FNS Approves Hot Food Purchases in Select Areas in Response to the Valley Fires in California

Due to the Valley Fires, and effective immediately, retail food stores licensed by the Food and Nutrition Service to accept SNAP benefits in the following counties may accept SNAP benefits in exchange for HOT foods and foods intended to be consumed on retailer premises:

• Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma and Yolo

These special rules are in effect through Oct. 24, 2015

When hot foods are purchased with SNAP EBT benefits through Oct. 24, 2015, 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 the above counties 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 Valley Fires.