SNAP Benefits Update: Can You Use Your Food Stamp at Costco?

SNAP benefits recipients can look forward to another payment in November 2022, with their checks expected to be higher than the past few previous months before the 12.5% cost-of-living adjustment was approved for the fiscal year 2023.

The new COLA rate started on October 1 and will run until Sept. 30, 2023.

SNAP benefits recipients can get their November 2022 SNAP benefits payments depending on the state's schedule. States administer the SNAP benefits payments while the U.S. Department of Agriculture oversees the program.

Food stamp payments provide food-purchasing assistance to low-income individuals and households.

Eligible recipients will receive their payments through their Electronic Benefits Transfer cards, instead of the previous use of food stamp coupons. Some states have their own different name for their cards.

There are eligible items that individuals or households can buy with their SNAP benefits. Included in the list are fruits and vegetables; meat, poultry, and fish; dairy; bread and cereals; snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages; and lastly, seeds and plants that can produce food for the household to eat.

EBT cards can be swiped at checkout in grocery stores, participating in major retailers, and other outlets participating in the SNAP benefits program.

SNAP Benefits Costco and Other Retailers

Around 41.5 million Americans are enrolled in the SNAP scheme, with recipients' eligibility also determined state by state.

Using your SNAP benefits can be a bit troublesome, especially if you are not quite sure if it would be accepted by your chosen retailer.

Almost all supermarkets take food stamps, including some fast food changes, which vary in every state.

However, many vendors also turn SNAP benefits payments down as they do not meet certain U.S. Department of Agriculture requirements.

Costco noted in its Customer Service website that all their warehouses accept EBT cards. It added that the wholesale retailer follows all state laws regarding what can be bought with EBT cards.

Consumer analyst with DealNews.com, Julie Ramhold, said that people will find tons of foods in bulk from staples like rice and pasta to breakfast foods, and "everything in between."

Convenience stores also take SNAP benefits for eligible food items, according to Ramhold. She added that there will be a small selection of things like dairy products and some pantry staples.

Prices might not be the best option, but it will be beneficial in times when one might just need to grab some necessities.

A registered dietitian nutritionist, Blanca Garcia, noted that most farmer's markets also accept SNAP benefits payments.

Some farmer's markets have programs that double the amount of money one can spend, but they can be pricier.

Not to Buy With SNAP Benefits Payments

SNAP benefits recipients are not allowed to use their food stamp payments to buy beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco.

Buying vitamins, medicines, and supplements are also not allowed for SNAP purchase. Included in the list of ineligible items are live animals, foods that are hot at the point of sale, pet foods, cleaning supplies, and hygiene items.

Hot foods are coffee or tea, soup, roast or fried chicken, and pizza.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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