Texas Offers Relief to SNAP and WIC Recipients Affected by Hurricane Beryl

In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, which left extensive damage across South Texas on July 8, including flooding, property damage, and widespread power outages affecting over two million people, the state offers a glimmer of hope to those hardest hit. 

Texas residents participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program now have the opportunity to apply for replacement of food and formula lost or destroyed due to the storm.

Acting Governor Dan Patrick has announced the availability of replacement food benefits for SNAP and WIC beneficiaries as a part of the relief efforts following Beryl's devastation. 

With temperatures rising above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the storm's aftermath and over 285,000 customers still without electricity as of 10 a.m. Monday, these measures aim to provide necessary support to affected families across the state.

How to Apply for Replacement Benefits

SNAP recipients residing in the 121 counties covered by the Acting Governor's disaster declarations must apply for their replacement benefits by August 8. 

Applications can be made by calling 2-1-1 and selecting “option 8” or by downloading, completing, and sending Form H1855 to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. 

Those in counties not listed must visit a local benefits office within ten days of discovering their food loss.

WIC recipients are encouraged to apply for their food and formula replacement benefits in person at their nearest WIC office by July 31. 

Offices can be located via TexasWIC.org or by calling (800) 942-3678 during business hours and selecting “option 3”. The lactation support hotline at (855) 550-6667 also remains available 24/7 for breastfeeding assistance.

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Additional Support Services

In response to the broader impact of the hurricanes, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is providing crisis counseling through local mental health authorities. 

Information on local mental health services can be found on their "Where Can I Find Services" page.

Texans in need of additional assistance, including SNAP and Medicaid benefits, can apply at YourTexasBenefits.com or through the Your Texas Benefits mobile app. 

For immediate access to local resources like food or shelter, dialing 2-1-1 and selecting “option 1” connects individuals to available support.

As Texas continues its recovery from Hurricane Beryl's impacts, these measures reflect the state's commitment to ensuring no affected resident goes without the essential support needed during these challenging times.

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