Easter is a beloved holiday that many families look forward to celebrating each year. For those relying on EBT benefits, you may be wondering if you can use your food stamp benefits to purchase Easter baskets and other related items. Here’s what you need to know about buying Easter baskets with EBT.
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The Short Answer
Yes, you can buy Easter baskets with EBT as long as the basket contains at least 50% food items. Baskets containing mostly candy and non-food items cannot be purchased with EBT. Look for baskets labeled as EBT eligible or ask store staff if you’re unsure.
EBT Eligible Easter Basket Items
Here are some examples of Easter basket items that can be purchased with EBT:
- Chocolate
- Candy
- Jelly beans
- Peeps
- Soda
- Juice
- Milk
- Eggs
- Cereal
- Fruit
- Vegetables
Essentially, any food items including chocolate, candy, eggs, milk, meat, fruits, vegetables, and more can be purchased with EBT. You can also use EBT to buy the basket itself as long as it contains mostly food.
Non-EBT Eligible Easter Basket Items
Here are some things you cannot buy with EBT:
- Stuffed animals
- Toys
- Grass, plastic eggs, or other decorative filler
- Gift cards
- Books
- Non-food items
If the Easter basket contains less than 50% food, it cannot be purchased with EBT. You’ll need to use another form of payment for any non-food items.
Where To Buy EBT-Eligible Easter Baskets
Many major retailers sell EBT-eligible Easter baskets including:
- Walmart
- Target
- Dollar General
- Dollar Tree
- Aldi
- Save-A-Lot
Look for tags or signs indicating that a basket can be purchased with EBT. If uncertain, ask an employee before purchasing.
Making Your Own EBT-Friendly Easter Basket
You can also make DIY Easter baskets and fill them with EBT-eligible foods. Shop for items like:
- Plastic eggs
- Candy
- Chocolate eggs
- Jelly beans
- Fresh fruit like strawberries
- Yogurt
- Granola bars
- Juice boxes
Get creative with nutritious and fun items! You can also reuse household items like bowls or colanders as the basket itself.
Using EBT and Cash Together
If your Easter basket contains both food and non-food items, let the cashier know you’ll be paying with both EBT and another form of payment. They can ring up the EBT-eligible items separately from toys, books, or other non-food products not allowed with EBT.
People Also Ask
Can I buy chocolate bunnies and chocolate eggs with EBT?
Yes, you can purchase chocolate bunnies, chocolate eggs, and any other chocolate products with EBT as chocolate is considered a food item.
Are Peeps eligible for purchase with EBT?
Since Peeps are a candy product, you can buy them using EBT benefits just like any other candy purchase.
Can I use EBT to buy Easter candy in bulk?
There is no restriction on how much Easter candy or chocolate you can purchase with EBT benefits. You can buy Easter candy in bulk using EBT as long as it rings up as a food item.
Can I buy Easter basket grass and decorative filler with EBT?
No, you cannot purchase Easter basket grass, plastic eggs, or other non-edible decorative fillers with EBT since these are not food items.
Are pre-made Easter baskets eligible for EBT purchase?
You can buy pre-made Easter baskets with EBT as long as they contain mostly food items. Look for tags indicating EBT acceptance or ask staff when uncertain.
