Christmas is an expensive time of year for many families, leaving many to wonder how much they can afford to spend on gifts and meals. SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, can help expand the food budget of many low-income Americans this holiday season. Food stamps may not be able to get you everything on your Christmas dinner list, but they can certainly help.

                By                    Josephine Nesbit
  • Christmas Dinner Food
  • Christmas Dessert Food
  • Christmas Drinks
  • Snacks
  • Additional Items

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According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food stamps can be used to purchase:

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  • Fruits and vegetablesMeat, poultry and fishDairy productsBreads and cerealsSnacks and non-alcoholic beveragesSeeds and plants, which produce food for the household to eat

Non-eligible items include non-food items, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vitamins and supplements and foods that are hot at the point of sale (unless your state participates in the Restaurant Meals Program).

A 2020 YouGov poll asked 1,140 Americans to choose the better of two Christmas foods, and the top pick was roast potatoes (76%) followed by mashed potatoes (75%), turkey (73%), bread or rolls (70%) and stuffing or dressing (70%). While Christmas dinner looks different for everyone, the traditional Christmas meal typically includes a roasted root vegetable, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, rolls and the turkey or ham centerpiece.

If you’re wondering what Christmas dinner items your food stamps will cover, here’s an overview:

Christmas Dinner Food

  • TurkeyHamPackage or box of stuffing mixCanned cranberry sauce or fresh cranberriesAny variety of canned, instant or fresh potatoesBox of scalloped potatoesCanned, frozen or fresh fruits and vegetablesBox of macaroni and cheese or pasta and cheeseRolls ButterEggs

Christmas Dessert Food

  • Baked goods, such as muffins, cakes and cookiesFruitcakePiesGingerbread house kit

Christmas Drinks

  • EggnogSoda pop, iced tea, sports drinks, energy drinks (with “Nutrition Facts” label), waterFruit punchMixers for alcoholic beverages

Snacks

  • Chips, crisps, sticks or strawsCheeseSnack mixesCrackersPretzelsPopcorn

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Additional Items

  • Spices and seasoningsBaking soda and baking powderSugar, honey, molasses, maple syrup, corn syrup

How far your food stamps can go depends on your monthly benefit amount and where you’re shopping — and you can always opt for cheaper alternatives.

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