Effective immediately through May 31, 2025, authorized SNAP retailers in 52 Kentucky counties may accept SNAP benefits in exchange for hot foods and foods intended to be consumed on retailer premises, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

USDA granted the hot foods waiver on Friday, May 2 in response to severe weather in Kentucky, including storms, high winds, tornadoes, flooding and landslides that began on April 1. 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.

“The severe weather that struck Kentucky in early April left many families in urgent need, yet the hot foods waiver for SNAP recipients wasn’t granted until a month later. This delay underscores how inflexible current SNAP policy is,” said Margaret Mannion, director of government relations at NACS. “NACS urges Congress to use the Farm Bill to permanently lift the outdated hot foods restriction. Convenience stores across the country are ready to help ensure SNAP recipients can access hot, prepared foods, especially in times of crisis.”

The hot foods waiver applies to 52 Kentucky counties: Anderson, Ballard, Bourbon, Boyle, Breckinridge, Bullitt, Butler, Caldwell, Carroll, Carlisle, Christian, Clark, Crittenden, Edmonson, Estill, Fayette, Franklin, Gallatin, Garrard, Grant, Graves, Grayson, Hardin, Hart, Henry, Hopkins, Jessamine, Larue, Livingston, Logan, Madison, Marshall, McCracken , McLean, Meade, Mercer, Montgomery, Muhlenberg, Nelson, Ohio, Owen, Powell, Scott, Shelby, Spencer, Todd, Trigg, Trimble, Warren, Washington, Webster and Woodford.

NACS continues to support SNAP authorized retailers in serving their communities during emergencies and beyond. Retailers can find SNAP guidance and resources at convenience.org/SNAP.