SNAP Recipients Can Now Buy Hot Foods With Benefits

AUSTIN, TX -- Governor Greg Abbott announced Sunday SNAP recipients will be allowed to purchase hot foods and ready-to-eat meals as communities feel the impact of the severe winter storm.

"We’re doing everything we can for Texans who were affected by this extreme winter storm,” said Wayne Salter, HHS Access and Eligibility Services deputy executive commissioner. “These added federal flexibilities will go a long way in helping SNAP clients feed their families.”

SNAP recipients will be able to use benefits to purchase hot foods and ready-to-eat foods, such as rotisserie chicken or grocery store deli foods, at retailers that accept SNAP anywhere in the state.

This waiver will allow SNAP recipients to purchase these ready-made foods with their Lone Star Cards through the end of March.

"As we continue to recover from this winter storm, the state is ensuring that Texans in need have access to hot food to feed their families," said Abbott. "I thank our federal partners at the U.S. Department of Agriculture for approving this waiver." 

Additionally, Texas has received federal approval to allow  SNAP recipients to apply for replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed due to the severe weather.   

Currently SNAP in Texas provides food assistance to approximately 1.6 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Texas.