Food Stamps in New York: What Food Is Covered?
New York state residents with limited incomes may qualify for foods stamps, which help pay for groceries. Food stamp recipients receive an electronic benefits card that resembles a credit or debit card. They use the card to pay for food purchases at authorized stores. Visit your local New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance if you wish to apply for food stamps in New York.
Covered Foods
Food stamps in New York cover most food items you can buy in a grocery store, including meat, dairy products, fresh produce, canned goods, frozen foods, bread, cereal and snack items. Food stamps cover "junk foods" like candy, chips and soda as well as healthful foods. They cover birthday cakes and other special occasion cakes as long as the cost of inedible decorations does not exceed half the cost of the cake. Food stamps cover drinks as well as food, including milk, coffee, tea, soda and juice. They cover energy drinks if they are labeled like food with a nutrition facts label. They cover name brand and generic products.
Plants and Seeds
Foods stamps in New York cover plants and seeds that you will use to grow your own food. They only cover plants and seeds that grow food; they will not cover flowers or other non-edible plants.
Where You Can Shop
You can use food stamps for covered foods at many stores in New York, including grocery stores, convenience stores, department stores like Wal-Mart and Target and farmers' markets. If you aren't sure if a particular store accepts New York food stamps, check with a store employee before selecting the items you wish to purchase.
Not Covered
Foods stamps in New York do not cover alcoholic beverages. They do not cover prepared food items meant to be eaten in the store. They do not cover vitamins or medications. They do not cover energy drinks that are labeled as nutritional supplements. They also do not cover pet food. Food stamps in New York do not cover live animals, even if you plan to raise the animals for food. They do not cover decorative gourds, although they do cover pumpkins since pumpkins are edible.
Restaurants
Most restaurants in New York do not accept food stamps. However, some restaurants are authorized to accept food stamps from certain food stamp recipients, including homeless, elderly and disabled people. These people may be unable to store and prepare food for themselves at home. Contact your local New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to find out if you can use your food stamps at any restaurants and if so, which ones.
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