Where can homeless people use food stamps?
Homeless persons have the option of using their food stamps at places other than the grocery store or farmers market. Homeless persons can pay for meals at some soup kitchens and homeless shelters with food stamps. 7 CFR 278.2(b). These soup kitchens and shelters must be authorized by FNS to accept food stamps. They cannot force you to use your food stamps to pay for food at the shelter. They can only request that you voluntarily use your food stamps to pay for meals and cannot ask you to pay more than the average cost of meals at the shelter. 7 CFR 278.2(b). In addition, if the soup kitchen or homeless shelter gives other clients the option of eating free or making a monetary donation, you must be given the option of eating free, making a monetary donation, or using your food stamps to pay for the food. 7 CFR 278.2(b). Homeless persons may use their food stamps at certain restaurants. Restaurants can contract with the state to serve meals to homeless persons at reduced prices in excha
