Following Hurricane Helene, the USDA has given the state of Georgia a temporary permission that permits SNAP beneficiaries to use their food stamps to purchase “hot foods.”
For many people who have been straining to cook at home because of the storm’s destruction, this is a huge comfort. However, only a few qualifying areas—primarily those that were badly impacted by the hurricane—are eligible for this waiver.
The deadline
This waiver is available to Georgia SNAP recipients through November 7, 2024. The interim benefit will end on this day, and hot, prepared foods will no longer qualify for food stamps.
This deadline was confirmed by the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS), which encouraged qualified individuals to take advantage of the benefit as soon as possible.
It is important to keep in mind that not all stores will accept hot food SNAP benefits. Before making a purchase, be sure the store you’re visiting is on the list. This option is only available to retailers who have been pre-approved by the state.
Justification
For what reason was this waiver granted? Many Georgia areas were severely impacted by Hurricane Helene, which left homes without basic amenities like water and electricity.
This forces many families to rely on prepackaged foods because they are unable to cook at home. Families now have access to ready-to-eat meals during this difficult time thanks to USDA’s decision to permit SNAP beneficiaries to buy hot foods.
Additionally, by easing the burden on families still recuperating from the catastrophe, this move will assist them avoid more discomfort and guarantee that they may eat wholesome meals.
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Areas That Qualify
Certain Georgia counties, primarily those most severely affected by Hurricane Helene, are exempt from the waiver. The counties listed below allow SNAP users to buy hot items with their benefits:
| 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 |
From Appling to Worth, this comprehensive list includes many counties from all throughout the state. It is an all-encompassing program created to guarantee that people who are most in need can easily take use of the benefit.
Recipients are recommended to follow the Georgia Department of Human Services on social media or on their official website to be informed of any updates. This is particularly crucial because things can change and there may be updates.
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Shops
It’s important to be aware that not all stores will accept SNAP for hot items, even if you reside in an eligible county. These transactions can only be processed by stores that have been pre-approved.
Therefore, make sure the store is permitted before leaving. Time will be saved, and any annoyance at checkout will be avoided.
The interim waiver is a part of an attempt to help communities get through a difficult time of recovery. Providing food is only one aspect of it; another is providing stability and comfort in an unpredictable world.
Families who might not have access to cooking facilities because of a lack of water or electricity benefit from this temporary approval. Therefore, if you depend on SNAP and live in one of these counties, don’t miss this chance until November 7, 2024.
Normal life has been disturbed by Hurricane Helene, but some of the strain has been lessened because of efforts like this.
