Back in the bad old days when food stamps were actually stamps, this could be done. But today food stamps are doled out via a credit card. There is still a way to get cash though. You go into a grocery, pay for a bunch of expensive steaks with your EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card and then sell the steaks for 50-60 cents on the dollar.
hey bro...you say your card is worth $1,500....I'll give you 750.00 cash for it.....O.K., $800.00....SOLD!
They sell the EBT cards and PIN for cash also. My state is cracking down a little because the original holder, when they report the card lost, has to write a letter to the bank that administers the funds to get a replacement. I’m guessing many of them can’t write a letter...
They still sell the EBT cards and PINs, and will sell the recharge too. In California, you can buy fast food with EBT.
Don't forget, their are unscrupulous shopkeepers who will take EBTs and give out cash, or sell liquor or cigarettes off of the SNAP side of the EBT money. The same way they did with paper food stamps.
As long as you have the card and the PIN, you are good to go.
However, with the ability to now purchased pre-cooked prepared food and restaurant food with EBT, fewer people probably sell their benefits for cash.