Want to know how much money you’ll get each month? SNAP benefits depend on your family size and income.
A family of three with no income gets $768 per month. But if that same family earns $600, they get $588 per month.
Don’t guess about your benefits. See how far your SNAP dollars will stretch with our easy calculator.
Just enter your family size and income to get your exact monthly amount.
Quick Facts About Alabama SNAP:
- Maximum benefit for a family of four is $975 per month
- Alabama has no asset limit for most families
- You can earn up to 130% of poverty level and still qualify
This guide shows you exactly what you can buy with your EBT card in Alabama.
Not sure about your benefit amount? Check how much SNAP benefits you can get in Alabama.
SNAP-Eligible Food Items in Alabama
You can buy lots of healthy food with your EBT card in Alabama. The FNS-approved list includes most everyday groceries. This helps you feed your family well.
Here’s what you can buy with SNAP benefits at any authorized retailer in Alabama:
| Food Category | What You Can Buy |
|---|---|
| Fruits & Vegetables | Fresh, frozen, canned (no added sugar or salt) |
| Meat & Fish | Fresh, frozen, canned in water |
| Dairy Products | Milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs |
| Breads & Grains | Whole grain, enriched cereals, rice, pasta |
| Seeds & Plants | Vegetable seeds, herb plants that grow food |
Fruits & Vegetables
You can buy any fruits and vegetables with your EBT card. This includes:
- Fresh apples, bananas, carrots, spinach
- Frozen berries, broccoli, mixed vegetables
- Canned tomatoes, corn, green beans (no sugar added)
- Dried fruits like raisins (no sugar added)
- 100% fruit and vegetable juices
Meat, Poultry & Fish
All types of meat and fish are SNAP eligible. You can buy:
- Fresh chicken, beef, pork, turkey
- Frozen fish fillets, shrimp, ground meat
- Canned tuna, salmon, chicken (in water)
- Deli meats and lunch meats
- Eggs and egg products
Dairy Products
Most dairy items help you get calcium and protein. You can buy:
- Milk (whole, 2%, skim, lactose-free)
- Cheese (blocks, slices, shredded, cottage cheese)
- Yogurt (plain or flavored)
- Butter and margarine
- Ice cream and frozen yogurt
Breads, Cereals & Grains
These foods give you energy and fiber. You can buy:
- Bread (white, wheat, whole grain)
- Breakfast cereals and oatmeal
- Rice, pasta, and quinoa
- Crackers and tortillas
- Flour and baking mixes
Seeds & Plants Producing Food
This special category helps you grow your own food. You can buy:
- Vegetable seeds (tomato, lettuce, beans)
- Herb starter plants (basil, cilantro, parsley)
- Fruit tree seedlings
- Garden plants that produce food for your family
Non-Eligible Purchases & Common Restrictions
You can’t buy everything with your EBT card in Alabama. There are strict rules about what SNAP benefits can and cannot purchase. These restrictions help make sure benefits go toward food.
Here’s what you can and cannot buy:
| ✅ You CAN Buy | ❌ You CANNOT Buy |
|---|---|
| Cold deli sandwiches | Hot prepared foods |
| Energy drinks (with nutrition labels) | Energy drinks (labeled as supplements) |
| Cooking wine (with salt added) | Beer, wine, liquor |
| Baby food and formula | Vitamins and supplements |
| Bottled water and ice | Cigarettes and tobacco |
| Coffee and tea | Pet food |
| Birthday cake mix | Household items (soap, toilet paper) |
| Spices and seasonings | Cleaning supplies |
Common Mistakes People Make:
Hot Foods Rule: You can’t buy hot, ready-to-eat foods with SNAP benefits. This means no rotisserie chicken or pizza from the deli. But you can buy cold deli items.
Supplement Confusion: If an item has a Supplement Facts label, it’s not eligible for SNAP purchase. This includes protein powders and vitamin pills. But food with nutrition labels is usually okay.
Students have special purchase rules – see SNAP benefits for college students in Alabama to understand what items they can and can’t buy with EBT.
Alcohol and Tobacco: Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes and tobacco products are never allowed. This rule applies in every state.
Non-Food Items: Generally, if you can’t eat or drink it, it’s not SNAP-eligible. This includes diapers, shampoo, and medicine.
Pet Food: Pet food and animal supplies are not permitted with EBT cards. Your benefits are only for human food.
Restaurant Exception: Most restaurants don’t take EBT. Only some approved places that serve elderly or disabled people can accept SNAP benefits.
Where to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Alabama
You can use your EBT card at thousands of stores across Alabama. All authorized retailers accept SNAP benefits for eligible food items. Here are your best options for shopping:
Top Places to Shop:
- Walmart – Every Alabama location accepts EBT
- Publix – All stores take SNAP benefits
- ALDI – Great prices with EBT accepted
- Kroger – Full-service grocery with EBT
- Piggly Wiggly – Local favorite that takes EBT
- Wright’s Markets – Local chain with EBT
- Food City – Accepts EBT at all locations
Major Grocery Chains (Walmart, Publix, ALDI)
Walmart is the biggest option in Alabama. You’ll find one in almost every city. They have low prices and accept EBT for all eligible items.
Publix offers great customer service and fresh food. They accept EBT at every Alabama store. Their deli and bakery sections have lots of options.
ALDI gives you the best deals on groceries. They accept EBT and often have the lowest prices in town. You’ll need a quarter for the shopping cart.
All these stores let you use EBT for pickup and delivery orders too. Just shop online and pay with your EBT card.
Farmers Markets & Local Co-ops
Alabama has a special Double Up Food Bucks program at farmers’ markets. When you spend SNAP benefits on fruits and vegetables, you get matching tokens to buy more fresh produce. You can get up to $10 free per day.
This program helps you:
- Get twice as many fresh fruits and vegetables
- Support local Alabama farmers
- Eat healthier for less money
Wright’s Market and some other grocery stores also participate in Double Up Food Bucks’
Online Grocery with EBT (Amazon, Walmart Online)
You can order groceries online for pickup or delivery using SNAP through Walmart, ALDI, Piggly Wiggly, Publix, Wright’s Markets, Kroger, Food City, and Amazon in Alabama.
Amazon delivers groceries to your door. Amazon only offers delivery, not pickup. You need Amazon Prime for free delivery.
Walmart Online lets you pick up or get delivery. Only items sold by Walmart.com work with EBT, not marketplace sellers.
Other Online Options:
- Instacart works with many stores
- Store websites like Publix and Kroger
- Delivery fees may apply (not covered by EBT)
Additional Resources & Tools
Need help finding stores or calculating benefits? These tools make SNAP easier to use:
- USDA Store Locator – Find any EBT store near you
- Alabama DHR SNAP Calculator – Estimate your monthly benefits
- Double Up Food Bucks Finder – Locate participating farmers markets
- SNAP Mobile App – Check your EBT balance anytime
- Alabama 211 – Get help with SNAP applications and questions
Conclusion
SNAP benefits in Alabama help you buy healthy food for your family. You can shop at major grocery chains, farmers markets, and even online. Remember to use your benefits for eligible foods only.
Maximize your food budget by first using our Alabama Food Stamp calculator to know exactly how much you have to spend.
The Double Up Food Bucks program makes your money go further at farmers markets. Online shopping with EBT gives you more convenience. With so many options, you can find the best places to shop for your needs.
Keep your EBT card safe and check your balance regularly. If you have questions, contact Alabama DHR or visit their website for help.