In the US most states (37/50) don’t have sales tax on groceries. Also food bought with SNAP benefits (food stamps) is exempt from sales tax in all states.
Left that out for brevity, but good point. I suppose I'm trying to highlight that you could categorize a lot of things as essential (see the last two years.)
First 2000 calories, tax free! (Once everything is cashless they'll know exactly what you're eating anyway.)
If it didn't imply giving the government so much information, that would actually be a great program.
Free meal replacement by mail. Huel, Soylent etc. ;)