CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – SNAP households in four West Virginia counties affected by severe storms and flooding will temporarily be allowed to use their benefits to purchase hot foods at authorized retailers.
The West Virginia Department of Human Services announced Friday that it received federal approval for a temporary waiver covering Lewis, Pleasants, Ritchie and Upshur counties.
The waiver is effective Aug. 28 through Sept. 26, 2026.
The change comes following severe storms and flooding that struck the counties on July 21 and 22, causing widespread flooding, power outages and damage to homes. Officials said the damage created challenges for some households trying to prepare and safely store food.
President Donald J. Trump issued a major disaster declaration on Aug. 7 authorizing Federal Individual Assistance for the four counties.
Under normal SNAP rules, benefits cannot be used to purchase hot or prepared foods. The temporary waiver will allow SNAP households in the affected counties to purchase hot meals at authorized retailers.
The waiver was approved Aug. 28 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Administration.
State officials cautioned that the change may not be available immediately at every participating retailer. Stores may need 24 to 48 hours to update their point-of-sale systems to accept SNAP benefits for eligible hot food purchases.
The Department of Human Services may request an extension of the waiver if conditions warrant additional relief.
Residents seeking more information about SNAP benefits and disaster-related assistance can contact their local DoHS county office or visit the Bureau for Family Assistance website.
