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Food February 22, 2021

Texas SNAP benefits extended to hot and ready-to-eat meals amid winter storm recovery

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In the wake of the bitter Texas freeze that has impacted millions, vulnerable residents can now get access to hot, prepared meals through a federal program.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced Sunday the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is allowing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to use their food benefits to purchase hot foods and ready-to-eat meals.

PHOTO: Hot rotisserie chicken is being sold at a supermarket in this undated stock photo.
ZikG via Shutterstock
Hot rotisserie chicken is being sold at a supermarket in this undated stock photo.

"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," Abbott said. "I thank our federal partners at the U.S. Department of Agriculture for approving this waiver."

PHOTO: In this undated file photo, a sign at a grocery store informs customers of free food offers for participants of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP.)
NYC Health Department
In this undated file photo, a sign at a grocery store informs customers of free food offers for participants of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP.)

Wayne Salter, HHS Access and Eligibility Services deputy executive commissioner, said in a statement that the agency is "doing everything" possible for those who have been affected by the winter storm. "These added federal flexibilities will go a long way in helping SNAP clients feed their families," he said.

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SNAP recipients can now use their benefits for hot foods and ready-to-eat foods, such as rotisserie chicken or other grocery store deli foods, at retailers that accept SNAP anywhere in the state.

PHOTO: Hot prepared food for sale in a supermarket's hot bar is pictured in this stock photo.
HF Media Art via Shutterstock
Hot prepared food for sale in a supermarket's hot bar is pictured in this stock photo.

The waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service allows the recipients to buy any ready-made foods with their Lone Star Cards through the end of March.

Texas Health and Human Services encourages all Texans in need of #COVID19 information and referrals to community resources to call the 2-1-1 Texas hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. https://t.co/AALHtlolDB pic.twitter.com/NbGGZSQayR

— Texas HHSC (@TexasHHSC) March 19, 2020

On Friday, Texas also got federal approval to allow SNAP recipients to apply for replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed due to the severe weather.

SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1.6 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Texas.