Generally, you cannot purchase meal kits using your EBT SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps.

This is because most meal kit companies are not authorized SNAP retailers. Additionally, some kits may be considered prepared foods, which are not eligible for purchase with SNAP funds at most locations.

However, if you receive EBT Cash benefits, you can likely buy meal kits. EBT Cash works like a debit card and can be used for a wider range of items at stores that accept it.

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

If you attempt to buy meal kits with your SNAP card, the transaction will likely be declined at checkout. The cashier will inform you that the items are not eligible and ask for an alternative payment method, like cash or a debit card, to complete the purchase.

How to Check If an Item Is EBT-Eligible

To figure out if you can buy a specific item, you need to understand the separate rules for SNAP and EBT Cash benefits.

How to Check If an Item Is Eligible Under SNAP

SNAP eligibility is based on the item itself. Generally, you can buy any food meant for home preparation. Check the packaging for a "Nutrition Facts" label, which typically signals an eligible food item, unlike items with a "Supplement Facts" label, which are not covered.

According to the official food eligibility list, foods must not be sold hot. For meal kits, this means boxes with raw or shelf-stable ingredients are eligible, but any delivery or service fees must be paid separately with another form of payment.

The retailer must also be an authorized SNAP vendor. While most subscription companies are not, some grocery chains are. You can check the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot page to see participating online retailers in your state that may sell meal kits.

If you try to buy an ineligible item, the transaction will be declined. The system automatically separates eligible foods from non-food fees, prompting you for another payment method to cover the remaining balance for your purchase.

How to Check If an Item Is Eligible Under EBT Cash

Unlike SNAP, EBT Cash eligibility is based on the merchant, not the item. These funds work like a debit card, allowing you to purchase almost anything, including meal kits and their associated delivery or service fees, from stores that accept EBT Cash payments.

Federal law only prohibits using EBT Cash at specific venues like liquor stores or gambling facilities. States may add their own restrictions, but these rarely affect meal kit companies. To be certain, check your state's human services website for a list of blocked merchants.

If your payment is declined, it likely means the vendor's merchant category is blocked by your state. In this situation, you would need to use a different payment method or withdraw cash from an ATM first to complete your purchase of the meal kit.