If you’re receiving SNAP benefits, also known as Food Stamps, you can use them to prepare memorable Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. These benefits can cover many ingredients for traditional holiday dishes, ensuring your celebrations are both delicious and budget-friendly.
Here’s a guide to creating festive meals with SNAP-eligible items, including tips on what you can and can’t buy.
Thanksgiving Favorites
Thanksgiving meals are often centered around a classic roasted turkey. Luckily, many of the ingredients needed for this dish are covered by SNAP benefits.
Ingredients for Roast Turkey with Herb Butter:
- Whole Turkey
- Unsalted Butter
- Fresh Herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary)
- Garlic
- Lemon
- Salt and Pepper
These items can be found in most grocery stores and are eligible for purchase with your SNAP EBT card. Be sure to shop early, as turkeys and other essentials tend to sell out quickly during the holiday season.
Cranberry Sauce with Orange Cinnamon
This simple yet delicious Thanksgiving side is fully SNAP-eligible, too.
- Fresh Cranberries
- Orange Juice and Zest
- Sugar
- Ground Cinnamon
- Water
Since none of these ingredients fall under SNAP exclusions, you can easily include this dish in your holiday menu.
Christmas Classics
SNAP benefits can also help you prepare hearty and festive meals for Christmas. Whether it’s a savory main course or a sweet dessert, there are plenty of options.
Prime Rib with Garlic and Rosemary
For those looking to splurge on a special Christmas dinner, this classic dish is a hit. Ingredients covered by SNAP include:
- Prime Rib Roast
- Garlic
- Fresh Rosemary and Thyme
- Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper
Gingerbread Cookies
Nothing says Christmas like the warm, spiced aroma of gingerbread cookies. You can purchase all the necessary ingredients with SNAP:
- All-Purpose Flour
- Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, and Cloves
- Molasses (SNAP-eligible, including at major retailers like Walmart)
- Brown Sugar
- Eggs
- Baking Soda
- Butter
These ingredients will allow you to create a festive dessert that everyone will enjoy.
What SNAP Cannot Buy
While SNAP benefits cover many food items, there are a few exclusions to keep in mind. Items you cannot purchase include:
- Alcoholic Beverages (wine, beer, liquor)
- Pet Foods
- Household Supplies (paper products, cleaning items)
- Personal Care Products (cosmetics, hygiene items)
- Hot Meals (ready-to-eat items)
- Vitamins, Medicines, or Supplements
- Live Animals (except for fish or shellfish fresh from the water)
Planning your purchases with these restrictions in mind ensures your holiday shopping remains stress-free and within SNAP guidelines.
Budget-Friendly Holiday Tips
- Plan Ahead: Make a shopping list to avoid impulse purchases.
- Compare Prices: Check weekly store ads for deals on turkey, prime rib, or baking essentials.
- Buy in Bulk: Ingredients like flour, sugar, and spices are often cheaper in bulk, and they can be stored for future use.
- Use Leftovers: Transform leftover turkey or prime rib into soups, sandwiches, or casseroles for even more savings.
With careful planning and the flexibility SNAP provides, you can enjoy a festive Thanksgiving and Christmas without breaking your budget.
