Following the devastation of Hurricane Helene, the USDA has granted the state of Georgia a temporary waiver, allowing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to use their benefits to purchase hot, prepared foods.
This adjustment aims to support residents impacted by the storm, many of whom may not have the resources to cook due to power or water outages.
While this is a temporary change, it provides essential relief to families in areas hit hardest by the hurricane. Here’s everything you need to know about the waiver, including who qualifies, where hot food purchases can be made, and when the waiver expires.
Deadline
The USDA has set a deadline of November 7, 2024, for SNAP recipients in Georgia to purchase hot foods with their benefits. After this date, the waiver will expire, and SNAP benefits will return to the usual restrictions, prohibiting hot food purchases. Until then, residents in eligible counties can make use of this allowance.
It’s important to note that purchases must be made at approved retailers that accept SNAP EBT. Retailers who haven’t received approval cannot process SNAP benefits for hot food purchases, so shoppers should verify eligibility before purchasing.
Why Georgia Qualifies
The approval for hot food purchases with SNAP benefits comes as an emergency measure due to the severe impact of Hurricane Helene. In areas where electricity or water services remain disrupted, residents may be unable to cook at home, making prepared meals an essential alternative.
This waiver aims to provide relief for families in Georgia who, under normal circumstances, wouldn’t be able to use SNAP for hot, ready-to-eat food.
Eligible Counties
This waiver applies only to certain Georgia counties heavily impacted by the hurricane. The counties eligible are listed in alphabetical order below, from W to A, including:
| Counties Eligible for Hot Food Purchases with SNAP |
|---|
| 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, 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 |
| Coffee, Clinch, Chatham, Charlton, Candler |
| Camden, Butts, Burke, Bulloch, Bryan |
| Brooks, Brantley, Bleckley, Berrien, Ben Hill |
| Baldwin, Bacon, Atkinson, Appling |
Georgia’s Department of Human Services has encouraged residents to stay informed about updates through their website and social media channels for the latest information on the waiver and eligible retailers.
How to Use SNAP for Hot Foods
For those in eligible areas, using SNAP benefits for hot food is straightforward. EBT cards can be used at participating retailers within the specified counties to buy items like prepared meats, ready-to-eat meals, and other hot foods typically restricted under SNAP.
These items are often critical for families who lack the resources to prepare meals at home, especially following the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helene.
Before making a purchase, SNAP recipients are advised to confirm that the retailer accepts EBT for hot food purchases under the waiver. While most grocery stores in the affected areas are expected to accommodate this change, it’s always best to double-check.
This temporary waiver offers much-needed flexibility for SNAP recipients in Georgia as they work to recover from the hurricane’s impact. By allowing the purchase of hot foods, the USDA and Georgia’s state agencies are helping those in need access food more easily in this difficult time.
