Residents affected by Hurricane Beryl in Texas can apply for replacement of lost food and formula through state assistance programs
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl on July 8, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) benefits recipients in Texas can now apply to replace food and formula destroyed during the storm.
Hurricane Beryl caused extreme flooding and left more than two million people without power, with 285,000 customers still without service as of 10 a.m. Monday, according to PowerOutage.us. Amid temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, Texans continue to recover from the effects of the storm.
“The recent storms have affected many families across the state. By providing these replacement food benefits, we will offer relief to those who need our help the most,” stated Acting Governor Dan Patrick. The Acting Governor’s disaster declarations include 121 counties and allow SNAP recipients in these counties to apply for replacement benefits by August 8.
To apply, SNAP recipients should call 2-1-1 and select “option 8” or download Form H1855 and mail it to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission or fax it to (877) 447-2839. Those in unlisted counties must apply in person at a local office within 10 days of discovering the food loss.
WIC recipients may apply for replacement food and formula through July 31 in person at WIC offices. To locate an office near them, they can visit TexasWIC.org or call (800) 942-3678. In addition, the Breastfeeding Support Hotline is available 24 hours a day by calling (855) 550-6667.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission also offers crisis counseling to those affected by the storms through local mental health authorities. To find services, residents can visit the “Where Can I Find Services?” page.
Any Texan in need can apply for benefits such as SNAP and Medicaid at YourTexasBenefits.com or through the Your Texas Benefits mobile app. For local resources, such as food or shelter, they can call 2-1-1 and select “option 1.”