10 Smart Ways To Make SNAP Benefits Last Longer

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — often referred to as “food stamps” — helps low-income families and individuals cut grocery costs .

It’s the largest anti-hunger program in the U.S., helping more than 41 million people.

If you're on SNAP and trying to make ends meet, there are ways to stretch your SNAP benefits so they can go even further.

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1. Buy foods in bulk

When there is a great sale at your local grocery store, use your SNAP money to stock up on the items you need. You will pay less per item than you would if you bought smaller quantities.

If you can afford a membership, you might also save money at Costco by making bulk purchases.

2. Plan meals around items that are on sale

Check circulars or online ads before you plan your grocery list. This can help you find cheap and on-sale items to plan your meals based on what is affordable.

This method might also help you get fresher ingredients for your dishes, as in-season fruits and vegetables often go on sale.

3. Use coupons

You can further lower your grocery bill by using coupons before you pay for items. This will help maximize the food you can get for your SNAP dollars.

Some stores will even allow you to stack store and manufacturer coupons, so check your retailer’s policy.

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4. Look for BOGO deals

There is no price better than free, so check ads and in-store labels for “buy one, get one free” sales.

These deals often are on name-brand items. If you are used to buying generic items, don’t put your blinders on. BOGO deals can make the big brands worth a look.

5. Supplement your groceries with trips to the food bank

Even with SNAP benefits, it can be hard to make ends meet. If you find it difficult to get all the food you need with SNAP, check out your local food pantry.

Local nonprofits and churches can also be good sources of food.

6. Look for other food assistance programs

If you qualify for SNAP, you may also qualify for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

If you have school-age children, they may qualify for free or reduced-price meals at school. Many schools also offer free meals during the summer for kids under 18, regardless of income.

7. Order groceries online

You can use your SNAP EBT card to order groceries online. This can save you time and money, as you will be less likely to make end-cap impulse purchases.

You may even qualify for cash back on your purchase if you use web extensions such as Rakuten.

8. Stock up on canned goods when they are on sale

It’s a shame to let a good sale go to waste, so take advantage of discounts on canned goods.

These can be stored safely for long periods, so take advantage of the savings whenever you can.

9. Use the stores loyalty rewards program

When you use SNAP to pay for food, you might earn reward points or cash back if you belong to the retailer’s loyalty program.

Use these incentives to stretch your SNAP dollars and buy more SNAP-eligible foods.

10. Use SNAP to buy seeds and plants

Did you know that you can use SNAP benefits to plant a garden? You can buy seeds or plants to grow your own food at home.

If you have a green thumb, gardening might be the most effective way to stretch your SNAP benefits. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for every $1 spent on seeds and fertilizer, you can grow $25 worth of food.

That makes buying seeds and plants with SNAP benefits a great way to get ahead financially .

Bottom line

Applying for SNAP benefits is a great way to reduce financial stress when money is tight. Making those dollars stretch even further is another huge money-saving hack.

Getting more bang for your SNAP buck takes a little mindfulness and planning, but it will keep your pantry as full as possible when you are on a shoestring budget.

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