DCFS Receives Waiver to Allow Hot Foods Purchased with SNAP or DSNAP Cards in Seven Tornado-Impacted Parishes

BATON ROUGE, La. - The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services requested and received approval of a waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service to allow the purchase of hot foods with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps) or Disaster SNAP benefits in seven tornado-impacted parishes through March 31, 2017. 

The following parishes - Ascension, Jefferson, Livingston, Orleans, St. James, St. Tammany and Tangipahoa - are included in the waiver. 

Normally, federal regulations define eligible food purchases with SNAP or DSNAP benefits as "any food or food product intended for human consumption except alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and hot food products prepared for immediate consumption."

DCFS requested a waiver specific to the exception in the definition of eligible foods in order to allow the purchase of hot foods and hot food products with SNAP or DSNAP benefits for a limited time due to the impact of the February 7, 2017, tornadoes.

The waiver was necessary because of an ongoing need to assist residents who have been displaced and unable to cook in their transitional residence.

FNS has sent a notice to retailers to inform them of the waiver of the hot foods exception.

SNAP and DSNAP are administered in Louisiana by DCFS and overseen by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Read more about recipients' rights.

Disaster Resources

• DSNAP Approved for Eligible Residents in Impacted Areas of Orleans
  
• Frequently-asked questions for SNAP/DSNAP and other disaster resources: www.dcfs.la.gov/disaster