cooked meats, poultry, and fish. Deli items are also covered.
Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products are usually included.
Grains: Bread, pasta, rice, and cereal are examples of grains that EBT typically covers.
Seeds and Plants: You can even buy seeds and plants that produce food! Think of tomato plants for your garden.
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish
- Dairy Products
- Grains
- Seeds and Plants (for food)
Why Aren’t Paper Products Covered?
The main reason paper products aren’t covered is because EBT is designed to help people buy food. Paper products are considered household goods, not food. The goal of the program is to make sure people have access to nutritious meals, and the budget is allocated for this specific purpose. The idea is to stretch your food budget.
Another way to think about it is to compare EBT to a different program. Think about what you might buy with cash or a debit card. You likely buy both food and paper products, right? EBT is more like a “food only” debit card. That means, you’ll still need other money available to buy paper towels.
The government wants to ensure that the EBT program helps low-income families to have adequate food. It’s about having enough to eat, and so the benefits are focused on that goal. If paper products were also included, the budget might not stretch as far to provide food.
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper
- Napkins
- Paper plates
Other Items EBT Doesn’t Cover: Non-Food Staples
Besides paper products, a lot of other items aren’t covered by EBT. These things include things like:
Alcohol and Tobacco: EBT cannot be used to purchase alcoholic beverages or tobacco products.
Pet Food: You can’t buy food for your pets using EBT.
Cleaning Supplies: Items like soap, laundry detergent, and other cleaning products are not eligible.
Health and Beauty Aids: This includes things like shampoo, makeup, and vitamins.
| EBT Doesn’t Cover | Examples |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Beer, wine, liquor |
| Tobacco | Cigarettes, cigars |
| Pet Food | Dog food, cat food |
Where Can You Use Your EBT Card? Approved Stores
Your EBT card can be used at most grocery stores. Look for stores that display the EBT symbol. Also, many farmers’ markets and online grocery stores also accept EBT. Some larger chain stores, like Walmart and Target, will also process the EBT card.
It’s a pretty simple system. If you’re unsure, just ask the cashier! You can find a list of stores on the EBT website.
When shopping in a grocery store, make sure you separate your food items and non-food items at the checkout. You will pay for the food items with your EBT card, and you’ll need another payment method (cash, debit card, or credit card) for the items that aren’t covered, like the paper towels you might want.
- Grocery Stores
- Farmers’ Markets
- Some Online Grocery Stores
- Large Chain Stores (Walmart, Target, etc.)
Tips for Stretching Your Food Budget
Since your EBT card doesn’t cover everything, here are a few tips to help you stretch your food budget.
Plan your meals: Before you go shopping, plan out your meals for the week. This helps you buy only what you need and avoid impulse purchases.
Buy in bulk when you can: Sometimes it’s cheaper to buy certain food items in larger quantities, especially if you have space to store them.
Cook at home: Eating out can be expensive, so cook at home as much as possible. This helps you control your spending and eat healthier too.
Look for sales and coupons: Check for sales and use coupons whenever you can. This will help you save money on groceries.
- Plan your meals
- Buy in bulk
- Cook at home
- Look for sales and coupons
Other Programs That Might Help
If you’re struggling to afford paper products and other household necessities, there are other programs that might be able to help. You can ask a social worker or your local community center. There are often programs for families who qualify. In many situations, the community can step in to help.
One program could be a local food bank that also helps with household items. There might be a program that helps provide diapers. Other charities exist that can help provide basic needs. It can be a struggle, but there is a network of support that might be available to you.
You can check with your local Department of Social Services to see if you qualify for other assistance programs. The idea is that different resources are in place to help low-income families, and if you need help, you should ask for it.
- Local Food Banks
- Charities
- Department of Social Services
Final Thoughts
So, does EBT cover paper products? No, it doesn’t. EBT is designed to help with the cost of food. It’s important to know what your EBT card *does* cover, and to remember that you might need to use other money for things like paper towels and other household essentials. With a little planning and awareness of the rules, you can make the most of your EBT benefits and make sure you and your family have enough food.