COMAR 07.03.17.57. Replacement and Use of Program Benefits.

A. The local department may replace Program benefits when food purchased with Program benefits has been destroyed in a verified household misfortune. B. A household may use Program benefits to purchase eligible foods as described in Regulation .02B of this chapter or to enable the household to participate in a nonprofit cooperative or a meal service. C. A household may not use Program benefits to buy:

(1) Alcoholic beverages;

(2) Tobacco or cigarettes;

(3) Household supplies, soaps, and paper products;

(4) Medicine or vitamins;

(5) Any other non-food items;

(6) Food that will be eaten in the store;

(7) Hot foods that are ready to eat unless bought from an authorized homeless meal provider in accordance with Regulation .59 of this chapter; or

(8) Pet food. D. The retail food store may:

(1) Request the purchaser to present identification when exchanging Program benefits for eligible food; and

(2) Deny the exchange if the retail food store is not convinced the purchaser has the right to use the Program benefits. E. The household may use benefits only for eligible food purchased at the time the benefits are presented. F. A household may not use benefits to pay for any eligible food before receipt except when prior payment is for food purchased from a nonprofit cooperative or meal service.