SNAP Benefits: California and Georgia
Wildfires and hurricane disasters prompted the USDA to approve waivers and change issuance dates for disaster food benefits.
Nov 20, 2018
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Because of the destruction caused by Hurricane Michael in Georgia and wildfires in California, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has approved new waivers and changed issuance dates for the upcoming holiday.
Due to the impact of the California fires, the FNS approved California’s request to allow hot foods to be purchased at SNAP authorized retailers through Dec. 17, 2018. The waiver applies to the counties of Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Plumas, Tehama, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Sutter, Yuba and Ventura.
Retailers in California may need as much as 24 to 36 hours to make changes that will allow for sale of hot foods. The FNS advises retailers to set appropriate expectations when messaging hot foods availability to SNAP participants.
In a continued response to the aftermath of the hurricanes that hit Georgia, the state has informed FNS that it intends to issue remaining November benefits early. Georgia SNAP households scheduled to receive their benefits on Nov. 21 and Nov. 23 will receive their benefits on Nov. 19 prior to the Thanksgiving holiday.
