Can I Buy Steamed Shrimp with EBT? Exploring SNAP Rules for Seafood

EBT cards give recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase groceries. But with many restrictions on what can and can’t be purchased with SNAP, people understandably have questions. One common query – can I buy steamed shrimp with EBT? Let’s explore SNAP policies around seafood purchases.

Overview of SNAP EBT Cards

EBT stands for electronic benefits transfer This card system replaced paper food stamps years ago, making it easier and less stigmatizing for recipients to buy groceries.

SNAP EBT cards can only be used for food items intended for home consumption They cannot be used to purchase

• Hot prepared foods
• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Household supplies
• Pet food
• Vitamins or medicines
• Food to be eaten in the store

So with these restrictions, can beneficiaries buy steamed shrimp to take home and eat later?

Can You Buy Steamed Shrimp with SNAP EBT?

In most cases, no – precooked steamed shrimp cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits.

The USDA’s SNAP rules prohibit buying hot, ready-to-eat foods prepared by the grocery store deli or seafood counter. This includes rotisserie chicken, fried chicken, pizza slices, soups, side dishes, and steamed shrimp or other seafood.

So steamed shrimp from the seafood area is generally off-limits for EBT users. SNAP is meant to provide ingredients for preparing food at home.

However, there are some exceptions. If your state has a Restaurant Meals Program that allows homeless, elderly or disabled SNAP recipients to buy hot foods, steamed shrimp may be allowed under that program.

Getting the Facts on Seafood and SNAP Rules

To clear up confusion on what types of seafood can and cannot be bought with SNAP benefits, here are the facts:

Allowed Seafood Purchases

• Raw shrimp, fish fillets, shellfish, etc.
• Frozen shrimp, fish sticks, breaded seafood, etc.
• Canned tuna, salmon, sardines, etc.
• Dried fish like cod
• Live seafood like lobsters or crabs

Prohibited Purchases

• Steamed shrimp or seafood from the deli
• Fried fish or popcorn shrimp from the deli
• Seafood salad from the deli
• Frozen seafood entrees or meals
• Fresh sushi rolls

The key things to avoid are hot prepared seafood and combination frozen seafood meals with rice or veggies included. Always stick to raw seafood or plain frozen varieties.

Why Are Hot Foods Restricted for SNAP?

USDA’s rules aim to ensure SNAP is used for at-home grocery staples, not prepared restaurant-style meals. Some reasons hot ready-to-eat foods are restricted:

• Recipients could use SNAP to buy a hot deli meal instead of groceries to cook at home. This goes against the intent of SNAP.
• No way to prevent fraud if stores sell hot foods. Clerks can’t confirm items were paid for with SNAP after cooking.
• Hot prepared foods are often more expensive per serving compared to home-cooked meals.
• Food safety oversight is stricter for grocery store foods versus restaurant meals.
• Households without a place to prepare or store food cannot redeem SNAP for prepared meals.

So while it may be disappointing not to use SNAP on ready-to-eat shrimp, these rules protect the integrity of the program.

Buying Allowed Versions of Shrimp with SNAP

While hot steamed shrimp is off the table, remember you can purchase:

• Raw frozen shrimp
• Raw fresh shrimp
• Canned or pouched shrimp
• Dried shrimp
• Frozen breaded shrimp (if raw, not cooked)

Then you can steam, sauté, bake or cook the shrimp at home in healthy recipes. This helps SNAP stretch further while providing ingredients for nutritious home-cooked meals.

Are There Exceptions?

In a few states, some SNAP recipients can buy prepared meals through Restaurant Meal Programs. These include:

• Arizona
• California
• Illinois
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Rhode Island

Check if your state offers this program. If you qualify, you may be able to purchase steamed shrimp, fried fish, and other hot foods with SNAP benefits.

Bottom Line on Buying Shrimp with SNAP

Unfortunately for most SNAP households, steamed shrimp and other hot deli seafood is off the table. Stick to raw, plain frozen varieties to prepare shrimp dishes at home. If your state has a Restaurant Meal Program, exceptions may allow you to buy pre-cooked shrimp. Always check your local SNAP rules if you have questions on what can and cannot be purchased. Seafood is nutritious, so enjoy affordable versions that align with program guidelines.