Lists are essential in purchasing groceries on a fixed budget.
Food stamps are part of a program sponsored by the U.S. federal government operated by state and local agencies that provides food to low-income individuals and families. Rather than actual paper stamps that were exchanged in previous decades, an electric benefit transfer (EBT) card is issued to the recipient with the food stamp program. Look for posted signs indicating EBT acceptance at grocery stores, food markets and farmers' markets. Only edible items are purchasable using food stamps, and exchanging benefits for cash is prohibited. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Cold or Room-Temperature Items
Any prepared meals or precooked foods, such as those available at delis or hot bars, sold at stores that accept food stamps are not purchasable with the benefits. The rule, according to the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services (DFACs), is only cold or room-temperature food items that are not meant to be eaten at the store are allowed. Purchase fruits and vegetables in whole, canned, frozen or precut packages. Any spices, oils, packaged foods that must be prepared and breads can be purchased with food stamps. Meats, including lunch meats, frozen and fresh selections are allowed with food stamps as long as they are not served from the deli. Bakery goods, such as cakes, bread loaves or cookies, are accepted food choices. Bags of ice and containers of water are also purchasable with food stamps.
Grow Your Own Food
Food stamps allow you to purchase vegetable and fruit seeds and plants to grow your own food, according to the Georgia DFACs. If you have the option of planting a garden, you can stretch your food stamp budget by growing staples, such as herbs, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, corn, beans, squash and cucumbers. Make your own pasta sauce, hot sauce, soups or pickles with fresh garden selections. Starting plants from seeds requires planning ahead to have sizable plants ready to set out during planting season, but seeds cost a fraction of the price of plants. Choose plants or seeds that are accustomed to your climate and region to ensure successful production. Vegetables and fruits freeze well, or preserve excessive crops with canning or pickling.
Saving Money
When you depend on food stamps to feed your household, creating a budget is essential. Plan ahead by making a list of food items and purchase enough that you are not letting anything go to waste. Even though food stamp purchases are non-taxable, meaning no sales tax is tacked on to your total, you can use coupons for purchases. Use manufacturer's and store coupons in combination with sales to save money. Coupons are mostly used for packaged foods, however and these items can be more expensive than whole food items, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Buy the majority of your items from bulk bins, explained by the USDA as cheaper selections since you are not paying for packaging materials. Choose produce, such as apples, bananas, carrots, onions, lemons, lettuces and mushrooms, from these bulk bins rather than as presliced, convenience items. Purchase dry beans in place of meats to provide necessary protein at a fraction of the cost.
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