Many EBT users in California are unsure about what items they’re allowed to purchase, especially when it comes to alcohol. This confusion can cause frustration or lead to declined transactions at the register.
If you’ve been asking, “Can you buy alcohol with EBT cash in California?”, this post is for you. It will explain can you buy alcohol with EBT cash in California, as well as things you cannot purchase.
What is EBT in California?
Electronic benefits transfer (EBT) is a system that allows government aid beneficiaries to make payments using their benefits.
This system has operated since 2004 and is best known for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/Food Stamps). It assists low- and no-income individuals with food purchases.
When it comes to EBT cards, you might hear about CalFresh. In fact, it is California’s version of the SNAP program.
When a person uses their EBT benefits California at a store that takes SNAP, the food cost is automatically debited from their EBT account. The retailer is subsequently compensated for the transaction using the participant’s SNAP benefits.
In general, the EBT card functions similarly to a debit card for purchasing qualified foods.
Although EBT primarily provides access to nutritional support, it also acts as an eligibility criterion for other government assistance programs, such as the Lifeline program.
This initiative provides qualified customers with reduced or free phone services if they apply through a reputable provider such as AirTalk Wireless. This is where the EBT free phone service comes into play, providing communication assistance to those who require it most.
>>> Also read: California Food Assistance Program (CFAP): Benefits & Expansion
Can You Buy Alcohol with EBT Cash in California?
If you wonder, “Can I buy alcohol with EBT cash?” the answer is NO. You cannot purchase alcohol with EBT card benefits in California. This holds true even if it is accessible for purchase at a grocery store.
So, apart from alcohol, what can you not buy with a California EBT card?
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) excludes the following products from SNAP benefits:
- Beer, wine, and liquor
- Vitamins, medicines, and supplements. According to the USDA, if an item features a Supplement Facts label, it is regarded as a supplement and is ineligible for SNAP purchase.
- Live animals, except for shellfish, fish removed from water, and animals slaughtered prior to pick-up from the store.
- Foods that are hot at the point of sale
- Cigarettes and tobacco
- Pet foods
- Cleaning supplies, paper products, and other household supplies
- Cosmetics and hygiene items
Surprising Things You Can Buy with EBT
Now you know that alcohol is not a SNAP-eligible item. However, many people may be curious about “Can you use SNAP on drinks?” or “EBT what can I buy?”
Then, check out the list below!
Staple Foods
Most consumable items regularly purchased in supermarkets are eligible. These include the following:
- Vegetables and fruits (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Dairy (fresh or shelf-stable)
- Meat, fish, and poultry (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Cereal and bread
It is worth noting that SNAP’s “staple food” categories are somewhat flexible. For instance, soy, nut, and oat milk are acceptable dairy alternatives, but gluten-free pasta is classified as cereal and bread.
Moreover, you can even acquire eggs (poultry), 100% apple sauce (fruit), or canned ravioli with tomato sauce (vegetable).
Accessory Foods
What can you buy with EBT cash benefits? These items are eligible for SNAP benefits in California:
- Spices and seasonings (dried, powdered, or extracted)
- Honey, cane sugar, maple syrup, and other natural or artificial sweeteners
- Mustard, ketchup, and other condiments
- Potato chips, popcorn, pretzels, and other snacks
- Baked goods
- Cake and brownie mixes
- Ice cream
- Water, lemonade, iced tea, soda, fruit and vegetable juices, and particular energy drinks (However, drinks marked as nutritional supplements are ineligible.)
>>> Read more: Surprising Things You Can Buy With EBT In California [Full List]
Seeds and Plants
CalFresh participants may use their benefits to buy seeds and plants to cultivate food for themselves or their families.
This CalFresh usage enables individuals to grow their own fresh vegetables, assuring a steady supply of nutritious food while encouraging self-sufficiency and gardening skills.
Where Can I Use My EBT?
Now that you know what can you buy with EBT cash benefits, you may ask where you can get them. Below is a list of locations where you can utilize SNAP benefits:
- Grocery stores and supermarkets: Grocery stores nearly always take SNAP.
- Convenience stores: If your corner store stocks enough staple foods, it should be eligible for SNAP benefits.
- Farmers market: Several farmers markets may even double the benefits you receive. Thus, verify with the market manager before shopping to check whether yours is one of them.
- Specialty food shops: Provided that 50% or more of the goods on the shelf are “staple foods,” you may utilize your SNAP benefits to purchase them.
- Online grocery delivery platforms: Many businesses now accept your EBT card online for grocery delivery and pickup. This involves big retailers such as Target, Amazon, and Walmart, as well as app-based food delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats.
Conclusion
Can you buy alcohol with EBT cash in California?” – The answer is NO. Alcohol is strictly ineligible under both SNAP benefits. Instead, you can use your EBT benefits to purchase approved items like staple foods, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, breads, and even seeds and plants that produce food for your household.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use SNAP on drinks?
You can use SNAP benefits to buy various drinks, including cold drinks such as soda, energy drinks (with a Nutrition Facts label), bottled water, and juice. However, hot beverages, alcohol, wine, beer, and liquor are ineligible.
Can you buy McDonald’s with EBT in California?
McDonald’s takes EBT benefits exclusively at several chosen locations in California.
