What does SNAP cover in NYC? USDA changes benefit rules

New rules at the U.S. Department of Agriculture have shifted its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — new work requirements, stricter regulations for retailers and additional changes.

Its latest push? To require stores that accept benefits to have more "real foods."

Here's what to know about the changes, and what kind of items can be still be bought with benefits.

What changes are coming to SNAP?

This week, agency officials announced that retailers must meet stricter requirements in order to keep accepting SNAP benefits.

According to the USDA, stores must now have seven varieties of items across four categories: protein, grains, dairy, fruits and vegetables.

"This change more than doubles the requirement of available foods, emphasizes more whole foods, increases the perishable food requirements, and eliminates loopholes that for too long have allowed retailers to count certain snack foods toward their staple food requirements," a May 7 release said of the change.

"These changes will not only ensure vulnerable families in need have more nutritious options wherever they shop but demand more accountability from retailers who not only have stocked the bare minimum, but have seen the most program violations."

What can be bought in NYC with SNAP benefits?

According to New York City's 311 site, benefits can be used for:

• Fruits.
• Vegetables.
• Dairy products.
• Meat, poultry and fish.
• Breads.
• Cereals.
• Seeds, plants that provide spices or food for the household.
• Baby formula.
• Water, ice for human consumption.
• Snack foods, non-alcoholic drinks.

Here's a list of some of the items that cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits:

• Prepared hot foods.
• Alcohol, tobacco.
• Toiletries, cleaning and paper products, utensils.
• Pet items.
• Medicine or vitamins.
• Gardening supplies such as fertilizer.

How many New Yorkers get SNAP benefits?

As of March 2026, there were more than 1.7 million NYC residents on SNAP, according to city data.

Last year, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was passed, which plans to cut SNAP funding by approximately $187 billion over the next 10 years — or 20% — according to Harvard Kennedy School's faculty research.

Under the act, changes were made to work requirements, who qualifies and what food can be purchased through the program.

Approximately 3 million New York state residents were on the SNAP program as of August, according to a release by the governor's office at the time.

In the release, it was estimated that more than 300,000 households in the state could lose some or all of their benefits amid the changes, particularly because of the work requirements.