GOV. ABBOTT: FEDERAL SNAP HOT FOODS BENEFITS AVAILABLE FOR STORM-AFFECTED COUNTIES

  

Residents in Washington and several surrounding counties that have been impacted by the recent storms are eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Governor Greg Abbott announced on Tuesday that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) received federal approval to allow SNAP recipients affected by the severe weather to purchase hot foods and ready-to-eat meals with their benefits.

The approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service applies to residents in 50 counties, among those being Washington, Austin, Colorado, Fayette, Grimes and Waller counties.  It allows SNAP recipients to use their Lone Star Cards at participating retailers to purchase foods like rotisserie chicken, grocery store deli items and other food that is hot or ready-to-eat at the point of sale, through June 30^th.

Abbott said it is “crucial” that SNAP recipients are able to obtain hot foods and ready-to-eat meals as their communities recover from the storms.  He said the federal approval “will help impacted Texans provide for their families and put food on the table.”

Recipients can apply by dialing 2-1-1 and selecting Option 8.  Benefits will be placed on their Lone Star Cards within two business days once benefits are approved.

Storm victims who live in counties other than the 50 included in the federal approval can apply for food replacement benefits by visiting a local benefits office.