Food stamp recipients in Texas were cleared to buy hot food with their benefits through Sept. 30 because of damage from Hurricane Harvey. Schools in the disaster area can also serve free meals to all of their students, said the USDA. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said President Trump “made it clear … that process and paperwork can wait until later.”
The USDA said it agreed with the state’s plan to issue the September round of food stamp benefits of around $125 a person immediately to the state’s 3.75 million recipients. Ordinarily, Texas staggers the release through the first two weeks of the month. Usually, retailers are barred from selling hot food to food stamp recipients because it is more economical to buy groceries and fix meals at home.
“In this time of crisis, with many grocery stores closed and other sources of food unavailable, USDA is committed to ensuring that our fellow Americans get the vital nutrition they need and is streamlining procedures to make that happen,” said Perdue in a statement.
Disaster-affected schools can serve free meals to all students and expect reimbursement at USDA’s maximum rate for food served through Sept. 30. The USDA also waived its rules on the ingredients going into the meals and when they are served.
The USDA said it was ready, at the state’s request, to issue “disaster” food stamps, when stores are open again and families can prepare meals at home again. Recipients get one month of benefits through an EBT card. The application form is simplified and benefits are issued within three days. Households that ordinarily would not qualify for food stamps may be eligible for disaster food stamps because of lost wages, property damage or relocation expenses.