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SNAP recipients in four West Virginia counties are now able to purchase hot foods using their SNAP benefits.
The state Department of Human Services (DoHS) has received federal approval for a temporary waiver of SNAP restrictions in Lewis, Pleasants, Ritchie and Upshur counties. It’s designed to provide additional flexibility for households affected by severe storms and flooding that occurred July 21 and 22.
Normally SNAP benefits can’t be used to purchase hot or prepared foods. But the storms caused widespread flooding, power outages and damage to homes, making it harder for some households to prepare and safely store food.
That means, for now, SNAP recipients in those counties can use their benefit funds to buy things like rotisserie chickens, hot pizza and heated deli foods.
The waiver, approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Administration, is in effect through Sept. 26.
Some retailers may need up to 48 hours to change their point-of-sale systems in order to allow the purchases.
The waiver is authorized under Section 412 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and Section 5(h)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008. DoHS may request an extension of the waiver if conditions warrant additional relief.
For more information about SNAP benefits and disaster-related assistance, visit the Bureau for Family Assistance website or contact a local DoHS county office.