Latest news with #KyraOchoa
Newsweek
5 days ago
- General
- Newsweek
SNAP Benefits Expanded in Two States: What To Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Federal authorities have expanded emergency food assistance for residents affected by recent severe weather in Kentucky, while, in New Mexico, older SNAP recipients with disabilities will get one-off extra benefits this month. Why It Matters Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps, are provided to low- and no-income families across the U.S. to help them with the cost of groceries. Across both states, just over 1 million people receive food assistance. What To Know Kentucky In Kentucky, those who already receive food stamps will benefit from a temporary relaxation of rules. It means they will be able to buy hot meals with their payments in certain counties impacted by recent severe weather. Nearly 20 people died in the Bluegrass state and hundreds of properties and buildings were damaged in storms that swept across the Midwest in May. The USDA has confirmed the relaxation of SNAP restrictions is in place "in order to increase access to food after power outages as a result of severe storms." Under regular rules in Kentucky and throughout most U.S. states, SNAP benefits can be used to purchase ingredients, prepared cold snacks and nonalcoholic beverages. But through to July 2, residents of 26 counties who get SNAP payments will be able to buy preprepared warm meals from participating retailers. File photo: A SNAP sign is seen in a storefront window. File photo: A SNAP sign is seen in a storefront window. GETTY The following counties have been approved for D-SNAP: Adair Caldwell Calloway Casey Christian Clay Clinton Crittenden Cumberland Henderson Hopkins Jackson Knox Laurel Lincoln Lyon Marshall McCreary Pulaski Rockcastle Russell Trigg Union Wayne Webster Whitley New Mexico In New Mexico, SNAP recipients who are aged over 60 and have a disability will get a one-off extra payment of $68 uploaded to their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card. The extra food assistance has automatically been added to 29,444 eligible individuals' accounts as of June 3. What People Are Saying Kyra Ochoa, deputy cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Health Care Authority, said in a statement: "Through this collaboration, we provided critical additional food support for important members of our communities. Using state general funds to create extra benefits for seniors and people with disabilities is a great example of how strong interdepartmental partnerships can better serve New Mexicans in need." Emily Kaltenbach, cabinet secretary at the Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) in New Mexico, said: "We are proud to once again partner with HCA to bring additional relief to New Mexico's older adults and adults with disabilities. This boost reflects our shared commitment to ensuring New Mexicans have access to the nutritious food they need." What Happens Next The D-SNAP expansion will be in place in Kentucky until July 2. In New Mexico, anyone with questions about the supplemental benefit can contact the Health Care Authority at 1-800-283-4465.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Extra SNAP benefits heading to New Mexican seniors in June
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – New Mexicans over age 60 and adults with disabilities who are enrolled in SNAP will receive additional funds to help buy groceries this month. Story continues below Trending: Rio Rancho High baseball player accused of urinating in water jug no longer faces charges News: VIDEO: Albuquerque man accused of killing 14 dogs denies accusations Environment: Researcher explains why earthquakes are rattling parts of New Mexico The New Mexico Health Care Authority, in partnership with the Aging and Long-Term Services Department, is providing a one-time food benefit of $68. This benefit will be automatically added to 29,444 individuals' EBT cards. Officials said it is part of the state's ongoing efforts to reduce hunger and improve access to nutritious food. 'Using state general funds to create extra benefits for seniors and people with disabilities is a great example of how strong interdepartmental partnerships can better serve New Mexicans in need,' said Kyra Ochoa, deputy cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Health Care Authority. For questions about the supplemental benefit, contact the Health Care Authority at 1-800-283-4465 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
