In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the USDA has granted a temporary waiver to the state of Georgia, allowing SNAP recipients to buy “hot foods” using their food stamps.
This is a big relief for many families struggling to prepare meals at home due to the damage caused by the storm. However, this waiver is specific to certain eligible areas, mainly those severely affected by the hurricane’s impact.
So, how does this work, and what should SNAP recipients in Georgia know about this temporary benefit?
Deadline
SNAP beneficiaries in Georgia can take advantage of this waiver until November 7, 2024. After this date, the temporary benefit will expire, and food stamps can no longer be used for hot, prepared foods.
The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) confirmed this deadline, urging eligible recipients to make the most of the benefit while it lasts.
It’s essential to remember that not every store will accept SNAP benefits for hot foods. Only those retailers pre-approved by the state can offer this option, so make sure to check if the store you’re visiting is on the list before making a purchase.
Reason
Why has this waiver been approved? Hurricane Helene left a significant impact on many Georgia communities, leaving homes without essential utilities like electricity and water.
For many families, this means they can’t cook meals at home, forcing them to rely on prepared foods. The USDA’s decision to allow SNAP recipients to purchase hot foods provides a way for families to access ready-to-eat meals during this challenging period.
Moreover, this measure aims to alleviate the strain on households that are still recovering from the hurricane, helping them avoid further inconvenience and ensuring they can get nutritious meals.
Eligible Areas
The waiver applies to specific counties in Georgia, mostly those hardest hit by Hurricane Helene. Here is a list of the counties where SNAP recipients can use their benefits to purchase hot foods:
| From W to A | Counties |
|---|---|
| Worth | Appling |
| Wheeler | Atkinson |
| Wilkinson | Bacon |
| Wilkes | Baldwin |
| Wilcox | Ben Hill |
| Wayne | Berrien |
| Washington | Bleckley |
| Warren | Brantley |
| Ware | Brooks |
| Walton | Bryan |
| Twiggs | Bulloch |
| Turner | Burke |
| Treutlen | Butts |
| Towns | Camden |
| Toombs | Candler |
| Tift | Charlton |
| Thomas | Chatham |
| Telfair | Clinch |
| Tattnall | Coffee |
| Taliaferro | Colquitt |
| Stephens | Columbia |
| Spalding | Cook |
| Screven | Dodge |
| Rockdale | Echols |
| Richmond | Effingham |
| Rabun | Elbert |
| Pierce | Emanuel |
| Oglethorpe | Evans |
| Newton | Franklin |
| Monroe | Glascock |
| Morgan | Glynn |
| Montgomery | Habersham |
| Mitchell | Hancock |
| McIntosh | Hart |
| McDuffie | Henry |
| Madison | Irwin |
| Lowndes | Jasper |
| Long | Jeff Davis |
| Lincoln | Jefferson |
| Liberty | Jenkins |
| Laurens | Johnson |
| Lanier | Lamar |
This detailed list covers numerous counties from across the state, stretching from Appling to Worth. It’s a comprehensive initiative designed to ensure that those most in need can utilize the benefit without hassle.
To keep up-to-date with any changes, recipients are encouraged to follow the official website of the Georgia Department of Human Services or their social media platforms. This is especially important as situations can change, and updates may occur.
Retailers
Even if you live in an eligible county, it’s crucial to know that not all retailers will accept SNAP for hot foods. Only pre-approved stores can process these transactions.
Therefore, before heading out, check whether the store is authorized. This will save time and prevent any inconvenience during checkout.
The temporary waiver is part of an effort to support communities during a tough recovery phase. It’s not just about providing food—it’s about offering comfort and stability when life feels uncertain.
This temporary approval helps families who may not have cooking facilities due to the lack of power or water. So, if you’re living in one of these counties and rely on SNAP, make sure to use this opportunity before November 7, 2024.
Hurricane Helene has disrupted normal life, but thanks to initiatives like this, some of that burden is eased. Hopefully, it’ll help affected families get through this tough time without having to worry too much about where their next meal will come from.
FAQs
When does the hot food SNAP waiver end?
The waiver ends on November 7, 2024.
Can I buy hot foods with SNAP anywhere in Georgia?
No, only in eligible counties.
What if my county is not listed?
The waiver does not apply if your county isn’t on the list.
Are all stores accepting hot food purchases?
No, only pre-approved retailers can offer this service.
Why was the hot food waiver granted?
It was granted due to disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene.
