Can you buy flowers with EBT? It is a common question for many EBT card users when they come across beautiful flower bouquets at the store. While they may look appealing and seem like a thoughtful little gift, flowers are not included in the list of SNAP-eligible items.
This article will help you clearly understand why flowers are not covered and guide you on how to make the most of your EBT benefits in the right and effective way.
1. Can You Buy Flowers with EBT?
The answer is No; you cannot buy flowers with an EBT card. According to the guidelines of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), flowers are considered ineligible items because they are not classified as food intended for human consumption.
What do SNAP guidelines say about buying flowers?
SNAP benefits, distributed through the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, are strictly regulated to ensure they are used solely for nutritional purposes. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), items that are decorative, non-edible, or intended for purposes other than meal preparation or consumption are strictly prohibited.
This means that even if flowers are sold at a grocery store that accepts EBT, they still cannot be purchased using SNAP benefits. Whether it’s a bouquet for a special occasion or a potted plant for home decoration, they are all considered non-food items and fall outside the scope of eligible SNAP purchases.
Understanding why flowers are ineligible
Although flowers may serve symbolic or emotional purposes, they do not provide nutritional value, which is a core requirement for SNAP eligibility. The SNAP program is designed to supplement a household’s food budget, so eligible items include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat
Because flowers do not meet the definition of food and cannot grow edible produce, they are treated the same as other ineligible items.
(*) Important note: Some stores may display flowers alongside eligible items like produce or baked goods, but even when these items are physically close together, cashiers and point-of-sale systems are programmed to reject EBT payments for flowers.
2. Can You Buy Plants with EBT?
Yes, you can buy certain types of plants with EBT, but only those intended for food production. SNAP allows EBT users to purchase edible plants, seeds, and starter plants that can grow into food for household consumption.
Why are some plants approved under EBT?
The USDA explicitly allows SNAP recipients to use their benefits to purchase plants and seeds that produce food, as part of its mission to help low-income households gain better access to nutritious foods.
Here’s why these types of plants are allowed:
- Edible plants like tomato plants, pepper plants, herbs (such as basil, cilantro, or mint), and lettuce are considered food-producing resources, not decorative items.
- Seeds for vegetables, fruits, or herbs are eligible because they support self-sustaining food production and can stretch a household’s food budget.
- Starter plants (also known as young food plants) are also allowed if they are intended to grow edible produce.
According to the USDA SNAP retailer training guide: “Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat” are considered eligible food items under SNAP.
Where to find EBT-eligible plants?
You can find EBT-eligible plants and seeds at many different retailers, but not all locations label them clearly or have them in stock at all times. Here’s how to increase your chances of finding them:
Common places that sell EBT-approved plants:
- Major grocery store chains (e.g., Walmart, Kroger, Safeway) with garden centers
- Home improvement stores (e.g., Home Depot, Lowe’s)
- Local nurseries or farmers markets that are SNAP-authorized
- Seasonal garden centers in spring and summer
Tips to find EBT-eligible items:
- Call ahead: Contact the store and ask if they sell SNAP-eligible edible plants or seeds. Many garden departments will know what qualifies.
- Look for USDA-approved signs: Some stores post signage or labels near plant sections that read “EBT Eligible” or “SNAP Approved.”
- Check receipts or at checkout: In some stores, you can scan the plant at a price-check kiosk or ask a cashier whether it’s EBT-eligible.
- Use the USDA Farmers Market Directory: Visit the USDA Farmers Market Directory to find local markets that accept EBT and often sell seedlings or food-producing plants.
Many farmers markets offer a “Double Up Food Bucks” program, where your SNAP dollars go further when used to buy fresh produce or edible plants. Ask whether this program is available in your area to make the most of your benefits.
3. How Can I Maximize Benefits with EBT?
Participating in SNAP not only helps you buy nutritious food but also opens the door to additional government assistance programs that can help you save money and improve your quality of life. One of the most valuable programs you can access with proof of SNAP enrollment is the Lifeline Program.
What is the Lifeline Program?
Lifeline is a federally funded support program, managed by the FCC, that helps bridge the digital gap for low-income households across the U.S. Its mission is to lower the cost of essential communication services, like phone and internet, for Americans facing financial hardship.
Qualifying users can enjoy a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on their phone or internet bill through the Lifeline program. Those living on Tribal lands may receive even more support, with monthly savings reaching as high as $34.25 under the expanded Tribal Lifeline benefit.
This monthly discount can be applied to:
- Mobile phone service
- Home landline service
- Broadband internet or bundled packages (phone + internet)
How does SNAP participation help you qualify?
If you are already enrolled in SNAP, you automatically meet the income-based eligibility requirements for Lifeline. SNAP-related documents that can be used to apply for Lifeline include:
- A recent Notice of Action
- Official SNAP approval notice
- Benefit verification letters, including those issued by BenefitsCal.com
>>> Read more: Free iPhone With EBT: Eligibility And Application Guide [Latest]
Lifeline partners
To expand its reach and services, the Lifeline Program partners with certified providers nationwide. One of the most reputable among them is AirTalk Wireless, an FCC-licensed Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC).
AirTalk Wireless not only applies the Lifeline discount but also offers additional perks to qualifying users, such as:
- A free smartphone (models may include iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or Android devices)
- Free monthly service with unlimited talk, text, and data (plans vary by state)
- Optional upgrades to newer or premium devices at discounted prices
These enhanced offerings make AirTalk a popular choice for users looking to maximize their benefits without any additional cost or long-term contract.
Other government programs you may qualify for with SNAP
Your SNAP participation can also help you qualify for several other support programs, including:
- Medicaid – Free or low-cost health coverage
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) – Nutritional support for mothers and young children
- School meal programs – Free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch for children
- Utility assistance programs – Such as LIHEAP, which helps with heating and cooling expenses
Always keep your SNAP approval notice or EBT card handy when applying for other programs. It serves as proof of eligibility, simplifying the application process.
4. FAQs
Can you buy flowers with EBT at Walmart?
No, you cannot buy flowers with EBT at Walmart. Walmart follows federal SNAP guidelines, which prohibit the purchase of non-food items like decorative flowers. Even if sold in the grocery section, bouquets and ornamental plants are not eligible for purchase. However, Walmart does allow EBT purchases for seeds and edible plants, such as herbs or vegetable starters, because they can grow into food for home consumption.
Can you buy flowers with EBT in California?
Flowers are also not considered eligible items for purchase with EBT in California. Like all other states, California adheres to USDA SNAP rules. This means that only food items and food-producing seeds or plants are covered. Naturally, items meant solely for decoration will not be approved under SNAP.
What is the most bought item with food stamps?
Fruits and vegetables are among the most purchased items with food stamps. According to USDA reports and grocery data, SNAP participants tend to spend a significant portion of their benefits on fresh produce, along with other staple items like meat, dairy, and grains. These purchasing patterns align with SNAP’s mission to improve nutritional access for low-income households.
Can I buy plants with EBT at Walmart near me?
Yes, you can buy edible plants with EBT at Walmart, but not all plants qualify. Walmart stores with garden centers often sell vegetable starters, herb plants, and seed packets, all of which are EBT-eligible because they grow into food. To be sure, it’s a good idea to call the store ahead or check online to confirm that the items are labeled as food-producing and properly coded at checkout.
Can you buy plants with EBT in PA?
Yes, you can buy edible plants and seeds with EBT in Pennsylvania. As part of the federal SNAP program, Pennsylvania allows the purchase of food-producing plants, such as tomato starters, pepper plants, and fruit trees. These items are commonly found at farmers markets, garden centers, or grocery stores that accept EBT. Just make sure the plant is intended for growing food, not for decoration.
Final Words
While the answer to “can you buy flowers with EBT” is no, understanding what your benefits do cover can help you make smarter, more efficient choices. By focusing on eligible food items, seeds, and edible plants, you can stretch your SNAP dollars further and support your household’s nutrition. Want to learn more about maximizing government benefits? Explore our latest guides and start using your EBT more effectively today!