Free Stuff with Food Stamps: 10 Surprising Perks You Didn’t Know About
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Did you know that food stamps aren’t just for groceries? It might surprise you, but it’s true. If you have an EBT card, you can unlock free stuff with food stamps that many people don’t even realize exists.
From free phones and discounted internet to museum tickets, SNAP opens the door to valuable programs that help stretch your budget. Learn more in this article!
1. What Are Food Stamps?
Food stamps, officially called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), help low-income households buy groceries each month. Instead of paper coupons, SNAP now uses an EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card, which works like a debit card at authorized stores.
The list of eligible food stamp items includes essentials like:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Meat and poultry
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereals
- Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that grow food for your household.
EBT eligible items non food include:
- Alcohol or tobacco
- Pet food
- Household cleaning supplies
- Vitamins or supplements
- Toiletries and cosmetics.
Beyond food, SNAP supports recipients in other areas of life. From reduced phone bills to energy assistance and discounted transportation, your EBT card can help stretch your budget even further. These extra programs are supported by both federal and state agencies, local communities, and nonprofit organizations.
If you have a food stamp card, you may be surprised by the additional services available to you. In the next section, we’ll introduce a full list of free stuff with food stamps you can enjoy today.
2. Top 10 Surprising Free Stuff with Food Stamps
SNAP does more than putting food on the table. Many free programs for SNAP recipients provide affordable access to essential services, entertainment, and wellness. Here are the top 10 hidden perks:
2.1 Free or Discounted Phone and Internet Services
If you have SNAP, you automatically qualify for the Lifeline Program, a federal service that makes phone and internet more affordable. Lifeline provides the following benefits:
- Up to $9.25 off monthly phone or internet bills (nationwide).
- Up to $34.25 off per month for households living on Tribal lands.
- Extra discounts in some states (e.g., up to $19 off in California).
Some Lifeline providers go a step further by offering a free phone with EBT or a free tablet with EBT when you sign up for service.
AirTalk Wireless and other providers expand Lifeline’s benefits by providing modern smartphones and tablets. These devices help families stay connected, attend online classes, apply for jobs, and more.
To apply for Lifeline benefits through AirTalk Wireless, visit airtalkwireless.com, enter your ZIP code to check availability, and complete the simple online application. It only takes a few minutes!
2.2 Museums and Cultural Attractions
If you’ve ever wondered what museums are free with EBT near me, the answer is Museums for All, a program offering free or discounted admission to over 1,400 locations.
Simply show your EBT card and photo ID to enjoy affordable admission to places like:
- Science and history museums
- Art museums and galleries
- Children’s discovery centers
- Zoos, aquariums, and botanical gardens
Admission is usually $3–$5 for up to four people per EBT card. No advance registration is required. Click here to find participating attractions near you under the Museum for All program.
Apart from Museums for All, many states offer their own discounted or free admission programs for museums and attractions.
For example, in Colorado, there’s a long list of places like art museums, history museums, and state parks where SNAP recipients enjoy reduced or free entry. Contact your local SNAP office for more information!
If you’re searching specifically for discounted zoo tickets, try looking up “zoo discounts with EBT card near me”. In Texas, the Houston Zoo offers discounted admission for SNAP and WIC recipients. Eligible visitors can buy up to two adult and three child tickets for just $9 each. With this benefit, a family zoo day is much more affordable!
2.3 Discounted or Free Transportation
SNAP recipients may get discounted transportation to work, school, or doctor’s appointments. Benefits vary by state and city but can include:
- Save on bus and subway fares with discounted or free transit passes.
- Get lower rates on bike-share programs in some cities.
- Access reduced-cost ride-share trips in select locations.
- Receive free rides to job interviews through employment assistance programs.
- Qualify for discounted auto insurance through certain state-funded programs.
Ask your local SNAP office about regional public transit discounts.
2.4 Energy Bill Assistance
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps SNAP households pay for heating and cooling costs. Through LIHEAP, you may receive:
- Regular assistance for seasonal energy bills
- Emergency benefits to prevent utility shutoffs
- Weatherization services to lower home energy use
The exact benefits and eligibility rules depend on your state, but the good news is SNAP recipients automatically qualify. Just reach out to your state’s energy assistance office to apply!
2.5 Entertainment Perks
Beyond museums, EBT cardholders can access local entertainment discounts, including:
- Reduced-price tickets to festivals and community events
- Discounted movie passes
- Savings on youth sports programs and summer camps
Check with your local parks and recreation department or SNAP office for available programs in your area.
2.6 Discounted Gym Memberships and Wellness Programs
Staying active is important, and your EBT card can help make it affordable. Many YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association) locations across the country offer discounted memberships for SNAP recipients.
With these savings, you can enjoy full access to fitness centers, swimming pools, group exercise classes, and even kids’ programs. In some areas, you could save up to 50% off regular membership fees. Contact your local YMCA and ask about their sliding-scale rates or special SNAP discounts.
2.7 Education Benefits and Fee Waivers
SNAP households may qualify for education-related savings such as:
- Free or discounted GED testing fees
- Waived college application fees at participating schools
- Lower costs for taking the SAT and ACT exams
- Free job training and skill-building programs through the SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) program
Check with your SNAP office or local workforce agency to learn about available programs.
2.8 Government Services and Legal Aid
SNAP recipients may get reduced fees for government services, such as:
- Parking tickets
- Court fines
- Library late fees
Some cities also provide free tax preparation services, legal aid, and job placement assistance for low-income residents. Contact your city or county office for eligibility and application details.
2.9 Other Food Assistance Programs
In addition to SNAP, families with young children or seniors may qualify for:
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) for baby formula and food
- SUN Bucks/Summer EBT, which provides extra food benefits when school is out
Your SNAP caseworker can help determine if you qualify for these supplemental programs.
>> Also check: SNAP vs. WIC – The Real Difference Between These Nutrition Support Programs?
2.10 Delivery and Subscription Services
SNAP recipients also save on delivery and subscriptions, including:
- Amazon Prime Access – reduced to $6.99/month for SNAP recipients.
- Doordash+ (DashPass) for $4.99/month.
- Instacart+ and other grocery delivery savings.
These discounts help you afford home deliveries and entertainment subscriptions at a lower cost.
3. FAQs
3.1 What Free Stuff with Food Stamps Texas Can You Get?
In Texas, SNAP recipients enjoy free or discounted museum admission, reduced public transportation fares, Lifeline phone and internet discounts, LIHEAP energy assistance, and access to summer food programs for children. Programs vary by city, so check with your local SNAP office for details.
3.2 What Free Stuff with Food Stamps Florida Can You Get?
In Florida, food stamp benefits include discounted entry to museums and zoos, reduced bus passes, Lifeline phone and internet savings, energy assistance through LIHEAP, and discounted grocery delivery services. Contact your SNAP office to learn more about local offers.
3.3 What Free Stuff with Medicaid Can You Get?
Medicaid benefits go beyond healthcare. Eligible households may receive:
- Free phones/tablets through Lifeline providers like AirTalk Wireless
- Free diapers, formula, wipes, and baby gear from nonprofits like WeeCycle
- Prenatal vitamins, ultrasounds, and parenting classes for expectant mothers
- OTC (over-the-counter) health products at CVS, using Medicaid’s quarterly allowance for cold medicine, vitamins, and hygiene products
These benefits aim to support family health and wellness beyond medical care.
3.4 What Is the Most Bought Item with Food Stamps?
According to USDA data, soft drinks are the top-purchased item with food stamps nationwide. Other common items include milk, bread, and snacks. While controversial, these purchases reflect household preferences and accessibility.
>>> Read more: What Fast Food Places Take EBT? RMP-Approved Chains You Should Know
Final words
As you can see, free stuff with food stamps goes far beyond groceries. From phone and internet service to museum tickets and energy help, these programs help SNAP recipients live better.
If you haven’t explored your options yet, start today – and don’t forget to check out AirTalk Wireless for free phones and tablets.
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