Can You Buy Seeds with EBT/Food Stamps? (2025)

Understanding what can and cannot be bought with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps recipients spend their benefits wisely. A common question is whether seeds qualify as an approved purchase.

Can You Buy Seeds with EBT/ Food Stamps?

Yes, you can buy seeds with EBT or Food Stamps.

This is because the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) allows recipients to purchase seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat. By enabling the purchase of seeds, SNAP supports self-sufficiency and encourages healthy eating habits through home gardening.

How to Check If Seeds Is SNAP-Eligible

To determine if an item is SNAP-eligible, check its label. If the item has a "Nutrition Facts" label, it is likely eligible. Conversely, if it has a "Supplement Facts" label, it is not eligible. Additionally, hot, prepared foods meant for immediate consumption are generally not SNAP-eligible. For example:

• Packaged bread: It has a "Nutrition Facts" label and is intended for home consumption. Therefore, it is SNAP-eligible.

• Hot pizza: It’s hot, prepared, and meant for immediate consumption. Therefore, it is not SNAP-eligible.

If in doubt, compare the product to USDA rules to determine SNAP eligibility.

Additionally, large chain stores often use small shelf labels or icons that say "SNAP Eligible" or "EBT Accepted." Websites of large chains like Walmart, Amazon, or delivery platforms like Instacart often let you filter by SNAP-eligible items. If still unsure, ask the shop assistant before making a purchase.

Surprising Things You Can Buy with EBT

Besides seeds, you might be surprised to know that SNAP benefits cover many of these items:

• Plants: Vegetable seeds, fruit plants, and starters used to grow food at home.

• Farmers’ Markets: Eligible at many markets, often via tokens or electronic payments.

• Energy Drinks: Eligible if labeled with a "Nutrition Facts" panel (not "Supplement Facts").

• Bakery Items and Birthday Cakes: Decorated birthday cakes and baked goods.

• Seafood and Fresh Meat: Fresh, frozen, or canned seafood and meats.

• Snack Foods: Chips, ice cream, candy, and other snacks.

What Happens If You Try to Buy an Ineligible Item with an EBT Card?

If you try to buy an ineligible item with your EBT card, the transaction will be declined at checkout. The cashier or the self-checkout system will notify you that the item cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits. You will need to use another form of payment or remove the item from your purchase. This ensures that SNAP benefits are used only for approved items.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are all types of seeds eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?

Not all types of seeds are eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits. Only seeds that produce food for human consumption qualify. This means you can buy vegetable seeds, fruit seeds, and herb seeds, but not seeds for ornamental plants or flowers.

Can I buy seeds at a farmers' market with my EBT card?

Yes, you can buy seeds at a farmers' market with your EBT card, provided the market is authorized to accept SNAP benefits. Many farmers' markets participate in the SNAP program and offer a variety of eligible seeds and plants for purchase.

Do SNAP rules for buying seeds vary by state?

No, SNAP rules for buying seeds do not vary by state. The eligibility criteria for seeds are set at the federal level by the USDA, ensuring that seeds producing food for human consumption are eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits across all states.

Can I use SNAP benefits to buy seed starter kits?

Yes, you can use SNAP benefits to buy seed starter kits as long as the kits contain seeds that produce food for human consumption. These kits often include soil, pots, and seeds, making them a convenient option for starting a home garden.