Can you buy baby formula with food stamps? If you’ve applied to receive these benefits for the very first time, then you may not understand exactly what you can and cannot buy with EBT. After all, the program rules can be very confusing.
Fortunately, the answer is YES! You can use EBT benefits to purchase baby formula, baby food and other eligible items. We’ve even found some great ways to help you save money when you purchase these items with EBT.
Let’s review the answers to some commonly asked questions about buying baby food with EBT.
Can you buy baby formula with food stamps?
YES! The USDA has stated that you can purchase baby formula, infant cereal, juice, and other items with food stamps. We’ll even show you how to save money on formula when you shop with EBT!
Where can I buy formula with EBT?
Not all retailers are set up to accept EBT benefits, so it’s important to make sure that you are shopping at an EBT-approved retailer.
You can usually count on the major big box stores like Walmart, Target, Fred Meyer to accept EBT for formula purchases.
Almost all major grocery stores are set up to accept EBT for formula purchases as well. These stores include Kroger, Publix, Aldi, Hy-Vee, Albertsons, Safeway, Fred Meyer, Piggly Wiggly, Winn Dixie and others.
Many smaller stores, including gas stations and convenience stores, are also set up to accept EBT. However, you need to check with the retailer before you try to buy formula there.
What formula brands can I buy with food stamps?
You can buy any brand or size of baby formula with food stamps! Unlike WIC, there are no restrictions regarding the container size or the brands. This is very helpful for families with a baby who has an allergy or sensitivity.
With SNAP benefits, you can purchase these brands and more:
- Enfamil (all varieties)
- Gerber
- Similac (all varieties)
- Kirkland Signature
- Parent’s Choice
- Member’s Mark
- Nestle
How do I purchase baby formula with food stamps?
Food stamps covers formula like any other EBT-eligible purchase. You’ll simply ring up the formula with the rest of your purchase, and the available balance on your EBT card will cover the cost of the formula as well. It’s so easy!
Are there purchase limits on buying formula with EBT?
It depends on where you shop and how much money you have left on your EBT card. The USDA does not place limits on how much formula you can buy with food stamps, but some retailers may have enacted limits due to product shortages or other reasons.
Can I purchase other baby food with EBT?
YES! The USDA has stated that you can use SNAP EBT funds to purchase baby formula, baby food, infant cereals, juice and other eligible food items. If the food is meant for human consumption and has a nutrition facts label, it is usually EBT eligible.
Can you buy baby formula with food stamps in all states?
YES! It does not matter what state you live in. The USDA rules are decided at the federal level, which means that they apply in every single US state and territory.
How can I save money when I buy baby formula with food stamps?
There are a few great ways that you can save money on baby formula.
First, shop at a bulk retailer. Warehouses like Costco and Sam’s Club are set up to accept EBT and they often sell formula in larger quantities for lower prices. This is a great way to save money on formula! When my babies were young, I relied on Costco’s Kirkland Signature baby formula because it was so much cheaper than name brands.
Second, use coupons! You can use coupons when you shop with food stamps, although you may end up paying a small amount of tax in cash after your purchase. Even though you may need to keep some change to pay that fee, it’s still a great way to save money overall.
Third, look for rebates on apps like Ibotta! You may not save money upfront, but these rewarded shopping apps will give you cash back on you purchases. In fact, many of our readers use Ibotta to get cash back on their EBT purchases!
Are there other programs that can help with formula?
Yes! There are other programs that can help you afford baby formula. One of these is WIC, or Women Infants and Children. Over 53% of infants in the United States qualify for this program, but it is a bit more complicated than SNAP. This program only covers certain brands and sizes, so it’s a bit harder to use and it doesn’t always account for picky babies or babies with allergies. Learn more here.
You may also be able to receive help with formula from your local food bank or pregnancy resource center as well.
Can I buy diapers with EBT?
It’s complicated. There are two sides to EBT: SNAP benefits for food and TANF benefits for cash. If you get cash benefits on your EBT card, you can use those to buy diapers and other non-food essentials.
Unfortunately, you cannot buy diapers with SNAP or food stamps money. However, many of our readers use this clever trick to get cash back on their food stamps purchases so that they can afford diapers and other non-food essentials.
Don’t forget that you can get freebies with SNAP!
If you have SNAP benefits, then you need to know about this! We’ve found around 1,000 discounts and freebies for people who have EBT cards. You could be saving money on everything from Amazon Prime to zoo admission. Here’s the list of EBT freebies and deals.
What is SNAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a program that provides monthly food benefits to low income households. Eligible households receive monthly payments on a debit-like EBT card, which they can use to purchase food from their local grocery stores, farmer’s markets and other stores that accept EBT.
What is EBT?
A lot of people think EBT and SNAP are the same thing, but they are not. EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer. SNAP benefits are sent on EBT cards, but so are benefits from other programs like TANF. TANF provides cash benefits to EBT cards, which can be used on non-food items.
Am I eligible for SNAP?
If you are low income, you may be eligible for SNAP! You have to meet household income requirements, asset limits and other criteria in order to receive these funds. We have more information (as well as application links) here.
Still wondering “Can you buy baby formula with food stamps?”
I know, it can be really difficult to figure out what is and isn’t EBT eligible when it comes to babies.
Usually, any food that is meant for human consumption and has a nutrition-facts label will be EBT eligible as long as you are shopping from an EBT-approved retailer. Eligible baby products include:
- Baby formula
- Infant cereal and oatmeal
- Baby food jars
- Applesauce (including snack pouches)
Some moms have been surprised to find EBT-eligible lactation cookies and other items as well.
However, any item that is not edible or does not have a nutrition facts label are not eligible. Items with supplemental facts labels are not allowed either. Items that are not eligible for purchase with EBT include:
- Diapers and wipes
- Cribs and bedding
- Clothes
- Shoes
If you’ve still got questions about how to buy baby formula or other baby items with food stamps, please let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to check out this list of 1,000 freebies and deals for people with EBT cards!
Nicole Thelin
Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.