On August 26, 2017, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) implemented special disaster rules for accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) EBT benefits for hot food purchases. 

Click here to download the USDA notice.

In the notice USDA stated that "due to the severe storms and flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey, and effective immediately, retail food stores licensed by the Food and Nutrition Service to accept SNAP benefits in the State of Texas may accept SNAP benefits in exchange for HOT foods and foods intended to be consumed on retailer premises: These special rules are in effect through September 30, 2017."
 
Hot foods purchased with SNAP EBT benefits through September 30, 2017 are NOT subject to sales tax as they are considered SNAP eligible during this period.

If you are a SNAP authorized retail food stores in the State of Texas we encourage you to post a special notice in the store letting SNAP customers know that they can use their SNAP EBT benefits to purchase hot foods and, where practical, may remain on the premises to consume those foods.

TFFA is working to get clarification from USDA on how the waiver impacts quickservice restaurants (QSR's) located inside/attached to convenience stores.  Thank you for your patience and be sure to check back soon for more details.