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Louisiana participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can use their benefits to purchase “hot” or prepared foods through Sept. 28, 2021, following a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).

Normally, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase “hot food products prepared for immediate consumption.” Waiving that restriction is vital in the aftermath of a storm such as Hurricane Ida, where many residents are displaced and cannot access a kitchen to prepare their meals.

The waiver, granted Monday, will allow SNAP recipients to use their benefits to buy prepared foods available at any retailer that accepts EBT cards, whether in Louisiana. Restaurant purchases are still prohibited.

The same waiver would apply to Disaster SNAP (or DSNAP) benefits, if and when that program is implemented, and P-EBT benefits.

More information about the “hot foods” waiver can be found at dcfs.louisiana.gov/page/snap-hot-foods-waiver.

SNAP recipients not already receiving the maximum amount for their household size will also receive a COVID-related emergency allotment on Saturday, Sept. 4, to bring their household up to the maximum for the month.

SNAP recipients who lost food purchased with their SNAP benefits due to a power outage of 24 consecutive hours or more may also be eligible for replacement benefits. Recipients do not need to take any action on this at this time. Please stay tuned for additional updates.

More information about SNAP benefits related to Hurricane Ida can be found online at www.dcfs.la.gov/snap.