Can SNAP Benefits Be Used For Small Business Ventures In New York?

Can New Yorkers use their SNAP benefits to earn some additional income through bake sales or lemonade stands? It sounds like a great idea, right? The American way is to make a profit. Can a child whose parents receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program buy some supplies for their small business and use them to make some money?

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According to the Fiscal Policy Institute, New York State would need to allocate $2.1 billion annually to maintain current SNAP benefits.

"3.5 million New Yorkers – 18 percent of the state population – depend on SNAP benefits, which average $209 per month for a participant (about $2,500 per year). The OBBBA would threaten SNAP benefits for over 1 million New Yorkers, including 363,000 children."

There are new SNAP work requirements that beneficiaries must meet:

One phase of the new rules started on Monday, September 1, 2025:

- Recipients who are adults up to the age of 54 must have 20 work, education, training, or volunteer hours per week
- New Yorkers who don't have a dependent child under 18
- Recipients must report that they are meeting the requirements

Another phase of rules will kick off on November 1:

- Adults 18-64 will need to meet the work and reporting requirements
- Parents who don't have a child under the age of 14
- Veterans, homeless people, or foster youth aged 18-24 will no longer be exempt

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A woman found herself in a heap of trouble for her purchases using her SNAP benefits. The 32-year-old Michigan woman, Talia C. Teneyuque, allegedly used her state-issued Bridge Card to buy baking supplies. Prosecutors say that between January 2022 and September 2023, Teneyuque sold baked goods on Facebook to make money while receiving SNAP, according to Shine My Crown.

While prosecutors claim that benefits are NOT to be used for any type of business purchases by beneficiaries, it does not expressly say that on SNAP's website. My guess is that they will claim it's implied because it says that recipients can purchase "Any food for the household." I could see her attorney arguing that if the rule is not expressly communicated to recipients, it may not apply. I'll be curious to find out the outcome of the case.

The penalty for SNAP fraud is pretty stiff. Teneyuque was charged with one count of food stamp fraud of $1,000. She is facing up to 10 years behind bars and a fine of up to $250,000.

***This article is not intended to provide legal advice or counsel

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