In a significant move, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on Wednesday that individuals receiving SNAP benefits can now use them to buy hot foods. This new provision aims to support those affected by Hurricane Beryl.
Thanks to federal approval, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission has been authorized to allow SNAP recipients in 36 counties impacted by Hurricane Beryl to purchase hot foods and ready-to-eat meals with their benefits.
Counties aproved Snap Benefits hot foods
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services’ approval applies to SNAP recipients in the following counties:
- Angelina
- Austin
- Brazoria
- Calhoun
- Chambers
- Cherokee
- Colorado
- Fort Bend
- Galveston
- Grimes
- Hardin
- Harris
- Houston
- Jackson
- Jasper
- Jefferson
- Lavaca
- Liberty
- Madison
- Matagorda
- Montgomery
- Nacogdoches
- Newton
- Orange
- Polk
- Rusk
- Sabine
- San Augustine
- San Jacinto
- Shelby
- Trinity
- Tyler
- Victoria
- Walker
- Waller
- Wharton
This new measure is a critical step in ensuring the well-being of those affected by the disaster, providing them with the flexibility to access hot meals during these challenging times.
As communities recover and rebuild from the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl, Texas remains committed to ensuring that affected Texans have access to fresh, quality food. Governor Abbott emphasized, “With power outages still affecting Texans, this federal approval for 36 counties will help eligible Texans purchase hot, ready-to-eat meals for themselves and their families. I thank the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for their work to provide fresh, healthy foods for our fellow Texans in need.”
Access to Hot Meals for Texans in Need
Federal approval has granted SNAP recipients the ability to purchase hot foods using their Lone Star Cards at participating retailers within the approved counties through August 14. This initiative aims to support those impacted by the hurricane by allowing them to buy hot, ready-to-eat meals, including:
- Rotisserie chicken
- Grocery store deli items
- Other hot foods available at the point of sale
