The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) works, as stated in its rules, to purchase eligible uncooked foods.
However, there is a state that specifies some exceptions on the subject these days.
This is the state of Vermont, where its inhabitants suffer several floods that also hit other regions of the country. Elected beneficiaries will be able to purchase hot and ready-to-eat food at qualified stores.
The authorization comes from the federal government directly. In essence, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved this measure for Vermont flood victims.
“There is a great need right now for that flexibility in Vermont, for people who have experienced flood damage to their homes. But also for people who were homeless even before the flood,” resident Anore Horton commented in an interview with the local Vermont Public newspaper.
Public campaign up to date
In Vermont they created a public campaign to let all residents with SNAP coupons know the good news. For now, as an exception, you will be able to purchase hot and prepared food.
This is undoubtedly an invaluable help, especially for people who lost most of their belongings after the recent floods.
Horton herself explained that “this is a very temporary measure that is linked to the flood disaster.
So hopefully all retailers that have hot and prepared food available will turn this option on, if they haven’t already.”
The deadline to use this option with SNAP coupons is next August 18. If USDA does not make a last-minute change, only eligible foods can be purchased the next day as per the program.
Eligible beneficiaries will be families affected by the severe storms. Primarily, it refers to residents in the Johnson, Ludlow, Hardwick, Barre/Berlin/Montpelier/Northfield and Chester areas.
