Authorized SNAP retailers in Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Ventura counties in Southern California can now accept SNAP benefits for hot foods and foods intended to be consumed on retailer premises through February 8, said the USDA.

The USDA noted that “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.”

The move is in response to the devastating Pacific Palisades wildfire. As of this morning, only 13% of the fire is contained, and it has devastated 36 square miles. According to data compiled from the NIQ TDLinx for the NACS government relations team, there are 4,595 convenience stores in the impacted counties, about 3,000 of which accept SNAP.

Last year, numerous waivers were approved for communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Separately, last week the California Fuels & Convenience Alliance (CFCA) announced that it is working alongside the Fuel Relief Fund to provide critical resources and emergency fuel to affected communities. The Fuel Relief Fund, an organization dedicated to delivering emergency fuel and essential resources during crises worldwide, is actively accepting donations to bolster these efforts.

In addition to these relief efforts, CFCA is advocating for an hours-of-service waiver for those aiding in the emergency response effort. These waivers would allow vehicles engaged in fuel transportation for emergency relief efforts to extend their maximum driving limits, ensuring that fuel can be delivered promptly to areas in desperate need. Such measures are critical for sustaining emergency operations and assisting communities in crisis.