SNAP Recipients in This State: Buy ‘Hot Foods’ with Food Stamps—Here’s How!
According to Vibes.okdiario, The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted the State of Georgia a temporary waiver, enabling Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to purchase “hot foods” following the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. This waiver is designed to assist those in eligible areas significantly affected by the hurricane.
Deadline for Purchasing Hot Foods
According to the Georgia Department of Human Services, SNAP recipients in Georgia can buy hot foods using their benefits until November 7, 2024. This date marks the last opportunity for approved customers to make such purchases.
It’s important to note that hot food purchases with SNAP benefits are only allowed at approved retailers. Recipients should ensure the retailer is authorized to accept Food Stamps for hot food items.
Reasons for the Waiver
The decision to allow the purchase of prepared hot meals stems from the impact of Hurricane Helene on many Georgians, who may currently be unable to cook at home. Common reasons for this include:
- Lack of electricity
- Lack of water
- Other disruptions caused by the hurricane
Eligible Counties for Hot Food Purchases
The counties eligible for purchasing hot foods using SNAP EBT cards are listed below, organized alphabetically from W to A. The Department of Human Services encourages users to check their social media or official website for updates: https://dhs.georgia.gov/
Eligible Counties
- W: Worth, Wheeler, Wilkinson, Wilkes, Wilcox, Wayne, Washington, Warren, Ware, Walton, Twiggs, Turner, Treutlen, Towns, Toombs, Tift, Thomas, Telfair, Tattnall, Taliaferro, Stephens, Spalding, Screven, Rockdale, Richmond, Rabun, Pierce
- O: Oglethorpe
- N: Newton
- M: Monroe, Morgan, Montgomery, Mitchell, McIntosh, McDuffie, Madison
- L: Lowndes, Long, Lincoln, Liberty, Laurens, Lanier, Lamar
- J: Johnson, Jenkins, Jefferson, Jeff Davis, Jasper
- I: Irwin
- H: Henry, Hart, Hancock, Habersham
Also read: Chapter 11 Bankruptcy: Troubled Retailer Closes Additional Stores
- G: Glynn, Glascock
- F: Franklin
- E: Evans, Emanuel, Elbert, Effingham, Echols
- D: Dodge
- C: Cook, Columbia, Colquitt
- C: Coffee, Clinch
- C: Chatham, Charlton, Candler, Camden
- B: Butts, Burke, Bulloch, Bryan, Brooks, Brantley, Bleckley, Berrien, Ben Hill, Baldwin, Bacon, Atkinson, Appling
This temporary waiver provides vital support to those affected by the hurricane, ensuring they have access to necessary meals during a challenging time.