What $975 SNAP Benefits Can and Can’t Buy

According to Vibes.okdiario , If you’re a SNAP (Food Stamps) recipient, you could be receiving up to $1,756 for a family of eight, $975 for a family of four, or $292 if you are single. With Christmas approaching on December 25, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and allocate part of your Food Stamps to prepare for your holiday meal. Since Christmas is a federal holiday and most stores will be closed, getting everything ready beforehand will not only ensure you have all the ingredients you need but also help you make the most of your budget.

Last-minute shopping could lead to soaring prices, so it’s important to know what items you can purchase with your SNAP benefits and plan your Christmas menu accordingly. Below is a list of SNAP-eligible foods, which can help you create a delicious and festive Christmas meal.

SNAP-Eligible Food Items

SNAP can help eligible recipients buy a variety of foods, including:

• Meat, poultry, and fish: Perfect for a holiday roast or Christmas dinner.
• Fruits and vegetables: A wide range of options to add to your meals.
• Dairy products: Milk, cheese, yogurt, and other essentials for your cooking.
• Bread and cereals: Ideal for stuffing or enjoying a holiday breakfast.
• Snacks: Stock up on your favorite holiday treats.
• Non-alcoholic beverages: To complement your meals.
• Plants and seeds: Grow your own vegetables for future meals.

What You Can’t Buy With SNAP Benefits

While SNAP covers many food items, there are some exceptions. Here’s what you cannot buy with Food Stamps:

• Alcohol (including beer, wine, and liquor)
• Tobacco products
• Medications and supplements
• Live animals (except for shellfish or fish caught from water)
• Hot prepared meals
• Non-food items (pet food, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, etc.)

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Christmas Meal Ideas Using SNAP Benefits

When you think of Christmas meals, some traditional dishes come to mind. Here are a few ideas to prepare a holiday feast using your SNAP benefits:

• Roast Turkey: All the ingredients are SNAP-eligible, including turkey, butter, herbs, garlic, vegetables like carrots and celery, and spices.
• Glazed Ham: You can buy ham and the ingredients for your glaze, such as honey, brown sugar, and mustard.
• Mashed Potatoes: Potatoes, butter, and milk are all covered by SNAP, making this classic dish easy to prepare.
• Green Bean Casserole: Use fresh or canned green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and French fried onions, all of which are SNAP-eligible.
• Stuffing: Bread, spices, and broth can be purchased with your SNAP benefits.
• Pumpkin or Pecan Pie: Get ingredients like canned pumpkin, sugar, butter, and pie crust to make a delicious dessert.
• Christmas Cookies: Flour, sugar, and eggs are perfect for baking cookies to share with family and friends.

For example, to prepare a Turkey Roast for Christmas dinner, you will need turkey, salt, butter, herbs, garlic, onion, carrots, celery, an orange, a lemon, broth or water, and various spices—ingredients all covered by SNAP.

By knowing which food items are eligible for purchase and planning your Christmas menu ahead of time, you can enjoy a festive, satisfying holiday meal without breaking the bank.