If you’ve heard of EBT, you might think it’s just for buying groceries. That’s not wrong, of course! EBT, or Electronic Benefit Transfer, helps people with low incomes buy food. However, there are a lot of surprisingly cool things you can purchase with your EBT card. Get ready to have your mind blown as we explore some of the unexpected items you can snag with your benefits.
What About Seeds and Plants?
One of the coolest things you can do with your EBT card is buy seeds and plants to grow your own food! The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) understands that people should have access to healthy, fresh produce. That’s why they made sure EBT could be used to help people start their own gardens.
This means you can get your hands dirty, learn about plants, and enjoy the satisfaction of eating something you grew yourself. This can be a great learning opportunity, especially if you want to learn where your food comes from. You can start with easy-to-grow veggies.
You can find these things at many places that sell food. Consider these suggestions for what you can grow:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Lettuce
- Herbs (like basil and mint)
This is an awesome opportunity to eat better and save money.
Buying a Birthday Cake!
A lot of people are surprised to learn that you can use your EBT card to buy a birthday cake! Food is food, right? And EBT is designed to help people afford the things they need to eat. Cakes can be a great item to purchase when you have EBT.
The rules are pretty straightforward: if the cake is a food item, you can use your EBT card for it. This covers most bakery items like whole cakes, cupcakes, and even some decorated cookies. The important thing is the item is food.
Of course, if you’re buying a cake, you may be interested in other birthday supplies. EBT only covers food items. That means you can’t buy candles, balloons, or party decorations with your EBT card. These supplies are not considered to be food.
If you’re planning a birthday party and using your EBT card, here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Make sure the cake is a food item.
- Consider other foods, like snacks or drinks, that you can also buy with EBT.
- Remember that non-food items like decorations will need to be purchased separately.
Things for Hunting and Fishing
For those who love the outdoors, EBT can also help support your hobbies! While you can’t purchase all the gear you need for hunting or fishing, there are some specific items that are eligible. It’s all about food again.
You can use your EBT card to buy fish and other kinds of meat that you might catch while hunting and fishing. This can be a great way to save money on protein and enjoy the thrill of catching your own food. The main thing is that the food you are acquiring is eligible.
Here are some things to think about if you plan to hunt and fish with your EBT card:
- Only specific food items are covered.
- Check the store’s policy on what items are eligible.
- Learn about local hunting and fishing regulations.
- Make sure you have the necessary permits and licenses.
EBT can be a resource that helps you access a healthy diet. It supports all sorts of people from all different walks of life.
Coffee, Tea, and Other Drinks
Need your morning caffeine fix or a refreshing beverage? You can use your EBT card to buy many different types of drinks! EBT covers a wide variety of beverages, which can be a big help in your budget.
From coffee beans and tea bags to juices and sodas, many drink options are available for purchase with your card. The items must be food items. That means you can’t buy things like energy drinks or alcoholic beverages.
The following is a table of common drink items you can and cannot purchase with your EBT card:
| Eligible Items | Ineligible Items |
|---|---|
| Coffee beans | Energy drinks |
| Tea bags | Alcoholic beverages |
| Juice | Non-food items |
| Soda |
So, the next time you’re at the store and want to treat yourself to a beverage, remember your EBT card can make it happen!
Seafood is on the Menu!
If you’re a seafood lover, you’ll be happy to know that your EBT card can help you enjoy this delicious and healthy food! Seafood is a great source of protein and other important nutrients. It’s also a food that a lot of people enjoy.
Whether you prefer fresh, frozen, or canned seafood, you can use your EBT card to buy it. This includes fish, shrimp, crab, and more. Check out the seafood section at your local grocery store, and see what catches your eye.
Here’s a quick list of some common seafood items you can buy with EBT:
- Fresh fish fillets
- Frozen shrimp
- Canned tuna and salmon
- Crab legs
Remember, EBT can help you eat a balanced diet that is nutritious and tasty!
Snack Attack!
Sometimes you need a quick and easy snack. You’ll be glad to know that EBT cards are great for buying snacks. There are so many options, so you can find something you like and need to eat.
From chips and crackers to cookies and candy, you can fill your pantry with your favorite treats. The important thing is that these items are for food, of course.
Here’s a breakdown of snack options:
- Chips
- Crackers
- Cookies
- Candy
- Other snacks
Keep in mind that you should eat snacks in moderation. With EBT, you can still enjoy the occasional treat!
As you can see, EBT is about so much more than just the basics. With your EBT card, you can purchase a lot of surprising things, from seeds to snacks to seafood. It’s a great tool that can open up a lot of doors for you.