Each participating household receives an allotment of food benefits based on the USDA�s �Thrifty Food Plan�. This allotment is adjusted annually according to the U. S. Department of Labor�s analysis of the cost of food. Missouri Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) is the method by which households receive and use food stamp benefits. Households may use their Missouri EBT card in any grocery store or retail location anywhere in the United States that has been authorized by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service and displays the Quest� sign. The benefits may be used to purchase any food or food products prepared for human consumption except alcoholic beverages and tobacco, hot foods, or foods prepared for immediate consumption. Benefits may also be used to buy seeds and plants for use in gardens to produce food for the personal consumption of the household. Under certain conditions, members of the eligible households who are 60 years of age or older may use the benefits to pay for home delivered meals and other meals prepared for elderly persons.