With a heartfelt embrace for those touched by devastating floods, Texas has lovingly expanded its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), tenderly enabling recipients in affected areas to access hot foods and ready-to-eat meals to nourish body and soul. This compassionate expansion weaves a timely lifeline, offering solace and support to cherished Texans navigating the hardships of recent flooding.
If you’re a beloved SNAP recipient in Texas, this moment warmly invites you to explore this caring guide, sharing clear insights on eligibility and how to embrace your benefits with ease. Together, we unite in fostering a nurturing community where every individual feels deeply valued, sustained, and uplifted with hope, dignity, and boundless care.
SNAP Just Got Easier
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible Counties | 33 counties, including Austin, Houston, and Dallas, affected by flooding |
| Eligible Foods | Hot, ready-to-eat items such as rotisserie chicken, deli sandwiches, and other hot meals available at the point of sale. |
| Benefit Period | Available through August 14, 2025 |
| Application Process | No application needed for existing SNAP recipients |
| Payment Method | Eligible individuals can use their Lone Star Card to buy hot meals at participating retailers |
| Support Services Available | FEMA disaster assistance, mental health support available for affected individuals |
With a warm and open heart, Texas’ expansion of SNAP benefits weaves a heartfelt lifeline for cherished families navigating the challenges of devastating floods, lovingly ensuring access to hot meals and ready-to-eat foods to nourish their spirits, even without a kitchen at home. This compassionate initiative, available until August 14, 2025, tenderly supports those touched by hardship, offering sustenance and hope.
We warmly invite you to embrace these expanded benefits fully, checking with participating retailers and staying mindful of key deadlines for additional disaster assistance. Together, we unite in fostering a nurturing community where every family feels deeply valued, sustained, and uplifted with dignity, care, and boundless hope. For more information on how to access the expanded benefits and apply for FEMA assistance, visit the Texas Health and Human Services website or call the support hotline at (833) 812-2480.
What Happened?
In early July 2025, Texas was struck by severe flooding, causing widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Several counties experienced flash floods that displaced thousands and created emergency conditions for many families. In response to the crisis, Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) acted swiftly to provide relief to those affected.
One of the key measures taken was expanding SNAP benefits to allow recipients to purchase hot foods and ready-to-eat meals. This emergency measure is designed to help displaced families and individuals who may not have access to cooking facilities or are unable to prepare meals due to the damage caused by the floods.
Who Qualifies for the Expanded SNAP Benefits?
The expanded SNAP benefits are available to individuals who are already enrolled in the program and live in one of the 33 counties affected by the flooding. If you are unsure whether you qualify, here’s a breakdown:
1. SNAP Recipients
- If you are already a SNAP recipient, you are automatically eligible for this temporary benefit. You do not need to apply for the expanded benefits. Simply use your Lone Star Card (Texas’s EBT card) at participating stores and restaurants that accept SNAP for hot foods.
2. Eligible Counties
- 33 counties have been affected by the recent flooding, including major urban centers such as Austin, Dallas, and Houston. If you live in any of these counties, you can start using your benefits right away.
3. Temporary Nature of the Benefit
- This expansion is temporary and will last until August 14, 2025. After this date, the benefits will revert to regular SNAP guidelines.
What Can You Buy with the Expanded SNAP Benefits?
This expanded program allows you to purchase a wider variety of food than usual. Here’s what you can buy with your Lone Star Card during this expanded benefit period:
1. Prepared Meals
- You can purchase hot meals from participating grocery stores, restaurants, and food vendors. These include ready-to-eat meals such as:
- Rotisserie chicken from grocery stores
- Deli sandwiches, salads, and other pre-packaged meals
- Prepared meals like soups, casseroles, and other hot dishes
2. Rotisserie Chicken and Deli Items
- Rotisserie chicken and other pre-cooked, ready-to-eat items are some of the most popular options available under the expanded benefits. These are convenient and nutritious meals for those who cannot cook at home.
3. Restaurant Purchases
- The expanded benefits also allow you to purchase hot foods from restaurants that participate in the program. This could include local eateries, national chains, or food delivery services that accept SNAP.
SNAP Just Got Easier Use SNAP for Hot Meals
If you are eligible for this expanded benefit, here’s how you can use your SNAP benefits:
Check Your Eligibility
- If you already receive SNAP benefits, you are automatically eligible. Simply check your Lone Star Card balance to confirm that your benefits have been updated to include hot food purchases.
Shop at Participating Locations
- Go to any participating grocery store, restaurant, or food outlet that accepts SNAP benefits. Look for stores that have been approved for the expanded benefit.
Select Hot, Ready-to-Eat Meals
- Once you are at the store or restaurant, select the hot foods that you are eligible to purchase. These items should be clearly marked with the SNAP icon.
Use Your Lone Star Card
- Use your Lone Star Card to pay for eligible hot foods. For any non-eligible items (like hot meals from restaurants or delivery charges), you will need to pay separately using another payment method.
Additional Support Available
FEMA Disaster Assistance
For those who have suffered damage to their homes or property, FEMA offers additional disaster assistance to help with temporary housing, repairs, and other disaster-related costs. You can apply for FEMA assistance by visiting disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362.
Mental Health Support
In addition to food and disaster assistance, emotional support is available for those affected by the floods. The state has set up a mental health hotline at (833) 812-2480 for anyone who needs crisis counseling and emotional support during this difficult time.
FAQs
Q: How long will these expanded SNAP benefits last?
A: The expanded SNAP benefits will be available until August 14, 2025. After that date, the usual SNAP rules will apply.
Q: Do I need to apply for these benefits separately?
A: No, if you are already a SNAP recipient, you are automatically eligible for these expanded benefits. You do not need to apply separately.
Q: Can I buy hot meals from any restaurant?
A: Not all restaurants accept SNAP benefits for hot meals. You can buy meals from participating restaurants and food vendors, but it’s best to check with the store or restaurant before purchasing.
Q: What if I don’t have transportation to get groceries?
A: Some grocery stores and restaurants offer delivery services that accept SNAP, making it easier for people without transportation to access food.
Q: Can I use these benefits for pickup orders?
A: Yes, you can use your Lone Star Card for both delivery and pickup orders at participating stores and restaurants.
