In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the USDA granted a temporary waiver for Georgia’s SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients, allowing them to buy hot, prepared foods using their EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) cards.
This special allowance is intended to support individuals in hard-hit areas who may be unable to prepare meals due to damage and infrastructure disruptions, like power or water outages.
Here’s everything Georgia SNAP beneficiaries need to know about eligibility, deadlines, and approved locations for using their benefits on hot foods.
Deadline for Buying Hot Foods with SNAP in Georgia
Georgia SNAP recipients can buy hot, prepared foods through November 7, 2024. After this date, the standard SNAP restrictions will resume, limiting purchases to cold, unprepared foods that can be cooked at home.
This temporary measure ensures that affected families can access ready-to-eat meals without needing cooking facilities, which may be inaccessible due to hurricane damage.
Eligible retailers will display notifications allowing SNAP recipients to use their EBT cards for hot foods. However, purchases can only be made at approved stores participating in this emergency waiver.
Counties Eligible for Hot Food Purchases with SNAP Benefits
The waiver applies to specific Georgia counties that suffered significant impacts from Hurricane Helene. Residents of the following counties can use their SNAP benefits to buy hot, prepared meals until the waiver expires:
Counties (A-W):
- Atkinson, Appling, Bacon, Baldwin, Ben Hill, Berrien, Bleckley, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Dodge, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Franklin, Glascock, Glynn, Habersham, Hancock, Hart, Henry, Irwin, Jasper, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lamar, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Long, Lowndes, Madison, McDuffie, McIntosh, Mitchell, Montgomery, Morgan, Monroe, Newton, Oglethorpe, Pierce, Rabun, Richmond, Rockdale, Screven, Spalding, Stephens, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Towns, Treutlen, Turner, Twiggs, Walton, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wilcox, Wilkes, Wilkinson, Wheeler, Worth
Residents should check the Georgia Department of Human Services website or their social media for the latest updates and additional information.
Why the Hot Food Waiver Was Granted
Due to widespread infrastructure issues caused by Hurricane Helene, many Georgians face difficulties cooking meals at home.
Limited access to electricity and water has led the USDA to approve this temporary hot food waiver, enabling families to use their SNAP benefits on meals prepared by local retailers.
This support aims to bridge the gap until households can safely return to their normal routines.
How to Use SNAP Benefits for Hot Food Purchases
For eligible SNAP recipients, buying hot foods is straightforward, as long as the store is an approved SNAP retailer with a waiver to sell hot foods.
Simply present your EBT card at the checkout. Retailers participating in this program are typically identified, so beneficiaries can easily find locations that accept SNAP for hot meals.
Be mindful that this benefit is temporary. For further assistance or questions, recipients can contact the Georgia Department of Human Services or visit their official website.
FAQs
How long can I use SNAP for hot foods in Georgia?
You can use SNAP for hot foods until November 7, 2024.
Can all Georgia SNAP recipients buy hot foods?
Only residents in hurricane-affected counties can buy hot foods with SNAP.
What types of hot foods are covered by SNAP?
Any prepared, ready-to-eat hot foods sold at approved retailers.
Where can I confirm my eligibility?
Visit Georgia’s DHS website or check their social media for updates.
Can I buy hot foods at any grocery store with SNAP?
Only eligible retailers in approved counties will accept SNAP for hot foods.
