Texas Governor Greg Abbot has confirmed that SNAP recipients can use their food benefits to purchase hot foods and ready-to-eat meals as the state continues to feel the impacts of severe winter weather. Eligible products include rotisserie chicken and grocery store deli foods.
"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," said Governor Abbott in a statement. "I thank our federal partners at the U.S. Department of Agriculture for approving this waiver."
Additionally, Texas received federal approval Feb. 19 to allow SNAP recipients to apply for replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed due to the severe weather.
"We’re doing everything we can for Texans who were affected by this extreme winter storm,” said Wayne Salter, HHS Access and Eligibility Services deputy executive commissioner, in a statement. “These added federal flexibilities will go a long way in helping SNAP clients feed their families.”
Related: Walmart Closes Locations Due to Winter Weather; Mercatus Adds SNAP EBT Platform for Retailers.