The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) has granted the State of Georgia a temporary waiver, allowing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in certain areas to buy “hot foods” with their food stamps.
This waiver was introduced in response to the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, which left many Georgians unable to cook at home due to power outages, water shortages, or both.
Eligibility for Hot Food Purchases
SNAP recipients in specific counties heavily affected by the hurricane can take advantage of this waiver.
The purchase of prepared hot meals using SNAP benefits, which is normally not allowed, is permitted in eligible retailers within these areas. This temporary measure is intended to help residents who cannot prepare meals at home due to the storm’s impact.
However, not all retailers are authorized to sell hot foods under this waiver. You must check if the retailer is approved before attempting to use your SNAP benefits for hot meals.
Approved retailers will accept SNAP EBT cards for hot food purchases, ensuring that those affected by the storm can meet their nutritional needs without the ability to cook at home.
Deadline to Purchase Hot Foods
SNAP recipients in Georgia can use their benefits to purchase hot foods until November 7, 2024. This is the final day that the temporary waiver will be in effect.
After this date, SNAP recipients will revert to the standard restrictions, which do not allow for the purchase of hot, prepared meals.
The Georgia Department of Human Services advises recipients to check their official website or social media channels for the latest updates and approved retailers.
This will ensure you have access to the most current information on where you can use your benefits.
Approved Counties for Hot Food Purchases
The following counties in Georgia are eligible for this temporary waiver, allowing residents to buy hot foods with SNAP benefits:
| Approved Counties (Alphabetical) |
|---|
| 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 |
Residents of these counties who are eligible for SNAP benefits can use them to purchase hot foods until the waiver expires.
For more detailed information, it’s best to check the Georgia Department of Human Services’ official website or social media updates at dhs.georgia.gov.
In conclusion, the temporary waiver allows SNAP recipients in Georgia’s hardest-hit areas to buy hot foods using their benefits, helping them cope with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
This temporary relief will end on November 7, 2024, so be sure to use the opportunity before the deadline.
FAQs
When is the last day to buy hot foods with SNAP in Georgia?
November 7, 2024, is the final date to purchase hot foods with SNAP.
Why is the hot food waiver available for SNAP recipients?
It’s available due to damage from Hurricane Helene, which left many unable to cook.
Can I buy hot foods at any retailer with my SNAP benefits?
No, only at approved retailers in eligible counties.
Which counties in Georgia are eligible for the hot food waiver?
The waiver applies to many counties, including Worth, Wheeler, and Wilkes.
Where can I find more updates on SNAP benefits in Georgia?
Visit dhs.georgia.gov or follow the Georgia Department of Human Services on social media.
