Can You Buy Steamed Shrimp With EBT Benefits?

Seafood lovers on a tight budget often wonder – can I use my EBT food stamps to buy cooked shrimp? With shellfish being one of the pricier protein options, those receiving SNAP benefits may assume it’s off the table. However, you can in fact purchase certain shrimp products using your Electronic Benefit Transfer card

Let’s dive into the details around buying shrimp with EBT, including what types you can and can’t get. We’ll also look at other eligible seafood, meat and grocery items to give you a full overview of how to maximize your food stamp spending

EBT Card Basics

First, a quick primer on SNAP and how EBT cards work. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is the current name for food stamps. It’s a federal program run by the USDA that provides food-purchasing assistance to low-income households.

Participants receive a SNAP EBT card – short for Electronic Benefit Transfer card. This works like a debit card to redeem your monthly SNAP deposit. The funds can only be spent on eligible grocery items at participating retailers.

Seafood markets, grocery stores, supermarkets, farmers markets and other food sellers that accept EBT must meet SNAP requirements. You can use SNAP EBT cards at approved locations in all 50 states.

Can You Buy Cooked Shrimp With EBT?

The SNAP rules around cooked foods are one possible shrimp-purchasing hurdle. In general, you cannot use SNAP benefits to buy hot prepared meals ready to eat in-store. This includes foods cooked or heated by the retailer before or after purchase.

So unfortunately, you can’t use your EBT card for takeout or restaurant meals like shrimp scampi or shrimp fried rice. Ready-to-eat hot foods are ineligible for SNAP, with few exceptions.

However, you can purchase raw, uncooked shrimp or other seafood using your EBT card. Whole, frozen, fresh or live shrimp and shellfish qualify for SNAP purchase as long as they are not pre-cooked or heated.

This means you can buy raw shrimp and steam it yourself at home. Having the ability to prepare budget-friendly seafood yourself opens up healthy, nutritious options.

Where Can You Buy Shrimp With EBT?

Many regular grocery stores and supermarkets accept EBT cards and carry shrimp options. Walmart, Aldi, Kroger, Publix, Safeway, Winn-Dixie, Food Lion and more all take EBT. Look for raw, shell-on shrimp or peeled frozen packs.

Seafood markets and warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club that take EBT are other good shrimp sources. And farmers markets that accept SNAP can be great spots for fresh, local seafood.

Additionally, some high-end grocers now take EBT cards. For example, Whole Foods Market accepts SNAP EBT at all 500 of its stores. So if you have a Whole Foods nearby, you can use your food stamps to buy their responsibly-sourced shrimp.

Just remember – EBT cards work at brick-and-mortar retailer locations, not for online grocery delivery. You cannot use SNAP benefits for grocery delivery apps or online food purchases.

Other Store-Bought Seafood Options

Along with shrimp, picking up other seafood with your EBT card can add variety and nutrition to your diet. Fin fish like salmon, tuna, tilapia and cod work well for easy meals. Frozen fish fillets, cans of tuna and shelf-stable pouches make seafood accessible.

Shellfish beyond just shrimp is typically SNAP-eligible too. You can purchase fresh or frozen clams, mussels, scallops and squid. And live lobsters can be bought with EBT at retailers that sell them.

Canned seafood like oysters, clams, crab meat, salmon and sardines offer a long shelf life. And poke around the freezer section for value-priced processed seafood like fish sticks, patties and prepared apps.

Meat, Dairy, Produce & More

While seafood is healthy, it’s smart to purchase well-rounded groceries with your SNAP benefits. Lean meats like chicken, turkey and certain beef cuts provide protein. Greek yogurt, cheese, milk and eggs offer calcium, protein and nutrients.

Fruits, vegetables, breads, cereals, pasta and grains give you fiber, vitamins and minerals. And snacks, desserts, sweets, sodas and nonalcoholic drinks can round out your grocery haul.

Almost all basic grocery and household food items are eligible for SNAP benefits with some exceptions. This includes fresh, frozen, dried, canned and packaged foods and beverages.

Reading up on what’s covered by SNAP can help you plan affordable, nutritious grocery trips within your food stamp budget.

What You Can’t Buy With EBT

There are certain items that are strictly prohibited from EBT purchase. Alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco, and e-cig products cannot be bought with SNAP benefits.

Additionally, pet food, cleaning products, paper goods, cosmetics and household supplies are ineligible. And as mentioned, hot prepared food intended for immediate consumption cannot be purchased.

Finally, vitamins, medicines, supplements, live animals, and non-food grocery items are excluded from EBT coverage. Checking your state’s specific SNAP rules can help avoid any confusion at checkout.

Get the Most From Your SNAP Benefits

With good planning, you can stock up on groceries including shrimp and seafood through SNAP. Compare unit prices, look for sales, and buy store brands to stretch your food dollars. Purchase shelf-stable items in bulk when they are deeply discounted.

Shopping seasonally also saves money – buy what’s in peak harvest like summer’s corn and tomatoes. And utilize coupons, rewards programs and other savings where possible.

Your EBT card opens up a world of grocery options within your budget. So don’t be afraid to shop smart and make the most of your SNAP benefits.

Can You Grow Your Own Food With SNAP?

Growing your own fruits, veggies and herbs can supplement your SNAP groceries. The USDA actually encourages SNAP participants to garden for added food security.

You are allowed to use SNAP benefits to purchase seeds, plants, gardening tools and supplies to grow food for your household to eat.

Home or community gardens give you access to ultra-fresh produce while lowering monthly grocery costs. And gardening teaches valuable skills around self-sufficiency.

If you have the space and time, look into starting a small garden bed, container garden, or joining a community garden plot. Grow simple crops like tomatoes, leafy greens, beans, potatoes, carrots, peppers and herbs.

Any extra produce can also be preserved by canning, freezing or drying. Then enjoy the fruits of your labor all year long. Gardening with SNAP helps your budget and your health.

The Takeaway