Emergency food assistance available for households affected by storm 

SANTA FE — Residents of Lincoln and Chaves County, and those in Otero County living in 88317 and 88350 ZIP codes who lost food due to Winter Storm Fern have 18 days remaining to request emergency replacement of their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.    

The deadline for reporting food losses is Monday, February 23.    

“We are committed to standing with the residents of Lincoln and Chaves County as they recover from this winter storm,” said Niki Kozlowski, Income Support Division Director. “We are helping families replace the food they lost so they can continue to have the nutrition they need during this time.”   

The New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) is providing this emergency support to help families recover from storm-related losses. Replacement benefits are available for SNAP households in the following ZIP codes:  

• Chaves County: All ZIP codes 

• Lincoln County: All ZIP codes 

• Otero County: 88317 and 88350   

How to report food loss:    

Option 1: Call    

• Phone: (800) 283-4465    

• Hours: 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.    

Option 2: Visit in person    

• Locations:  

• 2000 Juniper Drive, Alamogordo, NM 88310  

• 1701 South Sunset Ave, Roswell, NM 88203 

• 26387 Hwy 70, Ruidoso Downs, NM 88346 

• Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.     

Who Qualifies    

To receive replacement benefits, households must:    

• Be current SNAP recipients.    

• Live in affected areas: Chaves County, Lincoln County, and 88317 and 88350 ZIP codes in Otero County.   

• Report the food loss verbally or in writing by February 23.     

No documentation of specific food items is required — verbal reports are accepted.    

Additionally, SNAP customers statewide can replace lost or damaged EBT cards through:    

• FIS EBT Edge app (download from the app store).     

• Website: www.ebtedge.com    

• Phone: 1-800-843-8303.    

• Local HCA office.    

This measure covers approximately 305 New Mexicans and was made possible through Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s executive order declaring a state of emergency in Mora County due to flooding. These actions are part of the state’s ongoing efforts to assist families recovering from fire and flood-related damage. The HCA is committed to ensuring those affected have access to available resources during this challenging time.    

The HCA urges eligible households not to delay—replacement benefits can be processed quickly, but only if reported before the February 23 deadline. 

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About the New Mexico Health Care Authority 
The New Mexico Health Care Authority connects New Mexicans to the care and support they need to live healthy, full lives. The agency administers Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), cash assistance, child support services, and behavioral health care across the state. HCA also oversees the State Health Benefits program for state employees and manages the Health Care Affordability Fund to help make coverage more affordable for working families. The agency licenses health care facilities, investigates complaints, and ensures providers deliver safe, high-quality care. In addition, HCA supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through a variety of home and community-based programs that protect health, safety, and human rights.