In response to the severe weather that lashed Texas, Governor Greg Abbott has announced that Texans receiving SNAP benefits in affected areas can now apply for replacements for food spoiled or ruined by the recent storms. In a move to support recovery efforts, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has obtained federal assent for this initiative, as per a statement released by the Governor's office.
"Due to recent severe weather and flooding that devastated communities across our state, impacted Texans will be able to apply for SNAP replacement benefits for food that was lost, or destroyed during these devastating storms,” Governor Abbott detailed. Those in need of these provisions can simply dial 2-1-1 to start the process. SNAP recipients in several counties, including Austin and Harris, must request their replacement benefits by June 17, according to the official announcement from the Governor's office.
The HHSC emphasizes the hardships faced by families throughout the state and is looking to provide immediate relief. "The recent storms have affected so many families across the state," Molly Regan, HHSC Deputy Executive Commissioner of Access and Eligibility Services, reported in the release. To replace food, SNAP beneficiaries must submit their requests within a stipulated timeframe, with benefits being loaded onto their Lone Star Cards typically within two business days post-approval.
For those outside of the listed counties, the procedure differs. Affected individuals are required to make an in-person request at their local benefits office within ten days of when they discover their food was destroyed. Further, in an extension of aid, the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program is also replacing food and formula benefits until May 31. TexasWIC.org and the dedicated breastfeeding support number are the resources provided for desperate families, as per the HHSC.
Beyond food assistance, the Texas agency is offering support to those mentally strained by disaster through local mental health authorities, accessible via their services page. Governor Abbott assures that help extends to all Texans in need who may apply for benefits such as SNAP and Medicaid through YourTexasBenefits.com or by utilizing a specifically designed mobile app. In times of crisis, basic needs surge to the forefront, and dialing 2-1-1 connects individuals to a broader gamut of local resources, covering essentials such as food and shelter.
