Free Stuff With Food Stamps You May Not Know Of

Getting free stuff with Food Stamps is feasible thanks to special programs and discounts beyond buying groceries. SNAP payments can provide free or reduced-cost access to farmers’ markets, museums, educational resources, and even affordable Internet services.

This guide will examine the many benefits accessible to EBT cardholders, including ways to extend your benefits while saving money. Check it out now!

1. What are Food Stamps?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a well-known government program in the United States that assists low-income people and families in purchasing food.

It was originally often referred to as “Food Stamps,” and many Americans still use that term today.

Initially, the benefit came in paper stamps or coupons, which users could use directly at grocery stores to purchase qualified food products.

This paper-based method was phased out in the late 1990s when states switched to Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) systems.

EBT enables monthly SNAP payments to be automatically transferred into beneficiaries’ accounts, which they may then use to purchase food from authorized vendors.

SNAP participants can use EBT cards to buy various foods, including fruits, dairy products, vegetables, etc. These cards are accepted in multiple stores around the United States, including Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and more.

2. List of Free Stuff with Food Stamps

There are many free things to do besides buying free items with an EBT card, such as acquiring museum admission, public transportation passes, and so on.

2.1 Phone and Internet Services

EBT recipients can receive free or highly reduced phone or internet subscriptions through the Lifeline program, as SNAP is one of the qualifying government programs.

In most states, qualified households can save up to $9.25 on their monthly payment or up to $34.25 per month for people living on Tribal lands.

Notably, SNAP recipients can apply for a free phone with EBT or a tablet through an authorized service provider, such as TAG Mobile. These devices ensure connectivity and assist with emergencies and job searches.

To apply for the Lifeline program, simply go to tagmobile.com, input your zip code to check availability, then fill out the quick online application. It just takes a few minutes!

DISCLAIMER: The government does not cover device costs, only basic service through Lifeline. Any free or discounted devices, upgrades, or top-ups are limited-time TAGMobile offers and may vary by state, eligibility, and availability. Terms and conditions apply.

>>> Also read: How To Obtain A Free Laptop With Food Stamps? Must-Read Guide

2.2 Museums and Cultural Attractions

The “Museums for All” program is one of the free programs for SNAP recipients. It allows eligible individuals to get free or reduced admission to over 1,500 museums around the United States by just providing their EBT card and a valid ID.

Admission prices can range from free to $5.00 per individual and must be available for up to four people per EBT card. Furthermore, there is no limit on the number of museums you may attend or how frequently you can visit each.

So, you can search for “What museums are free with EBT near me?” and make use of this excellent benefit.

2.3 Entertainment

Among the free stuff with Food Stamps, eligible individuals can get free or cheap tickets to local events and festivals, youth sports programs, movies, etc.

Contact your local Parks and Recreation Department or the SNAP Office for further information.

2.4 Education

Enrolling in SNAP or other government aid initiatives may provide you with the following benefits:

• College application fee waivers.
• Discounted prices for the SAT and ACT examinations.
• GED test fee waivers.
• Career training programs through SNAP E&T (Employment and Training); contact your local SNAP office for more information.

2.5 Energy Bill Assistance

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists SNAP recipients in paying for heating and cooling bills. Through LIHEAP, you may obtain:

• Emergency benefits to avoid utility shutoffs.
• Regular assistance with seasonal energy expenses.
• Weatherization services to reduce residential energy consumption.

The specific benefits and qualifying restrictions vary by state. Just contact your state’s energy assistance agency to apply!

2.6 Transportation

Owning an EBT card allows you to go around your community for less. A number of places offer:

• Bike share memberships.
• Discounted ride-sharing services in some cities.
• Bus and metro passes are either free or cheap.
• Workforce initiatives provide free transportation to job interviews.
• State-sponsored vehicle insurance discounts.

You should contact your local SNAP office for free and discounted public transit options.

2.7 Delivery and Subscription Services

If you are a SNAP beneficiary, you may be eligible for discounted memberships, including:

• Prime Access, a discounted Amazon Prime membership for SNAP recipients.
• Discounted DoorDash+ membership.
• Discounted Instacart+ membership.

>>> Read more: Free Phone Service With Food Stamps Or SNAP: What To Expect 2025 

3. Eligible and Non-Eligible Food Items with Food Stamps

If you are a SNAP participant, you need to know what you can and cannot buy with an EBT card.

There is an easy way to remember: If anything has a “Nutrition Facts” label and can be eaten, you can usually buy it with SNAP. On the other hand, items labeled “Supplement Facts” usually do not qualify.

Check out this list of eligible Food Stamp items as well as non-eligible ones.

3.1 Eligible Items

• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Breads and cereals
• Dairy products
• Other foods, like snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
• Seeds and plants, which produce food for the household to eat.

3.2 Non-Eligible Items

• Beer, wine, and liquor
• Cigarettes and tobacco
• Food and drinks containing controlled substances like cannabis/marijuana and CBD
• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
• Live animals (except shellfish, fish removed from water, and animals slaughtered before pick-up from the store)
• Foods that are hot at the point of sale
• Any non-food items like pet food, hygiene items, cosmetics, cleaning supplies, paper products, and other household supplies

Conclusion

To summarize, knowing a list of free stuff with Food Stamps will help you make the most of your SNAP benefits. Eligible individuals and families can benefit from a variety of perks, including free or subsidized entrance to local attractions, free mobile devices, and further discounts on Internet services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most bought item with Food Stamps?

According to the Economic Policy Innovation Center, some of the most-purchased items with Food Stamps are soft drinks, fluid milk, ground beef, bag snacks, etc.

Can I get a free tablet with EBT?

Yes, if you qualify for SNAP, you may be eligible to receive a free or discounted tablet through the Lifeline program and its providers, like TAG Mobile, AirTalk Wireless, etc.

What are some free stuff with Medicaid?

Medicaid participants can qualify for free or discounted devices and services through programs like Lifeline. These include free phones, tablets, or discounted internet service from participating providers.