Comments on: SNAP Benefits Can Be Used to Buy Seeds. Why Isn’t That Well Known?

By: Laura

Laura — Sat, 10 Jun 2023 22:58:08 +0000

In reply to Nance. Look for stores like grocery co-ops. They are usually a one stop shop for groceries, bulk foods, plant starts and seeds.Regular grocery stores usually have plants outside and may have seeds inside but not always. The dollar store has cheaper seeds and sells food so should also sell you seeds using EBT. These stores and the farmers markets is where I find most of my plants and seeds.

By: kailey bari

kailey bari — Fri, 05 May 2023 18:00:10 +0000

I feel like the only place in Cali is amazon to use xnap for live plants and seeds…I just don’t get why all places selling plants and seeds like lowes, homedepot, green acres don’t all accept snap…amazon prices ALL THE SNAP ELIGIBLE PLANTS super expensive compared to if u are just buying them and doesn’t allow snap re ipients to be able to shop for cheapest retailer…it’s amazon bonnie plants or nothing. Why does amazon just get to make profit off snap?

By: Roy

Roy — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 15:48:24 +0000

When I was searching for an apartment I made the ability to garden a priority. I got lucky and found one where the management not only said I could have patio plants but offered an apartment on the first floor with a small yard to garden as I please! I’ve been very respectful of the property and have made sure to do just enough that I can return it back to normal should I need to, but I grow some peppers, beans, and enough tomatoes to share with my neighbors every year, plus some ornamentals to brighten up the place. I understand why some communities frown on this, but I frown on being hungry and looking at dry lawns that are good for nothing.

By: CassieAnne

CassieAnne — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 17:21:42 +0000

Don’t forget microgreens and sprouts that are from seeds but can be cut back and regrown. If done properly it an infinite amount of nutritionally dense superfood. You don’t need land just a sunny window. Save seeds from the produce you do buy. Again it’s infinite. Also you can regrow onions, garlic, lettuce from that little piece you usually throw away. Many kitchen scraps that don’t regrow feasible produce can become a little houseplant. Living off the land like this is so rewarding and you feel like your food benefits are not a handout

By: Ang

Ang — Sun, 02 Oct 2022 20:16:44 +0000

In reply to Robin. I’m still not sure why you’d bother to write the nice article and leave out retailers that actually know the facts and sell seeds to EBT customers

By: Jeanna M

Jeanna M — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 13:22:33 +0000

In reply to Ross Davis. It does depend on the store. Some stores do not accept EBT for seeds and plants. I actually just found a local nursery that works with a non profit, where you can use your EBT and the non profit pays half. So you get everything that can be paid for by EBT for half price. You just have to look around to find the stores that will accept them,.

By: Robin

Robin — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 17:32:16 +0000

Visit your local Farmers Market for produce and free seeds. Many Master Gardeners participate in Farmer’s Market days offering free seeds….

By: Dennis utz

Dennis utz — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 21:02:19 +0000

In reply to Laurie. Hi I just saw this snap add for seed I will have to try this out??

By: Nance

Nance — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 05:55:07 +0000

In reply to Kylie. Amazon charges for shipping unless it's over $35

By: Laurie

Laurie — Sat, 22 Jan 2022 18:19:53 +0000

I emailed USDA to ask what people can do if a retailer refuses to allow SNAP benefits for purchase of seeds (or any other eligible product) or has other issues, as well as if they have a list of retailers that take SNAP for seeds. They say all SNAP retailers have to allow purchase of eligible products with SNAP benefits. Link to SNAP Retailer Locator is in last paragraph. I had to email several times to get the answers, so I just copied/pasted bits here, hopefully in logical order. The eligible foods list is interesting.
“Thank you for your feedback. You will find below the current guidance from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) which details all eligible items for purchase with SNAP benefits. https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/food-determinations-eligible-foods
If an authorized SNAP retail location does not permit the purchase of an eligible item, you may contact the SNAP Retailer Service Center to report the matter. You can reach the Retailer Service Center at 1-877-823-4369. You may also report the issue to your state or local SNAP office.”
“Thank you for your inquiry. I have included the following that may be helpful to address your question regarding purchasing seeds with SNAP.
Seeds, plants, and trees that produce food intended for consumption (including those that are used to produce spices for use in cooking) by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households may be purchased with SNAP benefits. This can include products such as cucumber seeds, tomato plants, and apple trees. In addition, food producing roots, bushes, and bulbs (e.g. asparagus roots and strawberry bushes) are eligible items…
Seeds and plants may not be purchased with SNAP benefits if they are intended for cultivation for ornamental purposes. In addition, the seeds and plants of toxic or inedible flora, such as azaleas or hydrangeas, are not considered eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits as the products of their cultivation are not fit for human consumption. Finally, cut floral bouquets, ornamental gourds, or other plant products sold for decorative purposes are not SNAP eligible as these products are not sold for human consumption…”
For additional assistance or possible vendor information, please email your question to: RPMDHQ-WEB@usda.gov
You can use the SNAP Retailer Locator tool to get a list of stores and farmers markets that welcome Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in your area. Use the “Select Location” button and enter a starting location. Click a map point to get details and directions.
Please contact the Ask USDA Contact Center if you have any further questions.