Governor Abbott confirms SNAP hot food access for Texans affected by severe floods

Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott announced earlier this week that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has received federal approval to expand Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) flexibility for Texans impacted by recent severe flooding. Residents in 26 additional counties will now be allowed to use their SNAP benefits to purchase hot foods and ready-to-eat meals, an exception typically restricted under normal program rules.

“As communities across the state begin to recover and rebuild from flood damage, Texas is working tirelessly to ensure that impacted Texans can feed their families,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas remains unrelenting in our support of those impacted by these tragic floods, and we will continue to provide all available resources to help them rebuild and recover. Together, we are Texas strong.”

The newly approved counties include Bastrop, Bell, Blanco, Brown, Burnet, Caldwell, Coke, Concho, Hays, Irion, Lampasas, Lee, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Milam, Mills, Reagan, Runnels, San Saba, Schleicher, Sterling, Tom Green, Travis, and Williamson.

This approval allows SNAP recipients in these counties to use their Lone Star Cards at participating retailers to buy hot meals through August 14. Eligible purchases include items such as rotisserie chicken, grocery store deli meals, and other foods prepared hot at the point of sale.

“By adding these additional counties, we’re making sure that those affected by the storms and flooding will have access to hot, nutritious foods to take care of their families and themselves,” said HHSC Access and Eligibility Services Deputy Executive Commissioner Molly Regan. “This will help alleviate some of the stress as Texas focuses on recovering from the floods.”

Previously, only SNAP recipients in Bandera, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, and Real counties were covered under the initial approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services.

Importantly, no action is required by SNAP recipients to access this added benefit.

For more details on disaster assistance, Texans can visit the HHSC Receiving Disaster Assistance webpage. Those needing local help, including food or shelter resources, can dial 2-1-1 and select Option 1 for assistance.

Governor Abbott reaffirmed Texas’s commitment to help impacted communities, emphasizing that the state will continue mobilizing resources to help Texans rebuild and recover in the weeks and months ahead.