The Food Stamp Program helps ensure that eligible low-income families and individuals are able to obtain a nutritious diet. Food stamp benefits are intended to supplement other household income and may only be used to purchase food. Other household items such as cleaning supplies, paper goods, clothes, alcohol or tobacco products may not be purchased with food stamps. Food stamp recipients are able to purchase their food by using an Electronic Benefit Transfer EBT card. This card may be used at any retail store authorized by the United States Department of Agriculture USDA. Food stamp benefits are intended to supplement other household income. The amount of benefits received is based on the household size and financial circumstances. All individuals who purchase and prepare food together are a family group for Food Stamp purposes and must have their eligibility determined together. To be eligible for Food Stamps family groups must have income and assets below the program standards. After adding all the family group's gross income, the case manager will make deductions to the family group's income. These deductions may include, but are not limited to, shelter rent, mortgage or utilities, childcare or medical expenses.