Yes Virginia, Food Stamps Can Be Used To Purchase Garden Seeds
Did you know that you can purchase seeds and live plants by using food stamps? (This is true in all 50 U.S. states that participate in the USDA food stamp program). Note: You can only purchase seeds and live plants that can be grown to produce food for your family.
In almost every case you can grow food at home for less than it costs to buy from the supermarket. With a little planning, a little space (even condo owners can grow food on their patios) and a bit of tender care you can grow a variety of vegetable and herb crops even with no or little experience.
Buying your seeds and live plants must be at a establishment that already accepts food stamps. Walmart is one that is already aware of the program and has its seeds properly setup during checkout. Many grocery stores also have a seed rack near the flowers or in the produce section but hurry, the good stuff sells out early.
Remember this is for seeds that grow into food, this includes things like peas, radishes, tomato’s and pumpkins etc. It also includes herbs like basil, dill and onion but not flowers even if they are considered to be edible. So, no houseplants, roses or petunias.
In some states, you can even use food stamp benefits to buy fishing supplies, a net, tackle etc. Check with your local benefits office to inquire.
Interested in learning more about home gardening, either container gardens or in an in-ground plot? Check with local neighborhood groups, community outreach programs or do a search for “community gardens” for free help and sometimes even a piece of ground or a patch of earth to grow them on if you don’t have some place at home.
Don’t forget to also check out the free help available from your state extension services, contact them for invaluable insight on what grows and doesn’t grow in your soil and free garden resources for the home gardener.
