It is my understanding that what can and cannot be purchased with food stamps is determined by the state overseeing it. This includes things like Slimfast and Ensure (vary by states), etc. Some states allow you to buy things at restaurants, some do not. While you aren’t supposed to be able to buy “hot foods,” according to the government site:
“In some areas, restaurants can be authorized to accept SNAP benefits from qualified homeless, elderly, or disabled people in exchange for low-cost meals.” I believe that this too, varies by the state’s rules.
Here’s a link to the eligible food item site. It doesn’t mention states variations, but if you do a internet search, you’ll find that different states DO allow different items.
http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailers/eligible.htm
I hope that clears that up.
Thank you. I’m in NYC, have a friend in dire circumstances whose husband went crazy, it seems, and abandoned her, left her destitute. She lost everything. I’ve been helping her, and that’s how I know how rough it is.