Eight counties gain temporary hot food access via EBT  

SANTA FE – Effective immediately, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers in Lincoln, Chaves, De Baca, Guadalupe, Otero, Sierra, Socorro and Torrance counties can temporarily use their EBT cards to buy hot, ready-to-eat foods from deli departments at authorized retailers.  

This emergency measure remains in effect through Aug. 30.  

“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 emergency hot food waiver allows families affected by recent floodings to access hot meals if they are unable to prepare food at home due to damage or displacement. This temporary benefit helps ease the burden on affected households during this difficult time. The waiver applies only to deli departments at EBT-authorized retailers and does not include restaurants or non-EBT-authorized retailers. 

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