701.01 The Purpose and Uses for Food Stamp Benefits SR 98-51, 12/98 (FSM-A)

The Food Stamp Program exists to raise nutrition levels among low-income households.

Food stamp benefits are provided to eligible low-income households to purchase food items, including seeds and plants, for home consumption and use.

Households need not have cooking facilities.

Food stamp benefits cannot be used to buy nonfood items—such as beer, tobacco, paper products, or soap—or hot foods.

Other uses of food stamp benefits include purchasing food from:

• Communal dining facilities;

• Nonprofit meal delivery services;

• Drug or alcoholism treatment and rehabilitation programs;

• Community mental health centers;

• Nonprofit group living arrangements; and

• Shelters for battered women and children.