New Waiver Approves ‘Hot Foods’ Purchase With SNAP/P-EBT Card

Starting today (August 31) Louisiana residents benefiting from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will now be able to purchase 'hot or prepared foods,' now through September 28. There is no word as to whether this benefit will be extended, but the new waiver was made possible through the combined efforts of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture and Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).

This waiver is being granted in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida and the difficulty to access or purchase normal SNAP-approved foods. Being able to purchase “hot food products prepared for immediate consumption,” is the best way to prevent food insecurity for the thousands of displaced Louisiana residents, who no longer have an option to cook at home.

SNAP, DSNAP, and P-EBT recipients can now use their benefits to purchase hot or prepared foods at any retail location that accepts EBT cards in Louisiana. Please note, restaurant food purchases are still prohibited. For more info about the new waiver SNAP benefits related to Hurricane Ida go to www.dcfs.la.gov/snap.