HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- USDA has announced that effective immediately retail food stores licensed by the Food and Nutrition Service may accept SNAP benefits in exchange for hot foods and foods intended to be consumed on retailer premises.SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is the program formerly known as food stamps.These special rules are in effect through Sept. 30. When hot foods are purchased with SNAP benefits through Sept. 30, the purchases will not be subject to sales tax.The USDA encourages all SNAP authorized retail food stores in Texas to post a special notice in the store letting SNAP customers know that they can use their benefits to purchase hot foods.