Massachusetts SNAP
EBT cards may be used to buy staples such as rice and beans
Run by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance, or DTA, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides healthy groceries, seeds and food-bearing plants to low-income families. The food stamp coupons have been replaced with monthly, pre-loaded electronic benefit transfer, or EBT debit cards, which can be used at participating grocery stores, convenience stores and farmer's markets with the Quest logo. While food stamps help families and households buy plenty to eat, only certain items can be purchased.
Groceries
Massachusetts SNAP EBT cards may be used to purchase any food item in the store, as long as the food is not hot, ready-to-eat or made for in-store consumption. All other foods are eligible, such as meats, eggs, cereals, yogurt, milk, frozen foods, desserts and breads. Snack foods, ethnic foods and pre-prepared deli items like sandwiches and salads are also eligible. The cards may not be used to purchase any tobacco or alcohol product, or nonfood items like pet supplies, medicine, cosmetics, cleaning products or paper goods. Pet food is also a prohibited purchase in Massachusetts. To check on a particular food item's eligibility, call the Massachusetts SNAP Office at 866-950-3663.
Seeds and Food-Bearing Plants
For the indoor or outdoor home gardener, seeds and food-bearing plants may be purchased with Massachusetts SNAP EBT cards, as long as the retailer has a Quest logo.
Delivery Food and Restaurant Food
Some Massachusetts SNAP recipients may use EBT cards for delivered and restaurant foods. Elderly and disabled persons may use food delivery programs such as Meals on Wheels or other senior, group or housing center group meals. If you are living in a homeless or battered women's shelter, a drug treatment or rehabilitation program, or in one of a variety of group homes, you can use your SNAP EBT card for meals.
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