The Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program, often referred to as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), is a vital resource for individuals and families seeking food assistance. A common question among beneficiaries is: Can You Buy Hot Food With Snap? The answer, while generally no, has some exceptions, particularly in times of crisis. Let’s explore the details.
SNAP Benefits and Hot Food Purchases
Generally, SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing grocery items to be prepared at home. This typically excludes hot, ready-to-eat foods. The rationale behind this restriction is to encourage beneficiaries to purchase nutritious ingredients for home cooking, promoting healthier eating habits and stretching food budgets further.
Temporary Waivers: Hurricane Helene and SNAP Hot Food Access
However, in specific circumstances, such as during and after natural disasters like Hurricane Helene, the rules can change. In North Carolina, a temporary waiver was granted, allowing FNS recipients in all 100 counties to use their EBT cards to purchase hot food. This flexibility aimed to provide immediate relief to those displaced or without cooking facilities due to the hurricane.
Governor Roy Cooper emphasized the importance of this waiver, stating, “For people and families in North Carolina whose lives have been turned upside down by Hurricane Helene, a hot meal can provide a small comfort and sense of normalcy to their day.”
This temporary change was in effect until November 3, 2024, allowing families without the means to prepare food at home due to power outages or displacement to access warm meals.
Where Can You Buy Hot Food with SNAP During a Waiver?
It’s crucial to understand where these hot food purchases are permitted. During the Hurricane Helene waiver, authorized Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) retailers, like gas stations and deli departments that accept EBT, were approved to process hot food purchases with FNS benefits.
Important Note: This did not extend to restaurants or other non-EBT authorized retailers. Customers were advised to inquire with the store beforehand to confirm their ability to process hot food purchases using FNS benefits. A map of retailers that accept EBT is available here.
Disaster Relief and SNAP: Additional Support
Beyond the hot food waiver, North Carolina also sought additional assistance for those impacted by Hurricane Helene. This included:
- Extended Reporting Time: A waiver provided extra time for FNS participants in affected areas to report food loss due to the hurricane to their local Department of Social Services office through October 26, 2024.
- Benefit Replacement: NCDHHS applied for a waiver to automatically replace a portion of FNS benefits for individuals and families in western North Carolina who lost food purchased with their September FNS benefits.
- Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP): NCDHHS actively worked with the USDA to secure federal authority to operate a D-SNAP program, which would allow more individuals impacted by Hurricane Helene, even those not already FNS recipients, to qualify for food assistance benefits.
SNAP Resources and Support
For more information about the FNS program, resources, and any flexibilities in place, visit www.ncdhhs.gov/fns or epass.nc.gov. Additional resources related to Hurricane Helene can be found at www.ncdps.gov/Helene and www.ncdhhs.gov/helene.
Mental Health Support After a Disaster
It’s important to acknowledge the emotional toll of disasters. If you’ve been affected by a hurricane and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Help is also available 24/7 in English or Spanish by calling, texting, or chatting with 988. Learn more at 988Lifeline.org.
Staying Informed About SNAP Changes
While generally you cannot buy hot food with SNAP, disaster-related waivers can provide temporary exceptions. Stay informed about these changes by monitoring official announcements from your state’s Department of Health and Human Services and the USDA.
