SNAP recipients is this State can still buy “Hot Foods” using their Food Stamps
According to Vibes.okdiario, The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted the State of Georgia a temporary waiver allowing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to purchase “hot foods” following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. This waiver aims to assist those affected by the storm who may struggle to prepare meals at home.
Eligibility and Deadline for Purchasing Hot Foods
SNAP recipients in Georgia can buy prepared hot meals until November 7, 2024. This date marks the final day customers are permitted to use their SNAP benefits for hot food purchases. It is essential to note that this option is available only at eligible retailers; if a retailer is not approved, recipients will not be able to use their Food Stamps there.
The waiver was implemented to support many Georgians who are facing challenges in cooking at home due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Factors such as lack of electricity, water, or both have hindered food preparation for many residents.
Counties Approved for Hot Food Purchases
The following counties in Georgia are authorized to purchase hot foods with SNAP EBT cards. Residents in these areas are encouraged to stay informed through official channels, including the Georgia Department of Human Services website: https://dhs.georgia.gov/
Counties Affected by Hurricane Helene:
- 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
Additional counties include:
- Oglethorpe
- Newton
- Monroe
- Morgan
- Montgomery
- Mitchell
- McIntosh
- McDuffie
- Madison
- Lowndes
- Long
- Lincoln
- Liberty
- Laurens
- Lanier
- Lamar
- Johnson
- Jenkins
- Jefferson
- Jeff Davis
- Jasper
- Irwin
- Henry
- Hart
- Hancock
- Habersham
- Glynn
- Glascock
- Franklin
- Evans
- Emanuel
- Elbert
- Effingham
- Echols
- Dodge
- Cook
- Columbia
- Colquitt
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Additional Counties:
- Coffee
- Clinch
- Chatham
- Charlton
- Candler
- Camden
- Butts
- Burke
- Bulloch
- Bryan
- Brooks
- Brantley
- Bleckley
- Berrien
- Ben Hill
- Baldwin
- Bacon
- Atkinson
- Appling
Conclusion
The USDA’s waiver is a crucial step in helping SNAP recipients in Georgia access hot meals in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Eligible individuals are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity before the November 7 deadline and to check with local retailers to ensure they can use their benefits for hot food purchases.
