Residents in eight New Mexico counties affected by recent flooding can now use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase hot, ready-to-eat foods from deli departments at authorized retailers. The emergency measure is effective immediately and will remain in place through August 30.
The counties included in this temporary policy are Lincoln, Chaves, De Baca, Guadalupe, Otero, Sierra, Socorro, and Torrance. This waiver was implemented to help families who may be unable to prepare food at home due to damage or displacement caused by the floods.
“When disaster happens, families shouldn’t have to worry about how they’re going to put a hot meal on the table,” said Kyra Ochoa, Deputy Secretary for the Health Care Authority. “The ability to buy ready-to-eat, warm meals for themselves and their families can make a significant difference as they navigate tough circumstances.”
The waiver only applies to deli departments at EBT-authorized retailers and does not extend to restaurants or non-EBT-authorized locations.
In addition to food assistance changes, the state continues to provide communication support for SNAP customers. Written information is available in both English and Spanish. Interpretation services are offered in 58 languages through CTS Language Link. For customers who are deaf or hard of hearing, Relay New Mexico provides free 24-hour telephone access.
