Generally, you cannot purchase emergency food with your EBT SNAP benefits, but you may be able to use your EBT Cash funds.

EBT SNAP, also known as food stamps, is a federal program with strict rules. It is designed to pay for staple food items like fruits, vegetables, meat, and bread. Emergency food kits often fall outside these approved categories.

If you have EBT Cash benefits from programs like TANF, your purchasing options are broader. These funds can be used for non-food household necessities. Therefore, you can likely buy emergency food with your EBT Cash card at participating retailers.

What Happens If You Try to Purchase Emergency Food with EBT SNAP/Food Stamps

If you attempt to buy emergency food with your EBT SNAP card, the transaction will likely be declined at the register. This is because the store's payment system recognizes the items as ineligible for SNAP. Your other approved grocery items would still be covered.

How to Check If an Item Is EBT-Eligible

You can determine if an item is covered by looking at the program's rules and the item itself.

How to Check SNAP Eligibility for Emergency Food

SNAP eligibility is based on the item, not the store. The main rule for emergency food is that it must be cold when purchased. This includes items like canned meals, freeze-dried foods, and bottled water, which are considered staple foods intended for home preparation and consumption.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture maintains an official food eligibility list that defines what can be purchased. Generally, any food with a "Nutrition Facts" label is eligible, while items with a "Supplement Facts" label are not. Hot foods are explicitly excluded from SNAP.

However, exceptions exist. After a disaster, a state may get a temporary waiver to allow hot food purchases. You can check for active waivers on the USDA Disaster Assistance page. Some states also have a Restaurant Meals Program for certain households, which may cover hot emergency meals.

How to Check EBT Cash Eligibility for Emergency Food

EBT Cash programs like TANF operate differently. Eligibility is based on the merchant, not the specific item you're buying. This means you can purchase any type of emergency food, whether it is hot or cold, as long as the retailer is authorized to accept EBT Cash payments.

While federal law does not restrict food types for EBT Cash, states can block transactions at certain kinds of businesses, such as casinos or liquor stores. To understand the rules in your area, search for "EBT cash restrictions" on your state's human services department website for specific policies.