Residents in ten New Mexico counties affected by recent flooding will continue to have access to hot food through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) until September 30. The New Mexico Health Care Authority announced that SNAP recipients in Lincoln, Chaves, De Baca, Guadalupe, Otero, Sierra, Socorro, Torrance, Doña Ana and Luna counties can use their EBT cards to purchase hot, ready-to-eat foods from deli departments at authorized retailers.
The emergency waiver was put in place to help families who are unable to prepare meals at home due to flood damage or displacement. This temporary benefit does not apply to restaurants or retailers that are not EBT-authorized.
“Families affected by flooding are still navigating significant challenges,” said Niki Kozlowsi, director for the Income Support Division. “This temporary measure ensures they have access to warm and nutritious meals as they recover.”
The New Mexico Health Care Authority manages a range of programs including Medicaid and SNAP. It also oversees health care facility licensing and supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through various services.
