Gardening is a great way to grow healthy food, and SNAP benefits can be used to buy food producing seeds and plants. This allows for families to increase the fruit and vegetables that are available to you!
Did you know?
Certain non-food items are eligible to be purchased with SNAP benefits.
Purchase at any location that accepts SNAP benefits, and sells food-producing plants or seeds. Many Farmer's Markets also accept SNAP benefits.
Eligible Items:
- Seeds for producing edible plants and edible plants (tomatoes, peppers, corn, and fruit trees)
- Edible food producing roots, bushes, and bulbs (e.g., asparagus crowns and onion bulbs); and
- Seeds and plants used to produce spices for use in cooking (basil, sage, parsley, etc.)
Benefits to Home Gardening
Growing your own fruits and vegetables saves you money in the grocery store, increases physical activity for all family involved, builds a sense of responsibility for children, and it can even be an opportunity to give back to your community if you have an abundant garden. Limited space? Consider container gardening. You can still grow your favorite, nutritious, homegrown vegetables in containers that require minimal space like a window sill, patio, balcony or doorstep. It is surprising the number of vegetables that can be produced in a very small area.
Cooperative Extension is here to help!
Regardless if you are a beginner or experienced gardener, there are many resources for all your
gardening needs. Your local Cornell Cooperative Extension staff and website has an immense
amount of resources to help with all your gardening needs, from when to plant your
seeds to how to handle garden pests and disease. For more information click here!
Start simple, the benefits of healthy eating add up over time, bite by bite!
Remember, being healthy includes healthy eating and physical activity!