EBT eligibility varies substantially across the nation. California being on the maximally eligible end of the spectrum AIUI. Even if you have EBT though, not

EBT eligibility varies substantially across the nation. California being on the maximally eligible end of the spectrum AIUI. Even if you have EBT though, not all stores accept it, and you can't put gas in your car using EBT, nor buy non-food items like booze. So it's easy to understand why broke people would shoplift. Baby formula in particular is a hot item for shoplifters since it's so easy to turn into cash. (and also why it's locked up near the cigarettes in many stores)