Can you buy Costco sandwich platters with CalFresh EBT? Hosting family gathering

Instead of the costco platter, get the big bread rolls from the bakery section, some deli meat, cheese, and condiments with your EBT. My sister did this for her kid's graduation party and made a whole sandwich bar. People actually liked it better cause they could make their sandwich how they wanted it! And it's all covered by CalFresh since you're buying ingredients not prepared food.

no ebt is for groceries not prepared foods doesnt matter if its hot or cold

Dang, that's what I was worried about. Thanks for the quick answer though.

To clarify the rules a bit more specifically: CalFresh benefits can only be used for unprepared food items that you cook at home. The sandwich platters at Costco would definitely count as prepared food, even though they're cold. The general rule is that if it's ready-to-eat when you buy it, CalFresh won't cover it. Some budget-friendly alternatives that WOULD be covered by CalFresh: - Buy bread, deli meats, cheese, and condiments separately and make your own sandwiches - Get the rotisserie chicken but use it to make homemade chicken salad sandwiches - Purchase ingredients for finger foods like veggie platters with dip Hope this helps with your family gathering planning!

Thank you for the detailed explanation and suggestions! I think I'll go with making my own sandwiches. Probably cheaper that way too, even if it's more work.

I tried to use my EBT for one of those sandwich trays last christmas and got rejected, the cashier said anything prepared by the store is a no-go even if its cold

Same thing happened to me but with their pre-made salads. So frustrating when you're trying to feed people on a budget and the rules are so confusing!!

The distinction isn't actually hot vs. cold - it's prepared vs. unprepared. According to USDA regulations that govern CalFresh/SNAP benefits, any food that is

wait really?? so those pre-cut fruit trays aren't covered? i've been buying those with my ebt for months! maybe it depends on which costco you go to? or did i just get lucky??

It can depend on how the store categorizes and codes the items in their system. Some stores might incorrectly allow certain prepared items, but technically they shouldn't. If the fruit is simply cut but has no other preparation (like added sugar or dressing), some stores might categorize it differently than fully prepared foods. But the official USDA rule is that pre-cut fruit platters should not be EBT eligible.

this is so stupid tho.... like why cant we use our benefits for things that make life a little easier when ur already stressed about feeding ur family? not everyone has time to make everything from scratch when ur working multiple jobs

EXACTLY!!! The whole system is designed to make things harder for poor people 😡

I understand your frustration. The original intent of the program was to provide nutritious food for home preparation, but many have argued the rules need updating to reflect modern life and working families. Some states have pilot programs for hot food purchases in certain circumstances, but California isn't one of them yet. If you want to advocate for change, you can contact your local representatives or join advocacy groups like California Food Policy Advocates.

have u asked if they can maybe do a split payment? like pay for the sandwich platter separate with cash/credit and use ebt for the rest of ur groceries? i do this sometimes when i get stuff that isnt covered

That's a good idea! I could set aside some cash just for the platter and use my benefits for everything else. Thanks for the suggestion!

Instead of the costco platter, get the big bread rolls from the bakery section, some deli meat, cheese, and condiments with your EBT. My sister did this for her kid's graduation party and made a whole sandwich bar. My sister did this for her kid's graduation party and made a whole sandwich bar. People actually liked it better cause they could make their sandwich how they wanted it! And it's all covered by CalFresh since you're buying ingredients not prepared food.

this is actually a great idea! and probably cheaper too. we did something similar for my sons birthday

I love this idea! A sandwich bar would be perfect and probably more fun for everyone. Plus I can get exactly the types of meats and toppings my family likes. Thanks for sharing this suggestion!

Just wanted to add that if you're shopping at Costco specifically, their bakery section has those big sub rolls that are perfect for making your own sandwich platters! I got a pack of 8 large rolls for like $3 with my EBT last month. They also have those huge blocks of cheese and bulk deli meat that work out way cheaper per serving than the pre-made platters. You could probably feed the same number of people for half the cost and still have leftovers!