Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP benefits) beneficiaries in more than 40 counties in the state of Texas were affected by recent storms that may have caused the destruction of their food purchased with SNAP benefits.
That’s why the program in these counties enabled the purchase of hot foods and ready-to-eat meals, according to statements by Governor Greg Abbott.
SNAP Beneficiaries and Thousands More Affected By Storms in TX
The announcement, made on Tuesday, indicates that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), which administers programs that help families with food, medical care, safety, and services during disasters, was approved by the federal government to extend the limits of permissiveness of SNAP benefits for those impacted by the severe storms that occurred last May 16.
According to Texas authorities, at least eight people lost their lives and thousands were left without electricity after the impact of the storms and a tornado that reached maximum winds of 110 mph.
This natural cataclysm affected the Houston area and surrounding counties, damaging infrastructure and homes, as well as vehicles parked on public roads and on private property. Over Memorial Day weekend, a tornado caused seven deaths in Cooke County, according to news agencies.
What Greg Abbot Stated About Emergency SNAP Benefits
“As Texas continues to help communities rebuild and recover from the devastating storms, it is crucial that SNAP recipients have access to hot foods and ready-to-eat meals,” said Governor Abbott.
“This federal approval allowing eligible Texans to purchase fresh, hot foods will help impacted Texans provide for their families and put food on the table. Eligible Texans can apply for these benefits by dialing 2-1-1. I thank the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for working tirelessly to bring fresh, healthy foods to Texans in need,” Abbot added.
“For families recovering from floods and other severe weather, sitting down to a simple, hot meal is comforting and sustaining,” said HHSC Access and Eligibility Services Deputy Executive Commissioner Molly Regan. “Having additional options in the grocery store will help SNAP clients get back on their feet sooner.”
Texas Counties Eligible for Extra SNAP Benefits
The approval of the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, extends to the following Texas counties affected by the storms: Angelina, Austin, Brazoria, Brown, Calhoun, Callahan, Chambers, Colorado, Comanche, Delta, Eastland, Erath, Fannin, Fayette, Fisher, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Haskell, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Jones, Lamar, Lavaca, Liberty, Madison, Montgomery, Newton , Nolan, Orange, Palo Pinto, Polk, Red River, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shackelford, Stephens, Stonewall, Taylor, Tyler, Trinity, Walker, Waller, Washington and Wharton.
Other Counties Eligible For SNAP Benefits Replacement
SNAP recipients in Eastland, Hardin, Jasper, Jones and Lamar counties also received federal approval. In these, affected people can request the replacement of their food purchased with food stamps, if these were destroyed by the May 16 storm.
These are in addition to 11 other counties where SNAP recipients can apply for replacement benefits through June 17.
How to Apply for SNAP Extra Benefits in Texas
Recipients of these SNAP benefits can download Form H1855 (Affidavit for Nonreceipt or Destroyed SNAP Benefits). The form must be correctly filled out and sent to: Texas Health and Human Services Commission, P.O. Box 149027, Austin, TX, 78714-9027, or faxed to the number 877-447-2839.
Beyond this specific situation, any Texan in need can apply to apply for SNAP benefits through the web YourTexasBenefits.com , or by using the 2-1-1 phone number, selecting Option 1.
