Overview
- SNAP remains a federally funded program delivered through state-run EBT cards that load monthly benefits for use at authorized retailers.
- Federal eligibility still covers fruits and vegetables, meats and fish, dairy, breads and cereals, snacks and nonalcoholic drinks, plus seeds and plants for food.
- Nationwide prohibitions continue to include alcohol, tobacco, cannabis/CBD items, vitamins and supplements, hot foods at the point of sale, live animals with narrow exceptions, medicines, and non-food goods.
- Beginning January 1, 2026, some of the 18 approved states started enforcing added limits that vary by jurisdiction, commonly targeting soda, energy drinks, and candy.
- Implementation dates are staggered through 2026—Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, and West Virginia began Jan. 1; Texas starts Apr. 1, Florida Apr. 20, and Missouri Oct. 1—so beneficiaries are urged to check state rules to avoid checkout rejections.