DATE: | July 25, 2018 |
SUBJECT: | Special Disaster Rules for Accepting SNAP EBT Benefits for Hot Food Purchases |
TO: | Hawaii County |
Due to the power outages, severe flooding and displacements from homes caused by the Kilauea Volcanic Eruption, and effective immediately, retail food stores licensed by the Food and Nutrition Service and located in Hawaii County 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 August 24, 2018
When hot foods are purchased with SNAP EBT benefits through August 24, 2018, the purchases are NOT subject to sales tax, as the foods mentioned above are considered SNAP eligible during this period.
We encourage all SNAP authorized retail food stores in Hawaii County 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. Thank you for your assistance in aiding those impacted by the Kilauea Volcanic Eruption.