SNAP Hot Food Waivers Extended

North Carolina and Virginia have extended their waivers post Hurricane Helene.

October 29, 2024

The Food and Nutrition Service with the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced an extension of waivers for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for hot foods in North Carolina and Virginia after Hurricane Helene, citing “an extension of special disaster rules for [retailers] accepting SNAP benefits for hot foods,” according to a statement from the USDA.

Effective immediately through December 4, 2024, in North Carolina, authorized SNAP retailers located in the state may continue to accept SNAP benefits in exchange for hot foods and foods intended to be consumed on retailer premises for all 100 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

In Virginia, the notice is effective immediately through December 10, 2024, and authorized SNAP retailers located in 39 Virginia counties and three cities may temporarily accept SNAP benefits in exchange for hot foods and foods intended to be consumed on retailer premises.

The Virginia waiver is in effect in the cities of Galax, Bristol and Roanoke, and in the following counties: Washington, Wise, Wythe, Tazewell, Smyth, Grayson, Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Floyd, Giles, Lee, Montgomery, Norton, Patrick, Pulaski, Radford, Russell, Scott, Bedford, Craig, Pittsylvania, Alleghany, Covington, Danville, Henry, Martinsville, Franklin, Roanoke, Botetourt, Bath, Rockbridge, Lexington, Lynchburg, Buena Vista, Amherst, Campbell and Halifax.

The USDA said that foods purchased with SNAP benefits during this time are not subject to sales tax.

We encourage all SNAP retailers in the approved counties to post a special notice in the store letting SNAP customers know that they can use their SNAP benefits to purchase hot foods and, where practical, may remain on the premises to consume those foods,” said the USDA in the release.

The extensions follow the devastating impact that Hurricanes Helene and Milton had across the Southeast earlier this fall. USDA had temporarily granted waivers to allow SNAP recipients to purchase hot foods with their benefits in a number of counties in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. This measure, often issued following natural disasters, enables families facing food insecurity to access hot, prepared meals while they may not have access to electricity, cooking facilities or stable housing.