WV SNAP recipients in four counties can temporarily purchase hot food with SNAP benefits

Residents of four flood-affected counties in West Virginia can use their federal food assistance benefits to purchase hot foods now through late September.

The state Department of Human Services has federal approval for a temporary waiver allowing families in Lewis, Pleasants, Ritchie and Upshur counties to purchase hot prepared food with benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, the agency announced Friday. The waiver is effective from Aug. 28 through Sept. 26. 

The four counties were among the hardest hit by deadly storms and flooding on July 21-22, when up to seven inches of rain fell in parts of the state. Flash flooding killed two people in Upshur County and damaged countless homes and businesses. The National Weather Service confirmed nine tornadoes hit the state during the time period. The Trump administration has approved individual assistance for all four of the counties. 

Under normal circumstances, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase hot or prepared food. SNAP retailers may need up to two days to implement the change, the state said Friday. While SNAP retailers have been notified of the waiver, households may not be able to immediately purchase hot foods at every retailer, the Department of Human Services said. 

More information is available through the state Bureau for Family Assistance website or through local DoHS offices.