The holiday season is here, and for families receiving SNAP benefits, preparing festive meals for Thanksgiving and Christmas is entirely possible on a budget.
SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps, provides support to low-income households, and with $292 monthly checks, you can create traditional holiday dishes without breaking the bank. Let’s explore some popular recipes and which ingredients you can purchase using SNAP benefits.
Thanksgiving Essentials
Roast Turkey with Herb Butter
A traditional Thanksgiving dinner isn’t complete without a roasted turkey. You can buy all the essential ingredients using your SNAP EBT card. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Whole Turkey
- Unsalted Butter
- Fresh Herbs: Sage, thyme, or rosemary
- Garlic
- Lemon
- Salt and Pepper
All these ingredients are SNAP-eligible and available at most grocery stores. Be sure to shop early to avoid out-of-stock items.
Cranberry Sauce with Orange Cinnamon
This sweet and tangy sauce is a Thanksgiving favorite, and SNAP benefits cover all the required ingredients:
- Fresh Cranberries
- Orange Juice and Zest
- Sugar
- Ground Cinnamon
- Water
This simple recipe uses only SNAP-eligible items, so you won’t have to worry about non-covered purchases.
Items SNAP Won’t Cover
While planning your meals, keep in mind that SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase:
- Alcoholic beverages (e.g., wine, beer)
- Non-food items (e.g., paper products, cleaning supplies)
- Hot meals or prepared foods
- Pet food, medicines, vitamins, or supplements
Budget accordingly to avoid these restrictions.
Christmas Favorites
Prime Rib with Garlic and Rosemary
For a festive Christmas dinner, a classic prime rib roast can be prepared using SNAP-eligible ingredients:
- Prime Rib Roast
- Garlic
- Fresh Rosemary and Thyme
- Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper
This meal is simple yet impressive, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
Gingerbread Cookies
For dessert, gingerbread cookies are a festive favorite. SNAP benefits can help you purchase the following ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour
- Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, and Cloves
- Molasses
- Brown Sugar
- Eggs
- Baking Soda
- Butter
Even items like molasses, which some might assume are ineligible, can be bought with SNAP at participating retailers like Walmart.
Planning Tips
- Stick to Your Budget: Plan your meals around SNAP-eligible items and ensure your EBT balance covers all your grocery needs.
- Shop Early: Popular ingredients like turkey and cranberries may run out closer to the holidays.
- Avoid Non-Eligible Purchases: Double-check your shopping list to exclude items like alcohol, paper goods, or prepared foods.
With thoughtful planning and budgeting, you can create memorable holiday meals while staying within your SNAP allowance.
