Because child support laws vary greatly among the states, it is important to check the child support guidelines in your state to determine how support may be calculated in your particular case Below is a listing of what child support may be used for: Basic Necessities -- Food, Clothing, Shelter. Obviously, children need food, proper clothing, and a safe and comfortable place to live. At a minimum, child support may be used to purchase groceries, snacks, beverages, and other food items.