Why Can't You Buy Hot Foods with Snap?
                                
                                
                                •
                                
                                
                        
                                    
                                    5 min read                                
                            
                                Originally established decades ago when at-home cooking was more prevalent, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has a long-standing policy prohibiting the purchase of hot, prepared foods. This regulation is a major source of confusion for many recipients who wonder why they can't buy hot foods with Snap benefits from grocery store delis.